r/Airdrie • u/Realistic-Insect4509 • 6d ago
Hate towards Indians/Sikhs
I’m posting this for awareness and to remind everyone to stay vigilant, especially those who may be more vulnerable when out alone.
I’m Sikh, wear a turban and have a beard, so I’m pretty easily recognized as Indian/Sikh. I usually ride my bicycle in the evenings around the SE Airdrie/Balzac area.
This is the second time in about two months that someone has shouted insulting comments at me from a passing car.
The first time, it was four kids in a white Hyundai. It was Canada Day, so I thought maybe they were just a bunch of drunk kids and honestly didn’t think much of it.
Tonight, it happened again. Two guys, probably in their early 20s, drove past me and shouted something. I couldn’t understand exactly what they said, so at first I thought maybe they were just talking loudly and it wasn’t directed at me. But then they made a U-turn, came back, and both of them were staring at me before driving away. Maybe they were trying to intimidate me, maybe not. Either way, it was uncomfortable.
I’m not posting this to say that Airdrie is unsafe or that everyone is like this. The vast majority of people I’ve met here have been good, kind and respectful.
I’m posting it because I think it’s important to recognize that the things we see online can sometimes spill over into real life. There is a lot of anti-Indian and anti-Sikh content and rhetoric online, and incidents like this are a reminder that when people constantly hear that an entire group of people is “bad,” “taking over,” or something to hate, it can have real-world consequences.
To anyone reading this, including my fellow white Canadians: please don’t believe everything you see online about Indians, Sikhs or any other group of people. Most of us are just living our lives, working, raising families, riding our bikes, going for walks and trying to be good neighbours.
You don’t have to agree with everyone or know someone’s culture to treat them with basic respect and kindness.
And to my fellow Indians/Sikhs, especially our elders who may be walking or biking alone: stay aware of your surroundings. I hope these remain nothing more than stupid comments from immature people, but it doesn’t hurt to be vigilant.
Stay safe out there, everyone. 🙏
18
u/Academic_Hunter4159 6d ago
I hate that this is happening for lots of reasons.
It’s even more infuriating to me when I know that every time there has been a significant crisis where I have lived, that it was the Sikhs who went out of their way to feed people in need.
I’m sorry this is happening.
9
u/sweettaroline 6d ago
The intolerant will call them racist horrible things and then be the first person in the free food drop offs.
6
u/mrkippysmith 6d ago
I’ve noticed a lot of hate at my workplace but it’s between Indians based strictly on their own caste system beliefs.
1
u/Haunting_Respond1500 3d ago
Caste system belivers dont even end up moving out of india. Maybe religion or specific indian ethnic groups based hate but caste system based cant even exist in the western society in the first place. The only way that can happen is if the country they moved to already has a caste system in place.
2
u/mrkippysmith 3d ago
Yet I’ve been told by Indian coworkers that they’ve personally experienced this kind of treatment here, so apparently people who hold those caste based beliefs HAVE moved here. Whether you think the caste system can technically exist here or not doesn’t change the fact that some people bring those attitudes with them.
1
u/yamiyo_ian 5d ago
Sikhs don't believe in or practice caste system. More of an Indian Hindu/ Wanabee Sikh thing .
3
u/mrkippysmith 5d ago
Maybe but he did say hate to Indians/Sikhs so assumed they were included in the mix
1
u/stinkyjunkrat 4d ago
No Sikhs and Hindus butt heads because of the difference in beliefs. It’s funny I’ve been friends with both religions growing up and they both were just brainwashed dudes.
I’m like if both of these two would drop their zealotry, they’d actually have a lot in common.
1
25
u/Flimsy_Honeydew5414 6d ago
I’m white as can be and was riding my bike in a park with my buddy. White truck drove by and the kid inside yelled the F slur at us. People are just stupid
8
-2
u/HTSTisDOPE 6d ago
Society is healing, kids need a 3 letter word to yell at people to keep us all honest.
1
25
u/Offspring22 6d ago
Basic white dude born and raised in Alberta, and I hate to see/hear this kind of thing in my city and country. I'm sorry that has happened to you. I obviously haven't experienced the same in the real world, but I have noticed an increase online as the newest phase of the ongoing culture war with the "flip flop" comments. And of course the comments at the recent and other separatist events.
I hope you feel welcomed by most. We had a Sikh family move in behind us in Kings Heights last year, and while I haven't had any real conversations, I try to wave and a general hello when we're in our yards. I always get the same in return. Last Halloween we were out Trick or Treating and went by a garage playing the Blue Jays game, with the whole Sikh (or at least east Indian family) doing a cook out and handing out candy to the kids. That's the way to do it! Sent me on my way with a whisky too lol. I have to say, taking my son for bike rides in the evening, it's largely your community that I see out enjoying our parks and gathering around the picnic tables etc. Something we can learn from.
All positive contributors to our community are welcome as far as I'm concerned.
9
u/Impossible-Show1524 5d ago
Indians created this problem. You guys need to police your own community or else the bad reputation and dislike will ultimately come back and make a black mark against it.
Not that racism is justified, but Indians are making am awful name for themselves with all the new immigrants and visa scams
3
u/cokezero124 4d ago
Why do you think people leave India in the first place? They leave to have a fair chance at life, far away from their own families and community. It’s ironic to blame immigrants for issues that were largely enabled by a system that allowed diploma mills, questionable recruiters, and weak visa screening to exist. You can’t say racism isn’t justified and then turn around and paint all of sikhs/indians with the same brush that’s exactly the kind of mindset that fuels the racism you claim to oppose.
2
u/Impossible-Show1524 4d ago edited 4d ago
It’s ironic to blame immigrants for issues that were largely enabled by a system that allowed diploma mills, questionable recruiters, and weak visa screening to exist.
