I love Infographics and this one on ‘white privilege’ is really good. However, the downside of this kind of pedagogical method is that it can oversimplify what are often very complex and contingent ideas. White privilege is real but whiteness is a social construct. That means that whiteness functions as a kind of floating signifier that has no meaning for or of itself.
Floating signifiers have a wide range of meanings and can be easily manipulated or filled with different connotations based on the context in which they are used. They lack fixed or stable meaning and depend on the interpretation of the audience or users. First introduced by French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and later developed by scholars in fields like semiotics, cultural studies, and critical theory, floating signifiers are seen as key elements in the construction of meaning and the dynamics of power, as they enable the creation of narratives, ideologies, and symbolic systems that shape social reality.
Whiteness as a floating signifier has been explored and critiqued by scholars in fields like critical race theory, postcolonial studies, and cultural studies. By examining how whiteness operates as a floating signifier, these scholars seek to unveil the ways in which race is constructed, racial hierarchies are maintained, and social injustices are perpetuated. In this context, whiteness, can operate in multiple ways, but most typically as a synonym for ‘normality’, ‘goodness’, ‘beauty’, ‘rationality’, ‘purity’, ‘entitlement’, etc.
The flexibility of whiteness as a floating signifier allows it to serve various functions. It can be used to reinforce existing power dynamics, maintain social hierarchies, or uphold systems of privilege. At the same time, it can be deconstructed to reveal the arbitrary nature of racial categorisations.
And so whilst I mostly agree with the conception of ‘white privilege’ offered in the infographic, I feel there are five questions that I would pose for reflection on the use of the concept of white privilege more generally:
1: It is focussed mostly on behavioural and attitudinal concerns/remedies without helping us to understand the production and reproduction of privilede within political and economic structures of society. In other words how ‘white privilede’ functions at a structural level.
2: It doesn’t offer any theory of history and culture that can help us to make sense of the discursive aspects of white privilege and dominance.
3: It assumes we know what is meant by ‘white people’ and who is a ‘white person’!
4: It fails to help us situate ‘non-white’ privilege and the historic role of black/brown elites and whiteness.
5: I doesn’t really address the way whiteness or more actuators ‘coulourism’ operates across and within racialised groups as well as caste and class based discrimination, for example in India
Gurnam Singh is an academic activist dedicated to human rights, liberty, equality, social and environmental justice. He is an Associate Professor of Sociology at University of Warwick, UK. He can be contacted at Gurnam.singh.1@warwick.ac.uk
* This is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Asia Samachar.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Daughter / Son in law Gurdev Kaur / Navin Sharma (Singapore)
Grand daughters Brienda and Hariena
Brothers / Sisters in law Late Pritam Singh (India) Amrik Singh (Chief Inspector (R) Port Dickson) / Sarjit Kaur Late Balbir Singh Sharma (Police Makamah KL) / Lakshmi Balbir Sharma (Ex RMAF) Late Manjit Singh Late Sukhbir Singh
Sisters / Brothers in law Amrik Kaur Late Jasbir Kaur (India) / Late Amar Chand Sharma Prem Kaur (Ret teacher SK La Salle – Ipoh) / Terlok Chand Sharma (Ex lecturer Maktab Perguruan Kinta – Ipoh) Late Inderjit Kaur
Deeply missed by Nephews and Nieces.
Path da Bhog: 22 July 2023 (Saturday), from 10am to 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Muar
| Entry: 11 July 2023 | Source: Family
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
After unbeaten Sri Lanka and the Netherlands qualified for the ICC World Cup Cricket Tournament 2023, an 11-member team from among the players who participated in the World Cup Qualifying tournament has been chosen. There are three players from each of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands who have been selected in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 Team of the Tournament.
Champions Sri Lanka see bowling duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana make the cut alongside opener Pathum Nissanka, while fellow qualifiers Netherlands are represented by all-rounders Vikramjit Singh and Bas de Leede along with captain Scott Edwards.
Vikramjit Singh (326 runs at 40.75 and six wickets) is incidentally only Sikh player in the team.
