Bbc Radio 4's Smear Campaign On Sikhs

[Muzumdar]

Muzumdar,

I see your point. Unfortunately the Sikh community is caught in a catch 22 situation. If we make a fuss and start a campaign then the programme as well as media outlet gets publicity which as you correctly pointed out is it's lifeblood. But equally if we decide to ignore the programme then what we get is a perception in the media that Sikhs are an easy target and then we will get open season on us.

Yes, I understand this point and it is a good one. However, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Getting pent up and constipated and organising rallies etc is simply not the way to go. There needs to be an intellectual, calm and rational response (which is ironic considering the programme itself was simplistic in the extreme). Unfortunately, if you take a look at some of the comments (by Sikhs) on Hundal's blog and elsewhere we have, yet again, embarrassed ourselves by succumbing to emotion.

The media is very aware of the repercussions that ensue when it decides to make a programme on a particular topic. This is shown by the way the whole British media did not show the Mohammed cartoons. A majority of the media is made up of left wing liberal nutcases who contrary to their assertions of being the defenders of freedom of speech are prone to giving in if they think that they may get hurt if they carry on.

Interesting but not 100% accurate. There is the liberal-left section of the media (consisting of the Independent, Guardian, BBC et al) and then there is the right-wing media (Telegraph, Mail, Sun, Times etc). They do all have something in common though: when it comes to 'Asian issues' they have, like imperial British, discovered that the best way of legitimising their views is through a member (read lackey) of the community in question. Hence we have Sunny Hundal and various other non-entities becoming minor celebrities despite their intellectual shortcomings and drastic lack of knowledge on the communities they pontificate to.

Obviously this isn't the way for Sikhs to react but that was just a example of what the media is. What is needed is an organisation similar to the Muslim Public Affairs Committee UK. Although that organisation is Islamist in nature but they are young and articulate and have virtually taken over from the 'usual suspects' like the MCB as the people that the media go to for reactions regarding any Muslim issues that are the news of the day.

Yes and no. MPAC is a poor example to use. They are a run by complete morons; Asghar Bukhari has zero credibility in the eyes of the powers and the media and he has been completely discredited through his overt anti-Semitism. However, where they succeed and an organisation like the Sikh Federation fail is in their ability to tap the youth and get them engaged in some sort of political process. The Sikh Federation is too parochial, exclusivist, puritanical and religious.

If we are to rise out of our slumber we must create an organisation that seeks to be as representative of as many Sikhs as possible.

[Hardeep__singh]

Muzumdar,

I see your point. Unfortunately the Sikh community is caught in a catch 22 situation. If we make a fuss and start a campaign then the programme as well as media outlet gets publicity which as you correctly pointed out is it's lifeblood. But equally if we decide to ignore the programme then what we get is a perception in the media that Sikhs are an easy target and then we will get open season on us.

Yes, I understand this point and it is a good one. However, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Getting pent up and constipated and organising rallies etc is simply not the way to go. There needs to be an intellectual, calm and rational response (which is ironic considering the programme itself was simplistic in the extreme). Unfortunately, if you take a look at some of the comments (by Sikhs) on Hundal's blog and elsewhere we have, yet again, embarrassed ourselves by succumbing to emotion.

The media is very aware of the repercussions that ensue when it decides to make a programme on a particular topic. This is shown by the way the whole British media did not show the Mohammed cartoons. A majority of the media is made up of left wing liberal nutcases who contrary to their assertions of being the defenders of freedom of speech are prone to giving in if they think that they may get hurt if they carry on.

Interesting but not 100% accurate. There is the liberal-left section of the media (consisting of the Independent, Guardian, BBC et al) and then there is the right-wing media (Telegraph, Mail, Sun, Times etc). They do all have something in common though: when it comes to 'Asian issues' they have, like imperial British, discovered that the best way of legitimising their views is through a member (read lackey) of the community in question. Hence we have Sunny Hundal and various other non-entities becoming minor celebrities despite their intellectual shortcomings and drastic lack of knowledge on the communities they pontificate to.

Obviously this isn't the way for Sikhs to react but that was just a example of what the media is. What is needed is an organisation similar to the Muslim Public Affairs Committee UK. Although that organisation is Islamist in nature but they are young and articulate and have virtually taken over from the 'usual suspects' like the MCB as the people that the media go to for reactions regarding any Muslim issues that are the news of the day.