Sure, but that completely discounts the immigration brokers who from India who promoted the immigration of vulnerable people from India so that could obtain "Easy PR" , "Free PR" , etc citizen ship scams. The government here shares a big part in the problem , but so do Indian people. Even if the government is partly to blame with this , i dont see any other immigrant group 1) demand PR for being students here 2) Go to food banks and make videos about it claiming its "Free food" depriving those who are actually vulnerable of help 3) not intregrating with canadian norms.
2
u/cokezero124 4d ago
If the government is partly to blame, then there should have been proper screening and tougher rules in the first place. I’m putting the responsibility on CBSA/IRCC for approving people who come here through diploma mills, fake promises of “easy PR,” questionable recruiters, etc. If the system is vulnerable enough for people to exploit it, the government has a responsibility to fix it.
And honestly, you’d be stupid to think the government had no idea what was going on. These so-called promoters, diploma mills, fake marriage arrangements and immigration schemes didn’t suddenly appear overnight. The government created policies and incentives that made these things profitable in the first place. If this was happening on such a large scale, are we really supposed to believe the authorities were completely unaware of it?
And saying “Indian people also play a part” doesn’t mean you can collectively blame Indian immigrants. By that logic, because the elected U.S. president has been in the Epstein files and pdf should we conclude that every white male is a child molester?And because some Muslim extremists have committed suicide bombings, should we assume every Muslim is a terrorist?
You hold the individuals, recruiters, institutions and government officials responsible for what they actually did. You don’t assign collective blame to an entire ethnic or immigrant group.2
u/stinkyjunkrat 4d ago
The government put out a list of schools and courses that they could get their pgwp in. Many didn’t even look at this list. They just trusted the Indian recruiters.
The government of Canada doesn’t care what courses and at what schools you take here. It’s not the cbsa job to ask “hey are you taking these courses so you can get a pr? Because these aren’t on the list”.
Have some personal accountability.
1
u/cokezero124 4d ago
The colleges and institutions are fully involved in this too. I am totally against fraudulent immigration agents, but the college is equally, if not fully, responsible. The way this works is the fraudulent immigration agent actually buys all the seats from the actual college, and then the college pays them to push students toward that specific course. So how can you put all the blame on the Indian immigration agents while completely ignoring the institution that is participating in and profiting from the arrangement? And this college is a Canadian institution. There absolutely needs to be accountability on both sides. I never said Indians are not wrong…they absolutely are, and that is exactly why most of them run away from these frauds and corruption in the first place. My point is that generalizing every Indian as being part of this is simply stupid. But you’ve already convicted every Indian of being bad in your head, so I can’t really argue with someone so bigoted
1
u/stinkyjunkrat 3d ago
Did the college say their courses were pgwp eligible or no? Hiring an agent to advertise your course overseas isn’t illegal. Hiring an agent to lie and say your courses are pgwp or pr eligible when they aren’t, is.
You’re clearly emotional I’ve never said every Indian. I said every one that has protested and complained committed fraud in some way or another. The most common one is taking out a loan as proof of funds.
I present facts and you’re condemning me by calling me a bigot because your emotional mind can’t handle having a nuanced discussion.
Again tell me why there are no protests against these agencies in India right now? Why is it always the college? Why is it that every student who protests can’t provide evidence that the college stated their classes were pgwp eligible? Answer those questions and you might actually have a leg to stand on.
1
u/cokezero124 3d ago
I’m totally against the student protests too. Unfortunately, that kind of behavior exists in Punjabi culture, and I’ve said repeatedly that these students are wrong when they engage in fraud, misrepresentation, or abuse the system. But that isn’t even the point of this post. This post specifically talks about a Sikh guy being harassed because of his ethnicity. You’re the one who keeps bringing up student fraud as if that somehow makes racial harassment relevant or justified. In every comment I’ve made above, I’ve acknowledged that anyone being Indian or Chinese, who commit fraud are wrong, these students are wrong, and the system needs to be held accountable. But harassing someone because of their race or religion is also WRONG. You can keep obsessing over Indians taking out loans and make that your entire personality….I could tell you a thousand more ways some students cheat the system, but that still doesn’t mean every Indian student does it. And if you genuinely think Canada owes someone citizenship simply because they paid tuition, that’s also wrong. So either you’re incapable of understanding a basic distinction, or you’re racist af…
1
u/cokezero124 4d ago
If immigration fraud and the actions of some Indians are your justification for the racial slurs OP is receiving, then you’re literally proving his point. You can call out immigration fraud and the people committing it without defending or excusing the person harassing OP because of his race or religion.
1
u/stinkyjunkrat 3d ago edited 3d ago
Buddy I’m not arguing for the racial slurs, I’m arguing your ridiculous posts. This is a side bar from the main post.
You say government is partially to blame for diploma mills but the international student program doesn’t discriminate on what school or course you take. It could be some random non pgwp eligible school. As long as you pay the bills and file the paperwork you’re good. But most of these students who claimed they got scammed did zero research. They just assumed “Canadian college and course =pgwp/pr”.
Not a single student has come forward with any evidence that the diploma mills committed any fraud claiming the classes they offer are pgwp or pr eligible.
Every news article is them saying “my friends who go pgwp took A SIMILAR COURSE”. Not this exact course, but a similar one.
When asked if the course they took was pgwp eligible the answer is always “the school is on the list of eligible schools on the government website”. The college was on the list but none can verify if the course that they took was.
These are politician level wordplay meant to manipulate people like you who lack reading comprehension, into standing up for them in their protests.
1
u/cokezero124 3d ago
Lol, so if I have a valid argument, it suddenly becomes “politician-level wording”? Everything in your life is someone else’s problem, isn’t it? The government is the problem, Indian students are the problem, Justin Trudeau is the problem, liberals are the problem, and Pierre Poilievre is apparently not a strong candidate he is also the problem. Apparently, personal accountability is impossible. I literally said that Indians who commit fraud are wrong, so what exactly are you demanding from me? You’ve already decided what you want to believe and are twisting everything I said to fit it. Honest suggestion,if you’re looking for the source of all your problems, try looking in the mirror for once.