Hosts Zimbabwe also have three selections, including Player of the Tournament Sean Williams, while Scotland contribute the remaining two.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
With profound grief and sorrow, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Beloved Daughter Raj Deep Kaur d/o Charan Jeet Singh & Kulwinder Kaur on 9th July 2023.
Deeply missed by all family members and siblings.
Path da Bhog: 22 July 2023 (Saturday), from 9.10am to 12pm, at Gurdwara Sahib Pulapol, Kuala Lumpur
For any inquiries, please contact Charan Jeet Singh at 016 926 2144
| Entry: 10 July 2023; Updated: 13 july 2023 | Source: Family
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Last respects details: 10 July 2023 (Monday), from 10:00 am to 11:45 am, at Shamshan Bhoomi, Jalan Loke Yew, Crematorium, Kuala Lumpur
Saskaar / Cremation: 12:00 noon, 10 July 2023 (Monday)
Akhand Path commencing on Thursday, 13 July 2023 to Saturday, 15 July 2023 followed by the Path da Bhog from 9.30am to 11.30am at Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Author standing in front of a cherry blossom tree. Right: Sketch of a simal tree – Photo & sketch by Bhupinder Singh
By: Bhupinder ‘Bo’ Singh | Opinion |
INTRODUCTION
In the middle of March 2023, I was in Delhi and one morning I was in a car on the Ring Road going to meet someone. During the drive my eyes fell on the bright red, beautiful flowers of Simal tree. I also saw birds coming there attracted by its beauty and in hopes of finding food there. I was suddenly reminded of Guru Nanak Ji words enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) as:
“Simal rukh sarairaa at dheeragh at muchh. Oai j aaveh aas kar jaeh niraase kit. Phal phike phul bakabake ka(n)m na aaveh pat.” (SGGS, Pg. No. 470)
Translation: The Simal tree is straight as an arrow, it is very tall, and very thick (girth). But those birds which visit it in hopes of nourishment depart disappointed, as its flowers are unwholesome, fruit are tasteless, and leaves are not of any use.
Guru Ji used the metaphor of Simal to describe the haughty person. Bhai Gurdas J has further elaborated on the characteristics of Simal as under:
Translation: Tall, high, and luxuriant, the silk cotton tree seen (looking good) in the garden. It is proud of its stout trunk and deep roots. Its beautiful green leaves are adorable, it’s spread wide. It has attractive red flowers and insipid fruit; it fructifies in vain. Seeing it, the chirping green parrot gets deluded. But repents afterwards because it gets no fruit on that tree.
Exactly a month later, I found myself in Japan; where I was fortunate to see some Cherry Blossom blooming splendidly on the grounds of Todaiji Temple in Nara and further east in the old town of Naraijuku. The Cherry blossom season in Japan is around third week of March, but because of the mountainous region, having colder climate these were still in full bloom. I was elated and thankful that although the true Cherry Blossom season was over about a month earlier, I still got the opportunity to admire their beauty with my own eyes. I know that Cherry Blossom festivities are a big celebration in Japan ushering in the arrival of spring after the bitter, freezing, cold months of winter.
Suddenly a thought came to me that even in India where the Simal is native tree which blossoms for around spring time, why can’t we have our festivities like the Cherry Blossom festival?
Interestingly both these flowers have 5 petals and yellow anther. We need to make a start in some location, and as the word spreads not only more tourists will come to enjoy their beauty, but other cities would also like to have their own festivities around the spring blossoming of this bright flowering tree. Then the connection came to me that Simal can become the symbol of ushering in spring for us too. I was wondering about where the seed should be planted. Again, Guru Nanak words came to my rescue, as I started thinking that ideal place to start it will be a place associated with Guru Ji’s life and it should be Sultanpur Lodhi, where Guru Ji spent considerable time.
SULTANPUR LODHI
The town of Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab was founded by Bahlol Lodhi in 1443, during the rule of the Lodhi dynasty in India. Daulat Khan Lodhi, Nawab of Punjab had appointed Guru Nanak as his Modi (In-charge) of the state granary, and Guru Ji started his work life there. It is from here that Guru Ji embarked on his 4 long journeys called Udassis in 1504 to share his message with the masses. The town is situated on the south bank of the rivulet called Kali Bein. At present Sultanpur is promoted as a place for religious tourism, but that image will undergo a drastic makeover with spring celebrations.
