Sikh Chic!
Recent news that the Supreme Court has ruled Sikhs can not be banned from wearing ceremonial daggers to school under Canada's Charter of Rights has sparked several copycat court challenges. In Halifax, a Christian youth group say they will now carry massive replica broad swords used to massacre heathen barbarians in the 11th century crusades, alongside their re-issued Jessica Simpson Dukes of Hazzard lunch pails. In Edmonton, a group of 30-something overweight soccer Moms have decided they want the right to wear Madonna-style breast cones and lycra panties over fishnets while wielding 8 foot long leather whips at their children's games from now on. "Um, Madonna isn't like, just an awesome performer, author and parenting guru -- like, she is a goddess and I like, worship her", said Shirley Dykstra, as she as she snorted mocha-triple caramel latte froth through a flared nostril and fired a juice box into the back seat of her SUV at the head of her incredulous son.
And finally, in Windsor, Ontario, a group of public sanitation workers, who say they are descendants of United Empire Loyalists, plan to celebrate their culture by proudly slinging period muskets and powder horns over their coveralls on the backs of garbage trucks. Said one of the Anglophile trash haulers "the old fashioned guns are just in case any bastard Yankee rat who sneaks over the bridge from Detroit tries to make a fuckin' meal outta my finger again!".
posted by K-Dough at 6:41 AM
22 Comments:
I'm not so sure about the actions of the soccer moms... but...
Ceremonial daggers might be traditional and could identified as part of a religious right. Nevertheless, they should not be permitted openly in Canadian society. Sikhs claims that being prevented from wearing them constitute an offence to their religion, are superceded by the right of all Canadians to live in a pleasant, non-threatening, non-violent nation of peace.
Sikhs might argue that wearing the dagger doesn't/won't instigate violence. Well, it certainly won't make people feel comfortable or relaxed especially in todays society where fake guns are confiscated by the police.
I'm not denying the religious/cultural importance of the daggers and if Sikhs want to wear them at certain ceremonies then fine. But they shouldn't be permitted in everyday apparel.
This could lead me into the Sikhs wearing turbans in the RCMP instead of the traditional Mountie hat... but I don't want to ruin my weekend.
I wore a crotchless Mickey Mouse suit to a baptism once, and no one said a thing. Of course, the M-16 I had slung over my shoulder caused a few raised eyebrows. But c'mon folks, lighten up. People should be able to wear their weapon of choice, especially if it is only employed as a stylish accessory.
Fashion Tip:
Machetes look smart with a low cut blouse and shirt. Try hanging a few grenades from an 80s slim pink leather belt and ooh la la- watch the fashion shrapnel fly!
I'm fine with the daggers. They don't scare me. I'm more concerned about those laser watches kids are wearing. What will you do went you get vaporized by a laser watch???
I've been carrying around a live piranha in my pencil pack for over a year, and have encountered no problems(resistance)whatsoever.
As an Adept of the Plutonium God, I look forward to finally towing my nuclear weapon around!
Regarding Peter's ill-informed comments, the Sikhs wear the kirpan to remind them to fight against oppression. To use it violently, for a Sikh, would be like a devout Catholic pouring consecrated wine on the altar. Not good.
Given this, Peter, why do you think Sikhs are more liable to pull their symbolic defensive dagger out and stab someone with it than anyone else carrying knives around? Isn't it better that at least they carry them out in the open?
Chris:
I'm ill-informed why? I'm ill-informed because I don't appreciate people around me wearing weapons? I don't care if it's hidden or in the open. I don't care if it's a kirpan or a swtichblade and I don't care what it's supposed to remind them of.
To me, it reminds me (and the rest of society) of violence and anger... two things that aren't needed and don't belong in Canadian society.
Given the fact the dagger is worn in the open, there is nothing stopping another person from taking it and using it. At least with a hidden weapon, it restricts the people who know about it and who can use it.
However, I've already conceded that I don't have a problem with it being used in a religious ceremony, similar to (as Mark mentioned) the Scots wearing a Sgian Dubh on Robbie Burns day.
Canada needs to step up and stop making special concessions for every situation. I'm standing up for a peaceful Canada where weapons (ceremonial or otherwise) have no place in our society.