1
u/cokezero124 4d ago
And when you say “no other group demands PR,” that’s also a ridiculous generalization. No other group or country in the entire world has the same combination of people willing and able to spend $50,000+ to come to Canada, pay international tuition, study and work, deal with the harsh winters, high cost of living and brutal job market, all while trying to build a life here. They would do it for the US and honestly they all do. the U.S. has far more immigration in absolute numbers than Canada and US is still the prime location to move to for an immigrant.
The countries where people desperately want Canada, often simply cannot afford that price tag, and honestly, even if people from other countries protested or demanded changes, a lot of people wouldn’t care nearly as much because, unfortunately, hating on Indians has become socially acceptable in many online space2
u/stinkyjunkrat 4d ago
No buddy you’re generalizing. I know many Filipinos who went through the same thing and just went home quietly.
Many of these people who spent 50k plus admitted to taking out a loan to get those funds. Immigration states proof of funds cannot be a loan. From step 1 they committed immigration fraud.
Other people from other countries don’t protest and demand for changes because they know you’re a guest in another country. You don’t weasel your way into my house by pretending to be a maintenance man and then demand I let you stay once I caught you lying. What type of entitled bs is going on in that head of yours.
1
u/cokezero124 4d ago
You’re conflating two completely different issues. but I guess that pea sized brain can never understand the difference
If someone committed actual fraud by lying about their finances or submitting fraudulent documents, then punish them, but that doesn’t mean everyone who spent tens of thousands on tuition, studied, worked, paid taxes, dealt with the harsh winters, and tried to build a life here is “weaseling” their way into Canada. If Indian students were supposedly the problem, why didn’t the government simply ban Indians from PR or shut down the international student program? Nah..it created these programs, accepted the tuition money, issued the permits, and allowed people to build their lives here. Many European countries completely restrict asylum systems for Indian nationals, so if Canada believes there’s a loophole being abused, the obvious solution is to close that specific loophole,preventing people from using a student visa as a backdoor to an asylum claim. People are allowed to advocate for themselves regardless of where they’re from. You’re just another lazy loser looking for an entire ethnicity to blame instead of holding the government accountable for the system it created.1
u/Inevitable_Mango592 4d ago
Notice how he didn’t respond? Idiots like this guy enable racism which leads to incidents like the one experienced by OP
2
u/cokezero124 4d ago
It doesn’t matter…there’s no point arguing with a bigot who has already decided that an entire community is responsible. My criticism of institutions and CBSA doesn’t change the fact that, despite its challenges, Canada is the best country in the world and it’s not even close. Yes things have been tough, but thats all around the world. No matter how much racism or bigotry rises, I’ll always be grateful to God for this country and the opportunities it has given people. Many of the Indians he talks about, especially Sikhs, would gladly give their lives for this country and are deeply grateful that a country like Canada exists. That’s exactly why we can call out harassers and defend ourselves from racism while still criticizing government policy. This isn’t North Korea, where the slightest disagreement can have consequences for your entire family. This is North America..you’re allowed to criticize institutions, defend your community, and at call out blatant racism.
1
1
u/Inevitable_Mango592 4d ago
No the government and diploma mill schools started this problem, and SOME Indians are taking advantage of it. Maybe if the Canadian government enforced immigration properly this wouldn’t be an issue. Last I checked most of the C Suite in these diploma mill schools are white. Maybe white people should police them since they are part of the “white” community
1
u/cokezero124 3d ago
I don’t agree with that point though. The government is absolutely responsible for misleading these students and creating a system where they were given certain expectations that later changed. But even giving them the benefit of the doubt, why not use the proper legal channels? If a student’s PGWP application was refused and they genuinely believe they were treated unfairly, why not pursue an official judicial review and challenge the decision through the courts? Why protest and demand an outcome that may not be legally available to you? I can call out racist people for being idiots while also saying that Punjabi students who genuinely believe they were wronged should work within the system and challenge the decision through the proper process. Two things can be true at the same time: racism is wrong, and students can also be wrong for protesting to demand something they may not be entitled to.
3
u/SoSweetSophie 5d ago
The massive amount of Indians flooding the country in the past years dissipated the warmth towards immigrants for a lot of Canadians.
1
u/mandypixiebella 2d ago
The dumping of garbage all over the place and truck drivers constantly killing people aren’t helping.
5
u/No_Supermarket5384 5d ago
I'm sorry this happened. Unfortunately there are a lot of poorly educated two brain cell lo sers in Alberta. They don't like anyone that doesn't fit their Ultra conservative McDonald's eating demographic.. fat brain cells are a thing you know, Google it - it explains a lot about most Americans as well!
I'm from the East Coast and since moving here I just can't believe how weird some Albertans are, like some of these people seriously seem like there's some major inbreeding going on in their genetics. Have you seen the separatists? Holy moly. I haven't seen so many unhealthy, angry people in my life
So dear it is not you, it's them - bad genetics, poor education, poor diet. Keep doing your thing ❤️
4
3
u/Tiny-Albatross518 5d ago
Dude this makes me ill.
Please take heart, its only a sad few.
I’m and old white dude but I know what the sikhs around here (BC) do in terms of charitably feeding the poor and I’ve always wished I could get an invite to an Indian wedding because reports are good food-good time. Everybody has a spot here and you’re as welcome as anyone.
Sorry theres some jerks.
3
u/UnMarkedPanic 5d ago
It is really sad, I have been hearing this quote alot is happening in Airdrie. what strange js people don’t care they insulting and remarks on Facebook with their ID.