SIMAL (also called Semal, Silk-Cotton tree)
The botanical name for this tree is Bombax Ceiba, also known as Silk-cotton tree. It comes alive as soon as spring season strikes the area. This usually happens at the beginning of Chet the first month as per Indian calendar (which is around middle of the March month). In many parts of the country, it is also celebrated as the start of the new year. There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement at ushering in the spring season as people are looking forward to seeing a relief from the chilly winter which keeps them indoors.
The Simal tree bears spectacular deep red flowers, which are very attractive so the birds’ throng to it in hopes of finding some food. It has a tiny capsule that contains white fibers like cotton when it is fully ripe. Cotton from the capsule is used as fabric filler for pillows, mattresses, and quilts. The fruit of this tree that comes in buds is cooked, eaten, and pickled in some parts, although that is not very common from my own personal experience.
Guru Ji viewed this tree as emblematic of an egoist person because the flowers, leaves and its fruit despite being very attractive in appearance, have insipid taste and insignificant nutritional value. The gorgeous looking flowers captures the attention with their beautiful and bright red colors only to disappoint as these cannot be put to good use. When the massive flower falls to the ground, it make a loud thud, sprinkling the ground with bright red and orange petals. The timing of blossoming of this tree coincides almost with the Cherry Blossom time in Japan, thus provides us with an opportunity for our own indigenous version of ushering in the spring. There is a lot of glamour associated with cherry blossoms in Japan, making it is integrally woven to their cultural fabric, which made me wonder if this can become an icon of ushering in the spring in India. Thus, we will have our own new addition to welcoming of the spring besides Holi celebration.
PROMENADE
Sultanpur being the town associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life makes it an ideal location to spread the teachings of Guru Ji through the symbolic tree, which Guru Ji metaphorically employed to convey a personality type. The tree is fire-resistant making it attractive to be used to line the banks of rivulet Bein like a Promenade. It will make that area an attractive spring destination of choice to brighten the day in the midst of bright red flowers. Imagine the early morning and evening landscape in March blooming with bright red flowers of Simal tree making it a cheerful “photo opportunity”. With smart phones now everyone has become photo enthusiasts. The Simal tree lined promenade can additionally be used to convey the messages of Guru Ji’s teaching on hoardings by having the quotes artistically displayed. They can provide a gentle reminder not become attractive for name sake only. This can become a beacon to spread the message of Guru Ji in a fun, and pragmatic settings outdoors. The message given to the visitors in such a setting can make a lasting impression on their minds.
Even the birds coming there and perching themselves on the tree branches will make it a must-visit spot for bird watchers. This attraction if developed aesthetically can grow over time to rival the famed Cherry Blossoms of Japan. It would be a home grown, unique type of experience for everyone to enjoy and bring back the cherished memories. The spectacular Promenade will provide employment to many who can gain employment in the hospitality industry, providing amenities, to vendors selling trinkets, souvenirs etc.
CONCLUSION
Such a plan will have a humble beginning with a small stretch becoming the nursery of the proposed concept. As the momentum is built over time, there will be many additional ideas which can be incorporated to increase its size and appeal. The organic growth of Promenade will make it bigger as the time elapses with more trees being planted and stretch of tree lined river bank growing on either end. The city planning authorities should be spearheading these development efforts and soon it could be a phenomenon itself that other cities will be vying to replicate.
Bhupinder ‘Bo’ Singh, Houston. Born in Bhamo, Myanmar, he now lives in Houston, US, where he runs a manufacturing company formed with his son. A mechanical engineer by training, he has authored a number of books, including Connecting with the Master – A collection of essays on topics related to Sikhism (2006) and In Bully’s Eyes – An Illustrated Children’s book on Bullying (2019).
