u/-rising_spirit-

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. 🙏

Looking for recommendations for a Sikh lawyer in the Toronto/GTA area with experience in civil litigation and/or human rights who can assist a Gurdwara dealing with an ongoing issue involving a racist neighbour.

Please share recommendations or contact information for lawyers with relevant experience. Thank you.