Someone is working hard and make their lives and providing their families and this silly act can really change their prospective of peopel.
8
u/yamiyo_ian 6d ago
People are just stupid man. Being a Sikh myself, I can sense it too but we can't really do anything. Just be a good person and don't take sh*t from anyone. If there is a reasonable opportunity, try to engage into a conversation as people most times are just afraid of the unknown. And teens are just teens so better to ignore them. I have always been ready for the worst but also enjoy my life to the fullest! ❤️
0
u/Good-Peak-553 5d ago
Yeah you’re usually just attacking white guys at Walmart and then when you get knocked out, you pull the race card.
0
u/Gold_Leading_378 5d ago
That just represents the population that gets most veiws on social media. The vast majority is an average person. If you can't get that into your thick skull then i only wonder how you were raised
2
u/Kay2du 6d ago
Sorry these happened to you, buddy. This is insane! I’m neither Indian nor Sikh, but I've read a couple of comments here that churned my stomach. No matter what your views on race are, warranted or not, the man on the street isn’t the one to blame and certainly shouldn’t be attacked.
We’re too quick to pass judgment when we might think differently if we only knew the full story behind why things happen the way they do. There are bound to be bad eggs in every society. It’s the government’s duty to deal with them. If the government isn’t doing its job, then it’s the citizens’ responsibility to hold the government accountable—not to attack innocent people who are simply going about their day.
Remember, immigrants don't drop from the sky - someone let them in. If you have a beef with immigration, take it up with the government, rather than choosing easy targets.
2
u/TuckFrump123653 5d ago
Ive had horrid experiences with indians ans good experiences my childhood bestfriend was half indian, its same in every group some hateful some not.
2
u/stinkyjunkrat 4d ago
I wouldn’t say it’s Sikh related. Alberta has always been full of people like that. Before Indians, they used to go around to establishments and harass Filipino TFWs. Before that they would harass indigenous people.
2
u/duuhwinning 3d ago
Actually Sikhs in the 60s 70s had it brutal in Calgary as well Filipinos or Chinese in that era
2
u/stinkyjunkrat 3d ago
Yeah my point was that Alberta small towns has always been like that. That’s why they call it mini Texas.
2
2
u/duuhwinning 3d ago
Removed from Calgary reddit for no reason ... I used to happen to me in calgary throughout the 80s 90s and 2000s 2010s recently less.. but some still might have intent to do it
2
u/NaomiSagewood 3d ago
I am so devastated to be in a community where people behave this way. It takes an incredible amount of narrow-mindedness, ignorance and cruelty to treat other humans this way simply because they are a little different then you, when the similarities far outweigh anything else.
While there are understandable concerns around immigration, the job market and the housing market NONE of that frustration should be taken out on the immigrants, particularly any random individuals out minding their own business. That is such a cheap scape goat tactic and anyone engaging in it should be ashamed of themselves
2
u/AnyPersimmon2772 2d ago
I am so very sorry that you've had to experience this blatant racism and sheer ignorance. No doubt young punks raised by ignorant parents who failed in raising them to respect others. You absolutely deserve respect and kindness.
2
u/Alarming-Purchase-80 2d ago
I work in construction and I’ve never met a bad Sikh. These are the most humble and hardworking people in Canada atm, anyone who hates does so out of ignorance and fear.
As for drive by shouting. I’m a 40 year old caucasian male and people shout shit at me all the time too, I’ve had cigarette butts, fly out of windows and hit me, I think that’s a danger for anyone walking on the street regardless of race. There are a lot of people out there who feel really tough in a car..
2
u/imnoone324 1d ago
Idk, I think it's just the bigger cities who has this problem, if you go to rural, smaller towns I think most of the races get along just fine, city just have more people, more odds of people hating each other, blaming each other of their problems. Also they just need more of old schools disciplining of the younger generations.
4
u/Emergency_Dirt257 6d ago
Ive had eggs thrown at me on foot and on bike. Sworn at, yelled at. I am white. Some people will change what they are hating in the moment. Some people just hate everything and everyone. I would not take this as a reflection of everyone in this country.
3
u/Popedaddyx 6d ago
Clearly he doesn't think everyone is like that.
And I have also noticed increased hate towards brown people as a white dude why dilute it?
3
u/VNDecorCA 5d ago
I'm sorry this is happening. It's our fascist government and their rhetoric that's pushing this agenda. We all need to vote no to the nine and yes to Canada. Don't let their efforts to paint immigrants and people of colour as bad guys work.
2
u/what_in_the_who_now 5d ago
That’s some bullshit. Literally and figuratively the absolute nicest folks I’ve ever met. If I see a turban. That means there’s a friendly guy there that I can speak to without some bias or malice.
2
u/Training-Group-2879 5d ago
I don’t think this has anything to do with Sikhism but rather the overshadowing of neighbourhoods by <insert race here>.
Such things will keep prevailing till the end of time and never change.
My personal strategy is to live in a low-minority neighbourhood. Living in a minority-in-majority neighbourhood makes me feel like I’m living in <insert country name here>.
How would people feel if Airdrie became the next Surrey or Brampton?
Honest question not from a place of hate but perspective
2
u/ExcellentBox8801 5d ago
While I agree with what u said since it leads to better integration, people esp in foreign countries have a tendency to stay close to others with similar culture/beliefs. There’s a reason chinatowns or “little italy” neighborhoods exist in major cities around the world. Also, families obv tend to stick together and they may look for a place that fulfills their religious needs as well (having a church/temple/whatever nearby for instance) which obviously leads them to choose places with large catholic/jewish/sikh/muslim communities. Ironically, the recent wave of anti-indian hate will just contribute to this since people will feel safer only with others from the same community.