Yes and no. MPAC is a poor example to use. They are a run by complete morons; Asghar Bukhari has zero credibility in the eyes of the powers and the media and he has been completely discredited through his overt anti-Semitism. However, where they succeed and an organisation like the Sikh Federation fail is in their ability to tap the youth and get them engaged in some sort of political process. The Sikh Federation is too parochial, exclusivist, puritanical and religious.

If we are to rise out of our slumber we must create an organisation that seeks to be as representative of as many Sikhs as possible.

You seem to have tactical stance and diplomacy view on this, can I ask what step should we take then, if there is more ways to skin cat? Could you expand and give some solutions? I know you said something about an organisation, but what is Sikh Coalition organisation doing on this? Any further solutions?

[Muzumdar]

You seem to have tactical stance and diplomacy view on this, can I ask what step should we take then, if there is more ways to skin cat? Could you expand and give some solutions? I know you said something about an organisation, but what is Sikh Coalition organisation doing on this? Any further solutions?

I have already highlighted the need for a robust and erudite intellectual response – on blog, websites, wherever – as opposed to the emotional vitriol that has become all too familiar.

Asides from this - and I do not wish to go into details because these are critical times for the Quam and there are things that just shouldn’t be discussed on websites - I can only say that there are people right now working underground (in as much as they are working out of the limelight) to radically change the fate of Sikhs in this country (UK).

I suppose you are asking: what can the ordinary Sikh on the street do to help? We are an amazing people; we have overcome the most brutal hardships and have continually succeeded in practically all spheres of life. We are extremely successful businesspeople, we have a massive educational level amongst our number and we are generally well loved by our neighbours. It is time to put this education, money and good will to use.

The biggest practical step ordinary Sikhs can take is to educate themselves on the nuances of the problems that pervade our global community and use their energy, time and money in eradicating these ills.

In sum: it is time to get selfish. No more tears over the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, the so called plight of the Palestinians. No more wasted energy trying to make the world a better place. Let us better ourselves first.

I apologise if these suggestions seem opaque but do not despair; there are people working overtime for the betterment of all of our people. Our time will come again.

There is one point in the Radio 4 programme that struck a cord with me; the Sikhs are at a crossroads. I can assure you that the guidance that will come for the Quam will be sufficient enough to save us from our current peril.

[Hardeep__singh]

You seem to have tactical stance and diplomacy view on this, can I ask what step should we take then, if there is more ways to skin cat? Could you expand and give some solutions? I know you said something about an organisation, but what is Sikh Coalition organisation doing on this? Any further solutions?

I have already highlighted the need for a robust and erudite intellectual response – on blog, websites, wherever – as opposed to the emotional vitriol that has become all too familiar.

Asides from this - and I do not wish to go into details because these are critical times for the Quam and there are things that just shouldn’t be discussed on websites - I can only say that there are people right now working underground (in as much as they are working out of the limelight) to radically change the fate of Sikhs in this country (UK).

I suppose you are asking: what can the ordinary Sikh on the street do to help? We are an amazing people; we have overcome the most brutal hardships and have continually succeeded in practically all spheres of life. We are extremely successful businesspeople, we have a massive educational level amongst our number and we are generally well loved by our neighbours. It is time to put this education, money and good will to use.

The biggest practical step ordinary Sikhs can take is to educate themselves on the nuances of the problems that pervade our global community and use their energy, time and money in eradicating these ills.

In sum: it is time to get selfish. No more tears over the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, the so called plight of the Palestinians. No more wasted energy trying to make the world a better place. Let us better ourselves first.

I apologise if these suggestions seem opaque but do not despair; there are people working overtime for the betterment of all of our people. Our time will come again.

There is one point in the Radio 4 programme that struck a cord with me; the Sikhs are at a crossroads. I can assure you that the guidance that will come for the Quam will be sufficient enough to save us from our current peril.

Ok thanks for your reply, seems good, I hope and wait to see the Quam's response. I have emailed the article to every sikh I know and with a polite message to ask what should be done and be aware of this.

I will wait on Guru's Kirpa and Ardas which will be definately going on somewhere in the world be heard and our Quam will be saved from this evilness, may Waheguru guide us all in the right path.

