Misunderstood in the Diaspora: The Experience of Orthodox Sikhs in Vancouver

Abstract

This article is an extension of the author's post-doctoral research on the Vancouver Sikh diaspora. The article delineates the development and usage of the term 'fundamentalism' in the Sikh tradition and the Sikh diaspora, with specific focus on the Vancouver Sikh community. Drawing upon the experiences of five orthodox Sikhs, the article sheds light on how the usage of the term in Vancouver has adversely affected Sikhs and has created a distorted view of Sikh orthodoxy.

The Unbearable Lightness of Diasporic Sikh Nationalism! From Anguished Cries of ‘Khalistan’ to Pleas for ‘Recognition’

“…2 See a rebuttal of Anerson's argument in Axel (2002Axel ( , 2003. 3 See Blaise and Mukherjee (1987) and Tatla (2004) Nayar (2008). Also see Puar (2008).…”

“…10 See Grewal (1998b, 60-88). 11 Quoted in Nayar (1966). Proposals for an independent Sikh state were also put out by some Sikhs.…”

Sikh Diaspora Nationalism in Canada

“…The struggle to win over community support, particularly in contestation for gurdwara administration and religious fundraising, can foment hostility. The manifest differences between orthodox Sikhs who emphasize the religious symbols and cultural identity, and moderate assimilationists who tend to consider themselves as progressive and integrative in their ideological orientation, can generate occasional intra‐community tensions (Nayar ). Such divisions have weakened the movement for separatism, with a minority of the Sikh diaspora opposing the idea of Khalistan.…”

Immigrant Minorities under Canadian Multiculturalism

“…In particular, in regard to both pre-specified immigrant groups in the post-9/11 situation, Sikh immigrant's integration experiences somehow differs from other ethnic minorities or immigrants as they faced mainstream's hate wave which was actually against the Muslims. In Canada and the United States, mainstream youngsters are still confused about Sikh 'identity' because Sikhs have many common features alike Muslims in terms of their appearance, long beard, turban, dress and skin colour as well (Nayar, 2008). Like Muslims, Sikh immigrants faced all adopted strict measures in immigration process or at international airports of Canada.…”

“…This episode had either directly or indirectly affected the socio-economic integration of immigrants in Canada. In addition, labour migration opportunities at bilateral level had been badly effected (Nayar, 2008).…”