It's frankly the first thought that jumped into my brain. My very first idea.
"Did this guy target the Sikh's because he thought they were Muslim"?
I didn't want to entertain that thought. People have jumped to conclusions when these types of sad events have occurred and it's unfortunate, hurtful, and embarrasing.
Still it's not hard to Imagine that what just happened in Oak Creek, what this Dumb Ass Neo-Nazi Son-of-a-Fuck was thinking wasn't all that much different from what what displayed in this one scene for the show Sleeper Cell.
In this case good guy Sunni Muslim/Undercover FBI agent Darwyn Al-Sayeed saves the day. In real life that doesn't always happen.
People initially thought the Oklahoma City Bombing was done by a Muslim extremists. They were wrong. How is making such a similar assumption about Oak Creek any less wrong?
Well to be honest, It's not. But sadly this view persists because there is a quiet unspoken War going on against Non-Christians, and Ethnic Minorities in this country and it's building a body count that can no longer be ignored, dismissed or go unquestioned any longer.
These are far from the first innocent Sikh's to have the hand of violence visited upon them unjustly.
The question has to be asked. None of us may like the answer.
Anyone who cares about Domestic Terrorism or Mass Murder needs to pay some attention to this right here.
AMY GOODMAN: Both President Obama and his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, expressed their condolences for the victims of the shooting. Obama said, "As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship, we are reminded by how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family." Romney said "This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy that should never befall any house of worship. Many members of the Sikh community say the massacre has shaken their sense of security. Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world with over 25 million followers of which roughly 500,000 live in the United States. Following the September 11, 2001 attack, Sikh Americans faced many of the same discriminatory conditions as Muslims and Arabs Americans. Because of their distinct appearance, they were visible targets of violence and harassment. Observant Sikhs do not cut their hair. Male followers often wear turbans and don’t shave their beards.
...
RAJDEEP SINGH: Since the 9/11 attacks, unfortunately, the prevailing stereotype, which has been perpetuated by the media, is that if somebody wears a turban, they are associated with Al Qaeda or other forms of extremism. That is obviously not the case. Unfortunately, ignorance is a breeding ground for bigotry and discrimination and Sikhs have been subjected, not only crimes around the United States, but also to school bullying, job discrimination, and racial profiling.
The FBI does not currently keep stats on the number of Sikh men and women who are the recipients of harrassment, intimidation, bullying in violent attacks and have been for years since 9/11.
Sikh's are saying this is a problem, that it has been a problem for some time.
This has slipped under the Radar. We've sat back and ignored this. We do know that there are rabid anti-Islamicists from Mass Murderer Anders Breivick in Norway, to those who've railed against the inchoate indignity of the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque" to Michelle Bachman's groundless and baseless attacks on Anthony Weiner's wife Huma Abedin.
Y'know what I hear from this issue many of those who heartily offer their "hopes and prayers" to the families of the stricken yesterday?
Crickets.
That's the best they can offer.
Crickets.
That's all they've got.
That's not good enough, and seriously - Assault Weapons had nothing to do with it, nor would banning or restricting them change it.
Vyan
6:18 PM PT: This may be the tiniest bit self-indulgent considering the events that occurred yesterday because this is my song, and my video from the Solo Album I released in 2008 - but it seems directly on point.