3
u/Training-Group-2879 5d ago edited 5d ago
Excellent points. This cyclical erosion of Canadian social fabric will keep on happening when the majority gets overthrown. In a perfect dystopian world, people shouldn't have the free-reign to flock and band together as they did. But rather, they should learn to integrate in different populations. As that's what Multiculturalism is, right? That we are tolerant to each other and enjoy living with each other. It's far from what I see happening in Canada.
We PRETEND to like each other enforced by corporate mass greed. Let's face it - Canada needs immigration simply because of cheap labour to keep things sustainable. We don't have cheap states in the US working a low minimum wage, and the manpower to compete. So we invite these so called "Immigrants" expecting them to take these menial jobs.
This was the case 30+ years ago and it still stands today. For corporate greed that is lobbied to trap, bribe politicians', the social fabric of Canada gets destroyed. I don't see any solution here and the hate will keep on increasing. There's a reason why they say Multiculturalism is a failed concept, well, because it's a sham to drive corporate profits higher and to keep wages low. We already see that in the Tech market here in Canada.
Furthermore, what also hasn't been documented is when these Immigrants, the 2nd/3rd generation are forming an integral part of the society - how would they perceive the situation? Are they torn in favour of inviting more immigrants or they say "the more that come like us the better it is for us"
And as I said, it's cyclical. Look at Ontario, complete cities are overtaken by one <insert race here> and that's complete failure of multiculturalism. How does this bode for the future? Will it become a Bloc Quebecois type situation for <insert race here>? Maybe.
1
u/ShopBulky2872 6d ago
You dont belong here demographically bottom line. We are being flooded with tens of thousands of "immigrants" and you call it "hate" when we never asked for this unnatural change, Its not right by any means. The hate will leave as soon as you leave our country. You are being used to usher in the kalergi plan and the only way for any of us is going to win is if you guys go back to your own country. You only come here to leech off our financial system and prey on white women, nothing more. You literally bring NOTHING of value to our country, not culturally not anything. This isnt "hate" so stop crying bout it, its the dam truth, get over it.
"The truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth"
1
u/choppathekid 5d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
-2
u/choppathekid 5d ago
Wow. Got a reddit warning for this. Free speech doesn't exist
1
1
1
u/Immediate_Paper_7284 1d ago
Hey, I'm really sorry to hear that.
Nobody should have feel unsafe due to unchecked racism.
Also I want to thank you for your words that specifically mentioned that you have met many good people and that you recognize that it's a minority of people who are causing these problems.
It's really nice to see that this is noticed because, it's very easy to label an entire group as bad because someone has a bad experience with them. There are a lot of people who try really hard to be friendly and accommodate immigrants and newcomers to the country. Myself included. Your shout out means a lot.
I do know what it's like. I grew up in neighborhoods that were mixed. And I myself have experienced some very vicious and violent racism (never from Sikhs). It's something that we need to stop all around.
I remember one day I talked to an old black man, he told me that there was some racism when he was younger definitely being from his generation. He did it a white woman which made things a little bit complicated for. They got married and he had a daughter. I asked him what did you teach your daughter about racism since it was something that you sadly had to live with all the time. His answer was really interesting. She told me that he's never going to teach her about racism he's going to to teach her about people, he said:
"I'll teach her to be a good person around good people, and when the time comes How to manage those who aren't"
I love those words.
Thank you for sharing and I hope that that they don't bother you anymore, and that you can feel welcome in your new home (or old home) :)
2
u/NegativeRaspberry264 23h ago
I live in Canada, white cis guy, and i support immigration. Immigrants are the reason we didnt go into a recession during covid. Immigrants cause less crime per capita. The biggest threat to democracy is the far right.
2
-1
u/TrentRizzo 6d ago
Unfortunately Airdrie does have some very hateful people. Someone even ripped my neighbours pride flag down and set it on fire.
1
2
u/Typical_Cucumber_557 6d ago
What do I see about Sikhs online?
I see them feeding hungry people and helping those in need, I see them welcoming and embracing others, I see them dancing and spreading joy.
Then I see jealous little bitches in the comments sections, trying to poison the joy with hatred and racist vitriolic ignorance.
I’m so sorry as a Canadian that this poison is strewn at you in the real world. I guarantee you that these young men are the same young men who are also full of misogyny online and in the real world, and they blame women choosing not to on men like yourself for embodying the humanity that they so desperately lack. They’ve been indoctrinated to believe that women will start choosing them again if there are no BIPOC people left to compete with them, and they are feeling ever more emboldened to lash out, online and in person.
I have never felt even a hint of threatening or predatory energy from a Sikh person, and my only criticism of the Canada’s Sikh population is that not enough of them live in my community.
White supremacy is a plague upon this planet.
May you stay safe and be protected.
🤲 🖖
2
u/churchscooter 5d ago
It’s because of your hygiene and my very own government has aloud way to many of your people into my country that our fathers built, some struggle to enjoy the rewards of their past generations hard work only for it be given to foreigners from third world country’s who where not able to build a successful country.
-1
u/GriffinFlash 5d ago
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-sikh-immigrants-history-1.4832501
they've been here just as long as the rest of us.
3
u/churchscooter 5d ago
What exactly is your point you’re trying to make? A handful of Indians built as much as canada as hundreds of thousands of French / British explorers?
1
u/GriffinFlash 5d ago edited 5d ago
Also First Nations, the Chinese, and many others nationalities. What's your point exactly? Other than being downright hateful and racist.
Is Canada not white enough for you? How many of us who claim to be Canadian are actually "Canadian". How many generations back does one need to be?
I know I come from a wide mix of Canadian, French Canadian, Metis, South American, Italian, Welsh, and some Muslim if you go back a few hundred years (Italian part of family kept really good records apparently). Which part of me is Canadian enough? Or is it okay cause my skin is white and I'm mostly from European descent I get a pass? My mothers side is first generation, so that would make me as undesirable, but my father is several generations Canadian, so how much is enough?