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Your absence has left a void that can never be filled, but we find solace in the cherished moments we shared together. We honor your legacy by living each day with the same grace, strength, and compassion that defined you. We love you and miss you Mummy.
| Entry: 8 July 2023 | Source: Family
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
CH-47F pilot Lieutenant Jasvinderpal Singh (left) and CH-47F Air Crew Specialist, Second Warrant Officer Manivannan. PHOTO: NDP 2023 Exco
By Asia Samachar | Singapore |
Come this National Day Parade (NDP), Singapore will once again hit the ground and the air space with a dazzling display of its Total Defence Parade assets across its various defence outfits.
The republic’s 58th birthday celebration will be joined by the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Navy, the RSAF, the Singapore Police Force, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
LTA Jasvinderpal Singh (aka Jasvin) will be one of the participants in the air show. The 29 year-old will be flying the CH-47F, one of the RSAF’s newest assets.
“Coming back from the show centre, I have to fly past the Bukit Panjang estate where I stay,” LTA Jasvin tells Asia One in a report. “That is where I know my wife is always looking out the window to see me fly past. And every time I go home, there’ll always be some Insta-stories on social media about me flying past, and text from my friends within the area!”
Another Sikh who will be up in the air is LTC Rajpal Singh, 39, who will be piloting the lead CH-47SD in the State Flag Flypast segment.
“The clear challenge is making sure that the State Flag escorted by two AH-64D helicopters arrive at the show centre on time – and that is when the President arrives as the National Anthem is being played. We cannot afford to arrive too early or too late,” he tells Asia One.
He adds: “My wife and I are both very involved parents, and depending on our work schedules, we take turns to do the heavy lifting at home. For this year especially, I guess it helps a lot that my son and daughter are extremely proud of the fact that Papa is flying the flag!” he adds.
So, for those wanting to catch NDP 2023, make your way to the Padang on 9 Aug 2023.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
Aisha Wahab (left) met a large a group of people in Fremont, California, in support of SB403, the bill to end caste discrimination in California – Photo: Aisha Wahab/Twitter
By Sameea Kamal | CalMatters | United States |
An effort to ban caste discrimination in California survived in committee today, despite months of opposition organized by groups that alleged the bill would unfairly target South Asians.
Senate Bill 403, authored by Fremont Democratic Sen. Aisha Wahab, would add caste — a centuries-old social hierarchy system that has historically determined what jobs or education people can attain — to the list of protected classes in the state’s civil rights, employment and housing laws, alongside race, gender and sexual orientation.
What would be the first law of its kind in the nation has been watered down somewhat, but was approved in a 9-0 vote by the Assembly Judiciary Committee and now goes to the full Assembly. The Senate approved a similar version by a 34-1 vote in May.
The bill that passed through the committee today includes amendments added over the weekend that categorize caste as a subset of ancestry — an already protected trait under state anti-discrimination laws. Wahab accepted that amendment, saying it represented a concept of the bill her office “discussed at length weeks ago.”
But the senator rejected earlier suggestions from Assembly Judiciary Chairperson Brian Maienschein, a San Diego Democrat, to remove the word “caste” from the bill and replace it with “inherited social status.”
“SB 403 will end caste discrimination. The definition and protections included in this bill will protect millions,” Wahab said in a statement after the committee’s hearing, which drew around 200 people representing both sides.
Supporters say current laws don’t go far enough to protect against caste-based discrimination because it’s difficult to make such claims against an employer or potential landlord who may share the same race or national origin.
“SB 403 is a critical bill to make California a just and equitable place for all,” said workplace lawyer Tarina Mand, one of the two witnesses who spoke in support of the bill.
The bill to ban caste-based discrimination in California, SB 403, moved a little closer to passage on Wednesday (July 5) as the state Assembly’s Judiciary Committee passed the bill 9-0 with two abstentions. The measure, which has already passed the Senate, now heads to a vote in the full Assembly, where its opponents have vowed to “educate lawmakers on the issue” to avoid its passage.
As a Sikh American, I am no stranger to bias. Our community has experienced hate firsthand since our earliest arrival in the United States, from the anti-Sikh violence in Bellingham, Washington, in 1907 to more recent discrimination in the aftermath of 9/11. To those outside our community, this persecution may seem insignificant. But when it is you, your parents or your children who suffer, you gain an appreciation for the need to do anything you can to make society safer and more inclusive for all.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