Once again, thanks Veer ji, this has put my mind at peace.

[proactive]

Mazumdar,

On MPACUK, I disagree. The Bukhari may be guilty of anti-semitic remarks but it doesn't matter whether the organisation has any credibility with the powers that be or the media. What is important is that they are able to get airtime each time there is a Muslim issue in the news. If you are articulate and able to express your views pro or against anything then credibility in the media isn't worth much as the important constituency are the viewers whose views on a particular subject you are able to shape. Bukhari has some obnoxious views and he is an Islamist playing taqqiya with the media but his face has pretty much replaced that other equally obnoxious Bunglawala.

[SaRpAnCh]

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseacti...logID=362229235

[Muzumdar]

Mazumdar,

On MPACUK, I disagree. The Bukhari may be guilty of anti-Semitic remarks but it doesn't matter whether the organisation has any credibility with the powers that be or the media. What is important is that they are able to get airtime each time there is a Muslim issue in the news.

Airtime on its own is meaningless unless the people speaking are able to string a coherent and erudite sentence together. Not a single Sikh organisation in the UK, or the world, can do this or has the credibility or mandate to do this.

Why? Because no single Sikh organisation/individual has been able to capture the imagination of the Sikh masses. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the last Sikh to have this all-encompassing ability.

In order to make a meaningful - and by that I mean make a difference, rather than simply talk the talk - contribution to a community three things are needed:

1) Some sort of popular mandate.

2) Media on your side.

3) Legitimacy in the eyes of the powers.

Otherwise you can go on TV thrice a week - like Amjad Choudahry used to - and get laughed off air each time.

If you have the above three, not only will people listen to what you have to say, but they will hopefully act on what you are saying.

If you are articulate and able to express your views pro or against anything then credibility in the media isn't worth much as the important constituency are the viewers whose views on a particular subject you are able to shape.

But the constituency isn't' stupid; if you come across as an anti-Semitic headcase you are doing your community more harm than good.

Similarly, if a Sikh comes across as a religious nutter on TV he isn't doing your average Sikh on the street any favours.

Bukhari has some obnoxious views and he is an Islamist playing taqqiya with the media but his face has pretty much replaced that other equally obnoxious Bunglawala.

This is true but like I said: so what?

The man has nothing new to say whatsoever and people can see through him. This is evidenced in what he has done for the perception of Muslims in this country: nothing.

[lsingh]

It is interesting to see Bassey was helped by human rights organisations to get released from Pakistan where he was arrested. Organistions he forgot about in his documentary when it comes to Sikhs

http://www.rsf.org/print.php3?id_article=2195

Also didn't Sunny Hundal sound like one of the 'Init' boys from the comedy Goodness Gracious Me

[SaRpAnCh]

It is interesting to see Bassey was helped by human rights organisations to get released from Pakistan where he was arrested. Organistions he forgot about in his documentary when it comes to Sikhs

http://www.rsf.org/print.php3?id_article=2195

Also didn't Sunny Hundal sound like one of the 'Init' boys from the comedy Goodness Gracious Me

Sunny Hundal has only come from India recently and thinks he knows A-Z of the UK Sikh community,

Each person should get their local sangat to continue to complain,the only worry I have is that the programme will be re broadcast, on Sunday - more people will pick up on it,- I don't need to explain the outcomes of this as it has been explained before, we need to unite on the issuse,and I ask all of you to get your local Sikh groups to make press releases and make contact with each other,still waiting for Sikh Federation to say something - as they have the governmental contacts to help us and also they are the main Sikh Political group in the UK who has contact with govt,media and so on.

[SaRpAnCh]

Press Complaints Commision response - in ref to The Sun Newspaper story

'''Thank you for your email

Given that this article merely reflects the content of a radio programme, it may be appropriate for you first to pursue your complaint with the BBC and OFCOM. At the end of that process, you may then revert to us with a complaint.

Yours sincerely

Patrick Evenden ''

PATHETIC

SIKH FEDERATION RELEASES STATEMENT FINNALY

Uk Sikhs Objects to BBC' Program on Sikh 'Extremism'

Thursday 28th of February 2008

The Sikh Federation

London, UK - The Sikh Federation (UK) and Sikhs in the UK that have contacted the Federation for advice have strongly objected to the BBC making this programme as described above. There has been considerable correspondence with both David Lewis the Producer and David Ross the Editor in the last ten days.