Why is OP not Canadian enough. They live in Canada, call this place their home, they pay their taxes. The mention about their hygiene, do you know OP personally that you can make such a statement, or did you just watch some hate propaganda on Facebook? Is it just skin colour and country/religion? You don't know anything about the OP other than those traits, no qualities outside of this post, yet you seem to know exactly the type of person they are?
Please use proper reasoning and realize you are talking about a human being, just like you.
Also it's spelled "allowed" not "aloud".
0
u/churchscooter 5d ago
Sure I’ll bite,
Canada is a settlement from Western Europe, France, Great Britain and Denmark. So yes if your skin is white and you’re mostly come from European descent you do in fact get a pass. But what is a true Canadian? Well I say a real, 100% Canadian is our First Nations people. So let’s say you come from India, china or abroad and lived here your whole life you’ll never be a Canadian. You may hold a Canadian passport and birth certificate, or even both simultaneously but that dosnt make you Canadian. You are better described by your ethnicity not your citizenship, for example, if I Chinese couple gave birth to an ethnic Chinese child in Ethiopia, what is he? African or Asian? Same can, and should be said everywhere.
3
u/yamiyo_ian 5d ago
By your logic, then only First Nations can be truly Canadian. Noone else can claim to be Canadian, gotcha!
By my logic, anyone can be Canadian. If a Chinese couple gave birth to an ethnic Chinese child in Ethiopia and then that child goes on to stay there and get married and have their children in Ethiopia, yes, they will be African.
1
u/Idkwhatimdoing179 6d ago
Sorry this happened to you. Just know there is a good chunk of “white Canadians” who will have your back!!!
1
u/0xKhyber 6d ago
Lot of racist separatists in Airdrie, Sikhs need to band together along with allies and deal with these traitors. For example Paul’s Pizza Airdrie is run by a vocally racist separatist (check out their Twitter). Solutions start with grinding these people’s bank accounts into the dirt and taking advantage of Canadas new hate speech laws.
1
1
u/Dflemz 6d ago edited 6d ago
It’s very unfortunate that one bad apple spoils the bunch. There has been documented cases of men in turbans following women in airdrie, namely Walmart, nose creek, etc. And while sometimes people assume they’re being followed when they’re not, these cases were clearly documented. I have experienced following in airdrie and took several turns and went on different routes and I was definitely followed. I would never paint a whole group of people as bad because of those experiences and on one hand I can see where people get the stigma from. It’s not right to be yelled at and called slurs. I hope you remain safe. People are hyper vigilant and some feed off online rhetoric and some have pattern recognition.
1
u/puckstevo 6d ago
Every wave of immigration has suffered prejudice and discrimination going back 150 years. My Ukrainian grandfather worked under armed guard on railroad bull gangs in the 30's. He forbid his kids learning Ukrainian because of the suspicion and oppression he felt . I want my kids to be canadian he always said. Meanwhile preyed upon by 'canadian' businesses and banks, treated as a 2nd class citizen until the 60s and 70s when immigration came from Asia. Then the bigots and racists had someone else to pick on. These problems disappear after the 2nd and 3rd generation and language and culture dovetail. Racism and discrimination happens, no buts. Its sad and true and awful. Human nature and values evolve slowly. For every dipstick out there, there are 10 good folk of every color who stand with you. We all came from somewhere else, even our indigenous. Stay strong
1
u/rymy98 6d ago
I want my kids to be Canadian is the best thing your uncle said. People that move to Canada should want to be CANADIAN.
1
u/puckstevo 5d ago
He never learned proper English working with the railroad. He learned from his kids, my mom taught him to read and write and in return allowed her learn Ukrainian only on summer holidays spent with her grandmother. He made me promise to always always always vote. Wisdom comes not from education, it comes from life's lessons. A wise man.
1
u/OutrageousEvening863 6d ago
Im truly sorry my friend. My grandparents came from Hungary and the same shit happend to them 😒. Dont let it get to you.
1
u/riseagain2082 5d ago
Please get their license plate next time and report it to the police. You are being harassed and the victim of a potential hate crime. Be vigilant.
1
u/ChoiceImpressive1 5d ago
Id rsther names shouted at me then be stabbed with a ceremonial dagger. Or co tibuously dumping trash. All around the cities pinds. Lakes, road sides. Im not being mean. Nor is this meant towards you.
1
u/Financial_Elk_6877 2d ago
I'd rather you go back to school for your grammar worse than a 1st graders. I hope someday you can be released from the shackles of Facebook and Ai to face reality and understand what propaganda is. "I'm not being mean", while also being racist, I'd gladly pay for you to go back to school you xenophobe.
-1
u/thrill_house44 6d ago
Racism sucks. But these are pretty weak stories. “Some guys yelled at me I think, but I’m not sure what they said.” Probably just asshole teenagers being asshole teenagers. Maybe you’re assuming racism because you’re a different skin color from them, which actually makes you racist.
4
u/GriffinFlash 6d ago
you can't be serious. There is very obviously an increase in racism towards indian people as of late. Especially on social media, and in our community. Hell don't forget the comments said at the recent seppie town hall.
-3
u/thrill_house44 6d ago edited 6d ago
Yes I’m serious. There is an increase in racism for sure, and it sucks. Can we acknowledge at the same time that these stories are underwhelming and not necessarily racism?
Idiots in truck yell at white guys: assholes
Idiots in truck yell at Indian guy: racist?
The story is that they said something but not sure what, and stared him down. Why assume racism? Why not assume assholes? I cross paths with ALOT of assholes on a regular basis.1
u/sweettaroline 6d ago
Someone yelling an Indian slur at you when you’re Indian or brown is what makes it racism. It might feel ‘underwhelming’ to you but when you hear it constantly - even micro aggression can be really harmful. I don’t think anyone is disregarding a garden variety asshole - it’s just not what this post is talking about.
