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IMPACT: TESTIMONIALS
This page is still in the process of compiling testimonials on the positive impact DASTAAR: DEFENDING SIKH IDENTITY has made on many individuals and organizations in raising awareness of Sikhism and racial and religious tolerance. Here are a few samples of positive feedback received thus far. If you have seen DASTAAR, please offer your feedback to kevin@alsolikelife.com.
"This 12-minute short packs a real punch: a mini-history lesson, a
badly needed cultural awakening, and an optimistic finish that lets us
see democracy in action. I particularly liked the montage in the
middle, with the previous ethnic groups that have struggled to gain
acceptance in this country, while the girl explains how this is
essentially their turn in this cycle -- it not only situates this
culture in a historical tradition, but it gives all of those previous
struggles an immediacy which is surprisingly palpable." - Charles M., Minneapolis MN
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"This brief documentary opens with a news report of an assault on two
Sikh men on a New York City street. They had been attacked because
they were wearing a turban (or Dastaar). Even though there are 20
million Sikhs worldwide, there is a huge knowledge gap between them
and people in the U.S. Did you know that Sikhs are not Arab or Muslim?
That 99% of people who wear turbans in the U.S. are Sikhs? That
although with other groups wearing a turban is cultural, Sikhs are the
only ones who wear it for a religious reason? We learn this and much
more in this densely packed film while following other cases of Sikhs
who are sanctioned at work for wearing the Dastaar.
At the end, we see
that there is a surprising resolution to the criminal assault that we
heard about first. I am glad to know that Lee will have a chance to
expand this film into a longer format. It is already filled almost to
bursting with images and information and it hints at a longer and more
complex story than is told here. The ending I spoke of involves a man
who has clearly been changed by his experience with the Sikh
community. I very much want to see more of how this journey took
place. The subjects of this film seem to be as impressed with this
documentary as I was. The Sikh Coalition – a legal organization that
aids Sikhs who have been discriminated against – has made it available
on their website. www.sikhcoalition.org. You can even get a glimpse of
the director in the closing credits. Highly recommended." - Michael F., audience member of Dallas Asian Short Film Festival, where DASTAAR won Best Documentary
----------------------------------------------- "On behalf of all my colleagues who participated
in the wonderful August 1, 2005 excursion to the
Gurdwara in Richmond Hills, may I extend a
heartfelt "Thank you!" We were touched by the
generosity and kindness shown by the Sikh
community and are grateful for the opportunity
provided to expand our knowledge base about
the Sikh religion, tenets, and customs. Both the
food and company of the community meal of langur
was enjoyed by all!
I am certain that my colleagues will convey their
experiences to fellow colleagues "back home" and
most importantly, to our students. I believe our
goal as educators run hand-in-hand with the mission
of the good folks at the gurdwara, the Sikh Coalition,
and Kevin Lee's documentary -- that is; to convey truth and knowledge with hopes of stamping out ignorance and fear.
Please extend our appreciation to the members of
the Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Center
for their willingness to host our group and field
our never-ending questions. We appreciated their
enthusiasm in educating us and allowing the teachers
to become the students."
- Jeannine K., High School Teacher in Arizona and NEH Summer Fellow at Columbia Teacher's College
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