Peter- Next thing you know you'll be suggesting they ban box cutters from commercial airline flights. Sorry, I should have been more precise: EXACTO kinves.
Chris- I think what Peter may have been trying to say was that, taken out of the specific religious context, knives are symbols of violence. Well,either that or he is an intolerant racist. Wait- his comments had nothing to do with race. Maybe he is an intolerant religionist? A rabid weaponist?
Oh, and speaking of devout Catholics sexually abusing kids- ooops- sorry you said "pouring consecrated wine on the altar" didn't you? My bad.
Oh and Mark (Sec. 15):
I would love to see you trying to drag your ICBM around on the TTC! lol...
Regarding Chris's uninformed comments, what is to prevent anyone else from obtaining from the wearer and using these daggers in any way they choose?
Peter, the accompanying attire makes the kirpan wearer easily identifiable.
If these knives are fundamental to the religion, why are only 10% of the 250,000 wearing them?
Is the SC decision one for freedom of religion or for freedom of fundamentalism?
With this decision, the SC has ignored the values of 90% of Canadians.
No wonder people are removing their children from multicultural schools just as fast as they can.
Where did our "freedom from religion" go?
Thanks to K-Dough for at least raising this topic. Apparently, not many other so-called progressive bloggers found it even worthy of mention.
K dough, when I'm not meditating on the kirpan, I've always seen knives as symbols of vegetable chopping.
Peter and anonymous, do you recoil in horror when you pass the cutlery section of a department stores? All those knives, out in the open, must really freak you out here in peaceful, weapons-free Canada. In fact, perhaps we should set up a knife regist...oh, never mind.
You both seem content to think you're standing up for "canadian" values. Last time I checked, religious tolerance was one of those.
I also wonder what you two will do when someone finally gets around to trying ban male circumcision. Anonymous, your "freedom from religion" must be violated every time you walk into the gym shower.
I agree with Chris. I won't go NEAR the cutlery section of a department store. As far as I'm concerned, it's as dangerous as walking through a field near the Country Gun Club. Who knows what whippersnapper religious zealot who must sacrifice a kitchen supply shopper once a month to appease his god is out there! I for one will not take the chance.
I also stay away from the watch section. Those laser things scare me.
(I'm not really this big of an idiot... I've just had a long, sleepless week!)
I avoid the kitchen section ALTOGETHER. For me it's turkey basters and oven mitts. The evil combination brings back horrible teenage memories. Wait- those aren't memories, they're fantasies. Still, it's safer for me (and everyone) if there is lots of distance between myself and those implements of sweet pain!
K-Dough, I'm glad that you provided this forum for intelligent, insightful, and relevent conversation on important issues.
Cheers! Glad you are participating laser watch phobia man.
I think it's time to talk about Rastas and their connection to Brit-Pop.
Call it ignorance, or what you like, I would not and will not keep my kids in a school if I know an advertised weapon is in the same school. Yes, with the rest of the 'outfit', they're advertising that they're sporting a weapon. Ok, so it's not meant to be used with violence, by the Sikh child, that doesn't stop another kid from doing what they want with it.
It's common sense, and only a passive country like Canada (and likely a few places in the states) would let something this silly get passed in the SC.
Ooops. I accidentally got here via a google search for Cloak & Dagger, that 1984 classic starring the always versatile Dabney Coleman. Carry on.
Lisa- Not sure if I follow you. Let me try to understand: You are against weapons, but also against Canada's passivity.
I'm no logic professor, but isn't that like a double-negative or some such fallacial proposition? If I understand correctly, in your eyes it would be ok if Canadians went around savagely beating each other with Nerf Ghandi dolls?
Also, you said "I would not and will not keep my kids in a school if I know an advertised weapon is in the same school." Does advertised weapon include those Spud Gun things you see in the backs of comic books? How do you feel about X-Ray Specks and Sea-Monkeys?
I was once attacked by a pack of Sea-Monkeys. Or that's what I told the doctor I needed the cream for, anyway.
Hav- You so funny lound eye!
Hello, I was wondering what would be the arguement against the supreme courts decision as if in editorial format.
thanks
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