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it’s imperative we have conversations about (topics such as) casteism, transphobia, etc which so many of us also write off as "jokes" mainly b/c they aren't at our expense (as jatts/straight men/women). We live in countries where caste or sexual orientation don’t weigh us down as
as much as they would in countries like India. When you make “jokes” at the expense of lower castes, you’re making a mockery of their lived, traumatic experiences and, it’s the same cycle that perpetuates their oppression. On top of that, seeing Singhs make jokes such as these is
is even more alarming. Have you forgotten the discrimination we have faced as a religious group? Just last month, we remembered 36 years of 1984, for which, we continue to face injustices till this day. Being casteist is ignorance towards the fact that chamars are being killed
in India for simply being chamars. You cannot choose your caste!!!!!! That being said, you also cannot be selective in choosing what is discriminatory and what is a “joke”. That isn't your place - or mine, especially if you are jatt b/c in many ways we actually benefit off of
this system. Chamars get killed in India for things as simple as eating in front of upper-classed men. Trans people in India who we refer to as "khusra" or "hijra" are treated like scum. They are not accepted by their families, to the point that they are beaten, and sometimes
killed. There is a law in India used to justify any discrimination and unlawful treatment towards this community. They are targeted by law enforcement, which is something we as Sikhs should have a soft spot for, as we have been through and still go through similar mistreatment.
The members of the transgender community in India are well-known for coming to peoples’ houses during celebrations. If any of you have heard of stories or ever been to India (and seen this go down), you have first-handedly seen how disrespected and mistreated they are
(by the citizens of India as well). They are victims of the entire system for literally just living their truth. I'm sure many of you know the history behind the phrase "Singh tere bhaaran wajj gaye", so imagine someone coming to you and saying this followed by
"relax, I was just joking”. or what if someone came and called you a rag or towel head? since most of the people who think we should learn to take a joke are Jatts, what if someone made a joke in passing or a "funny" video about Jatts committing suicide which is a very prominent
problem in Punjab. Until we don't dismantle this superiority complex within ourselves as Jatts, the system cannot be dismantled. Hold yourself and those around you accountable. It is okay to call out your friends when they're wrong, people make mistakes and can grow and unlearn.
ਜਾਣਗੁ ਜੋਤਿ ਨ ਪੂਛਹੁ ਜਾਤੀ ਆਗੈ ਜਾਤਿ ਨ ਹੇ।।੧।।ਰਹਾਉ।।
Recognize the Lord’s light within all and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter.
Recognize the Lord’s light within all and do not consider social class or status; there are no classes or castes in the world hereafter.
Caste is man made by people whom it benefits. We are all human, and we need to add humanity as a practice into our lives. Taking part in casteist and transphobic etc. beliefs only puts us back as individuals. As visibly practicing Sikhs it’s on us to portray our kaum correctly!