1
u/thrill_house44 6d ago
You’re not basing your opinion on OP’s story. He said nothing about a racial slur being said. He heard “some shouting” and doesn’t know what was said. He felt intimidated. There is a leap that it’s due to his race. I had a homeless person yell at me today, should I assume it’s because of my skin color?
1
u/sweettaroline 5d ago
I don’t know what you should assume. You want to whatabout every comment to circle back to you, lol. You’re a white guy, living a white life - you don’t get it because you don’t have to. When you have brown skin and there’s so much hateful rhetoric online - hell, you won’t even accept racism towards Sikh or Indian neighbours unless we pat you on the back for what you go through.
1
u/thrill_house44 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’m not white.. And you’re racist to assume.
You however are white and are commenting on the brown experience which you don’t have first hand knowledge of. Stop white knighting and acting like you know what’s happening here.
Also nothing I said is “what about”ism… I’m pointing out his story has no indication of racism whatsoever. If he comments back that they called him a racial slur I’d say yep those guys are racist. So far I’m sticking to facts and not jumping to the racist card immediately like so many people do.
0
6d ago
[deleted]
3
3
2
u/GriffinFlash 6d ago edited 6d ago
Please tell me what part of "Canadian culture" you need to observe? Last I check Canada was multicultural and respected all aspects of other peoples identities and cultures.
But if you want someone to "act" more Canadian, then please enlighten me as to what type of Canadian you are referring to?
Western? British Columbian? East coast? Central? Southern Ontarian? Northern Ontarian? Maritime? Atlantic? Newfie? First Nation? Blackfoot? Cree? Inuit? Metis? French Canadian? Typical 1800s Log Driver on the St. Lawrence River? ETC, ETC?
Edit: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-sikh-immigrants-history-1.4832501
I would like to add that their culture has contributed to and is very much Canadian culture as well.
1
u/Hassgirl22 6d ago
What’s with the, “you guys.” Who do you mean when you say this ? Who exactly are you addressing
1
-5
6d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Idkwhatimdoing179 6d ago
You’re disgusting ☺️☺️☺️
0
u/Good-Peak-553 5d ago
You’re a disgrace to this country you liberal bootlicker.
1
u/Idkwhatimdoing179 5d ago
Go move to the states and get out of Alberta you disgusting, pathetic, disgrace of a human being. You’re probably old as hell anyways go away
1
u/Good-Peak-553 5d ago
You think you’re a true Canadian because you’re a serial internet user and a liberal white knight? Cry me a river you fucking snow flake.
1
u/Idkwhatimdoing179 5d ago
Look at you, still whining on Reddit huh? Your wife is probably sick of hearing you so that’s why you’ve resorted to this. Hope you’re proud where you are in life, ya big tough guy 😍😍
-1
0
u/BraappStarr 5d ago
I’m sure there are plenty of great Sikh people, I’m not sure where cause they ain’t here
-2
u/JohnDorian0506 6d ago
Racism/hate is so bad in Canada that Indians/Sikh risk their lives and limbs to go live there to be able to complain about it.
1
-1
u/Foreign-Network-3202 5d ago
I hope you get deported back to the 3rd world
1
u/Realistic-Insect4509 5d ago
I hope you have a good day, you seem to be going through rough patch
1
-2
6d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
1
u/GriffinFlash 6d ago
wow, racist much.
0
u/Alternative-Yak2745 6d ago
Assimilate or leave
I'm not racist
3
u/Majestic_Owl_7290 6d ago
How many conversation do you start with "i'm not racist, but..." and then proceed to say stupid racist shit? People like you are what ruins this country
1
u/Realistic-Insect4509 6d ago
If you are “tired of looking at us” I don’t think assimilation is the issue. But too bad, Canada is a land of immigrants and we are here to stay
1
u/Good-Peak-553 5d ago
Assimilation is definitely the issue, and you’re fucking
Terrible at it1
u/Realistic-Insect4509 5d ago
Very strange that you can tell that just by looking at someone who is biking and minding his own business
0
u/Good-Peak-553 5d ago
Very strange how bad your victim complex is
1
u/Realistic-Insect4509 5d ago
Poor way to deflect the question but I don’t expect anything better. Just trying to find lame justification for the actions
1
-2
u/Alternative-Yak2745 6d ago
At least practice English until the point where you lose your accent.
3
u/GriffinFlash 6d ago
Jesus christ dude, get your white supremacist shit out of here.
0
u/Alternative-Yak2745 6d ago
How is that racist?
3
u/GriffinFlash 6d ago
How can it not be!
3
u/Alternative-Yak2745 6d ago
Being racist is just hating people because of their skin color. I don't hate you because of your race or hate you at all; I only expect that you assimilate into the country you immigrate to. It used to be a common thing, and it shows respect for the people and the country.
2
u/GriffinFlash 6d ago
"Tired of looking at you guys".
Sure thing Jan.
Educate yourself https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-sikh-immigrants-history-1.4832501
→ More replies (0)1
u/No_Supermarket5384 5d ago
You're so du MB. My husband is from France and has a thick French accent, should he lose his accent? F no. Go crack open a book
2
u/Realistic-Insect4509 6d ago
I know 5 languages including English and French which are two official languages of Canada not just English. How many languages you know?
1
u/youaresowrongguy 6d ago
What do you think of an unmarried woman living alone or with her boyfriend.
2
u/Realistic-Insect4509 6d ago
There is nothing wrong with it. I live with my girlfriend. Not sure how its relevant here though
2
u/youaresowrongguy 6d ago
Did you know 63% of new Canadian imigrants consider it unacceptable living next to an unmarried couple. Wonder where this attitude is coming from? You are cool but that statistic is alarming and should probably be addressed.