The Federation has written to express its disappointment at the BBC decision to produce a programme about ‘Sikh extremism’ that ‘risks discrediting an important law-abiding faith and ethnic minority community and its members that have often in recent years been innocent victims of the changed circumstances since 9/11.’

The Federation has requested an explanation as to: ‘what recent specific events have led BBC Radio 4 to produce such a programme at this time about Sikhs and if the BBC is producing similar programmes examining militancy or criminal activity in other faith communities.’

The BBC has been told it is risking its impartiality if it is unwilling to cover known militant elements or criminal activities in other communities and its actions could be construed to represent institutional racism towards Sikhs who are not only a major faith group but also a recognised ethnic group protected by existing race laws.

The Sikh Federation (UK) and many others have therefore refused to co-operate in the making of this particular programme by giving any on-the-record interviews. However, we understand some Sikhs may have been misled by the reporter and given interviews that they have then tried to withdraw, while some others who have little experience in giving interviews or are seen as mavericks have seen this as an opportunity for some limelight without considering the wider implications for the reputation of the Sikh community.

The BBC has claimed to have come across disturbing evidence about UK-based Sikh groups. The Federation has suggested the BBC pass this information to the police so they can arrest, charge and prosecute those they think are participating in criminal activities. The police will be better able to separate sensational media reporting, based on rumours and hear say, from evidence that can be used to prosecute individuals that may be involved in criminal activities.

The Federation and others have said they will be closely examining the programme to see if it is fair and balanced and will not hesitate to take legal action if it is deemed the reporting is unfair, biased and produced with a lack of specific evidence. The Federation has also stated that vague phrases like 'supporters' cannot be used to lay allegations against UK-based Sikh groups or their members without evidence of the organisation being directly involved or condoning alleged criminal behaviour.

BBC Radio 4’s approach to the Sikh community and Sikh organisations is disappointing. Listen to the programme and if you find that the reporting is biased and based on unfounded/unverifiable allegations do not hesitate to complain to OFCOM as the BBC is required to comply with the Broadcasting Code. You can also complain directly to the BBC.

1) Make an immediate complaint after the programme is broadcast by ringing OFCOM on 020 7981 3040. You can also complain to the BBC by ringing 08700 100 222. Please encourage to ring. We need hundreds of people to ring immediately after the programme and keep this going for at least 24-48 hours.

2) Also for those of you with Internet access use the following link to make a written complaint to OFCOM www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/progs/specific/ . A written complaint can also be made to the BBC using the same link or www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/make_complaint_step1.shtml

Given what we already know about the programme you may be able to make the following key points to OFCOM and the BBC. Use some of the words in bold. The references in [brackets] are to the Broadcasting Code. The programme was:

Discriminatory

Inaccurate/Biased

[5.1 News, in whatever form, must be reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality]

Misleading

[2.2 Factual programmes or items or portrayals of factual matters must not materially mislead the audience]

Misrepresented views and facts

[5.7 Views and facts must not be misrepresented. Views must also be presented with due weight over appropriate timeframes]

[7.14 Broadcasters or programme makers should not normally obtain or seek information, audio, pictures or an agreement to contribute through misrepresentation or deception]

Unfair

[7.1 Broadcasters must avoid unjust or unfair treatment of individuals or organisations in programmes]

[7.9 Before broadcasting a factual programme, including programmes examining past events, broadcasters should take reasonable care to satisfy themselves that:

* material facts have not been presented, disregarded or omitted in a way that is unfair to an individual or organisation; and

* anyone whose omission could be unfair to an individual or organisation has been offered an opportunity to contribute.]

[7.11 If a programme alleges wrongdoing or incompetence or makes other significant allegations, those concerned should normally be given an appropriate and timely opportunity to respond]

[7.12 Where a person approached to contribute to a programme chooses to make no comment or refuses to appear in a broadcast, the broadcast should make clear that the individual concerned has chosen not to appear and should give their explanation if it would be unfair not to do so]

The following rule in the Broadcasting Code is also relevant:

[5.2 Significant mistakes in news should normally be acknowledged and corrected on air quickly. Corrections should be appropriately scheduled]

Freedom of expression is at the heart of any democratic state. However, with such rights come duties and responsibilities.