Brampton kirpan attack renews debate over Sikh daggers

Only a matter of time. Why couldn't they stick to machetes and 2x4's to settle religious disputes, as is their tradition?

I find it ironic that the attack was by one sikh on another, I wonder what religious repercussions will be laid on the agressor for misusing this supposidly "harmless religious symbol"
I don't agree with kirpans worn daily. I have sikhs working for me and none of them bring kirpans to work.

Its not ironic, if you read about the kirpan it is becoming symbolic and can be a small item or pin of one, but when push comes to shove they will use it as a weapon of defence.

What's funny to me (sad-funny, not ha-ha-funny), is that thpse who would ban the possession of the kirpan are the same people that support the lawful possession of concealed handguns.

In this case, a number of Sikhs have commented that this incident is going to deal a serious blow to their right to carry the kirpan. They're already acknowledging how badly this looks and that, they themselves would be skeptical if they were non-Sikhs.

Still...a lot of kirpans are worn and this is the first problem of heard of yet.

I met a really nice Sikh gentleman on a train in France in the early 90s.
This was around the time the question about kirpans in Ontario high schools popped up. I was relaying this to the gentleman and this is what he told me.
That some Sikhs that come here rely on our ignorance of their customs and religion.
The kirpan itself is generally ONLY worn at ceremony. In public, they generally carry a symbolic version of the kirpan. He showed me his kirpan that he carried around in public. It was a beautifully polished and carved piece of wood without a sharp, pointy end.

Who are these people you speak of?

T

Hmm..actually they all carry the kirpan all the time, its one of the five tenets of their faith.. you are referring to the longer ceremonial sword... but the kirpan is required to be worn at all times. Baptised Sikhs are bound to wear the Five Ks (in Punjabi known as pa�j kakk? or pa�j kak?r), or articles of faith, at all times. The tenth guru, Gobind Singh, ordered these Five Ks to be worn so that a Sikh could actively use them to make a difference to their own and to others' spirituality. The 5 items are: k?s (uncut hair), ka?gh? (small comb), ka?? (circular iron bracelet), kirp?n (dagger), and kacch? (special undergarment). The Five Ks have both practical and symbolic purposes.

My Pops folks came to the USA as WOPS meaning without papers, fron Italy. It was legal at that time.
Their intention was to become citizens as red white and blue as soon as possible.
Had they wished to remain poor Sicilian scratch dirt farmers they would have stayed home.
Don't understand people that cannot respect the ways of their new homes.
A mock dagger would serve. Or just doing without would work.
Religion is in the mind and heart.

Those who would support the freedom to carry a gun but not the freedom to wear a kirpan.

Well for one, they did and they didn't. I seem to recall that Italian-American was much more then a stereotype. They most certainly did not abandon their heritage or religion in any way shape or form. Instead they brought it with them and included it into what is now Americano.

While the Sicilian mafia isn't the best example it certainly shows that many did not abandon where they were from. Italians certainly didn't abandon their religious practices, neither did the Irish, or most recognizable christians from European origins. Its just that since they were all christian sects they weren't that overtly different. Catholics and Protestants certainly didn't abandon the aspects of their faith did they?

Its just that they are generally less visible then Sikhs unless you count the dress of priests and padres.

Point well taken DerbyX.
At least Pizza came much later as a fade. Discounting the fact that it had been in New York and Boston in very early years.
Soldiers after WWII brought the taste for it home after WWII and pizza suddenly became a part of USA culture.
And, don't forget PoP singers, Opera, Stone Masons and many other skilled tradesmen.
Am sure Italians have also added much to your Canadian culture.
As, have German, Sweden, French a few folks from USA and many more.
As in any good stew, a variety of foods makes the finished product.

So, I just had a conversation with 2 of the sikh guys here, they both showed me what they wear to work, it's a small kirpan worn on a chain around their necks, pretty much a pendant (bigger though) and completely harmless, couldn't even open a letter with it. They both have bigger ones for ceremonial purposes.

Myself, I would have no objection to someone who is permitted to carry a concealed firearm to also carry a kirpan.