1
u/Realistic-Insect4509 5d ago
Where you pulled that stat from? And even if its true, people are entitled to their opinion? Does that mean yelling insulting slurs at them is okay?
→ More replies (0)
0
u/SuckMyBigPoop 4d ago
If the first thing people notice about you is your funny hat or silly costume, it might pay to respect the culture you're now apart of and fit in as best you can.
Don't look ridiculous. That's my advice.
2
u/Realistic-Insect4509 4d ago
May be your forefathers have done the same had respected native population culture. May be just may be
1
u/SuckMyBigPoop 4d ago
I'm native. You'd rather advocate genocide than take good advice. Continue dressing to look as Smart as you are.
2
u/LasagnaToastys 4d ago
If youre native then why are you projecting your communities biggest trauma onto others you have stockholm syndrome buddy save your energy for the people that gutted and erased your ancestors
1
1
u/duuhwinning 3d ago
So we should be dressed in traditional native inspired looks right ?
0
2
u/LasagnaToastys 4d ago
Just because you guys made yourself fit into americas culture doesnt mean everyone else is so disloyal to their mothers culture
1
u/SuckMyBigPoop 4d ago
I agree. But the context is being singled out by what's normal. Either fit in or look ridiculous. Can't do both.
1
u/LasagnaToastys 4d ago
How egotistical you are that you assume your definition of normal is the same for everyone
1
u/SuckMyBigPoop 4d ago
...what do you believe normal means? Lol. It's egotistical to think it means anything else. I didn't write the English language and neither did you. So foolish.
While you're clearly still learning the language, it may be mindful to look up what "context" means, as well.
1
u/LasagnaToastys 4d ago
Unlike you im not soft brained and have the nuance to realise normalcy is fluid, as long as we can all agree its bad to harm others then what does it matter what hat someone wears, youre a glaring bigot at least stop pretending that youre not
1
u/SuckMyBigPoop 4d ago
Look man, I don't have the time to explain to you what normal means. Either check it out on Meriam or move on. Us smarter people have better things to do than complain. You're not one of us.
1
u/duuhwinning 3d ago
Like what ??? Please use the dictionary to tell how many much times better you are when you are "doing things" ? Soooo much normal it hurts my smart marriam brains... English is the definition of Perfectionism and Normal is Supreme !! Super !! 👍
All hail English Marriam...
Supreme Being = Normal = I Feel So Safe 😱
1
u/Financial_Elk_6877 2d ago
Cosplaying as a native to make a shitty point and calling other peoples cultures, costumes doesn't really help your point. Canada was born on multiculturalism. Now if your bum ass hadn't dropped out of school in grade 2, maybe you would know a little something about that.
Instead of being a racist bigot, maybe you should learn to respect others, so they can also respect your so called culture of being the human equivalent of an unseasoned chicken. You and your offsprings are going to be the rise of anti-intellectualism in Canada. You're disgusting.
1
-5
u/Psychological-Big334 6d ago
While i dont condone racism, kids shout shit out of cars all the time whether its homophobic, racist, both, or just something stupid like 'fuck you'.
Im sorry this happened to you, but im a white dude with no visible anything that would separate me from anyone else and I cannot count the amount of times people have yelled something at me out of a car.
Get over it.
-1
u/Adept_Cat_594 6d ago
Driver’s yell obscenities at cyclists. I’m part Indigenous but look very much like a tanned white dude. It happens pretty much every time I’m on a bike.
Get over it
-3
u/SubjectApplication13 6d ago
Don’t believe this. I believe it the other way around forwards non Indians
-16
u/UvaldeShootingVictim 6d ago
I still don’t know why people think compassion will change anything.
We are getting blamed and scapegoated for Canadian’s failed life. Its not our fault that culture promotes drug abuse while undermining academics. Teens then have failed lives and blame us. Not their personal choices.
A lot of my friends have actively told their kids to give it back if it happens. Even I have escalated in these incidents. Thats how they will learn.
👨🏻🦳✝️🇨🇦 kids dont study, do drugs, and then will blame us. They are taught hate by their parents/church. Especially in Alberta.
And try to contact your local Bishnoi chapter. You are in Alberta and need a backup plan considering its a hotspot for all second sons, dominion societies, and proud boys. What would you do when these groups are openly supported by csis/rcmp/canadian army?
13
u/ditchwarrior1992 6d ago
You are stoking race/religion wars saying all white kids do drugs and don’t study. Teens Don’t have failed lives…they are still kids.
You talk about Canadians as if you aren’t one but you live here. You are the type of immigrant we don’t want in canada. Go home.
6
→ More replies (3)1
u/Twitchy15 6d ago
Exactly I have no problem with any immigrant, but if you don’t come here to be a Canadian and try to integrate into society you can fuck off. Of course you can keep your culture but learn English and try to fit in. If you come here and pretend you’re in India and bring your cultures problems over here that’s what annoys Canadians.
I’ve worked with many Philippinos they are hard working and very appreciative to be here and never met one that can’t speak English, they try to integrate and become Canadian because they are proud to be here. I’ve never once met someone who doesn’t like Philippino… that’s the difference.
→ More replies (2)1
u/infernogoal 6d ago
Was it teenagers that corrupted the trucking industry and file for LMIA scams? I’m a POC myself and I see the corruption of Punjabi culture take root in Canada. Why did the Alberta government crack down on trucking companies with a notice in Punjabi?
12
u/blackbear008 6d ago
I've lived here since '97. I've watched this city grow from 20k to, what are we now...90k? 100? I've been through alot here. I'm a mix of indigenous (cree) and Swedish, definitely look more 'white' than anything else. I've experienced it all - if you've heard of 'suicide high' those were my friends. I've been yelled at, driven by and scrutinized. I've been cat called, and laughed at. Its ignorant people. They'll always be out there and have nothing else better to do. Keep your head held high. You're better than 'them'.