SPEAKING SKILL TERM 4 – WEEK 2: URBAN CHALLENGES

EXTRA ACTIVITY – WHEN CULTURES CLASH

Use the following text as clues for your group discussion.
Add your own background knowledge and personal experience as you wish.
Multiculturalism and Clothing
Wearing medals he had earned fighting in the British Eighth Army in North Africa in World
War II, Pritam Singh Jauhal, a 73-year-old Canadian citizen, marched in a Canadian Veterans
Day parade. Later he and five other Sikh veterans were to attend a commemorative gathering
at the local Royal Canadian Legion hall in Vancouver. However, when they tried to enter, they
were not allowed in because the dress code does not allow headgear and the men were wearing
turbans.
Sikhs are a religious group that began in India. For practicing Sikh men, wearing a turban over
their uncut hair is a requirement. Thus, because the turban is required, Mr. Jauhal and his
colleagues refused to remove their turbans at the legion hall. Mr. Jauhal stated, ‘Since we all
fought together in the battle against the common enemy, why should we not be able to go like
brothers into one room? They are being disgraceful and disgusting.’ Other Sikhs said that they
heard no objections to their turbans while they were fighting in the wars and wonder why they
should hear them now. Furthermore, the Sikhs add that the legion specifically opened its doors
to veterans from all countries on Veterans Day.
The other veterans say they are showing respect to Queen Elizabeth II by removing their
headgear. In the past, the Queen has met with Sikhs wearing turbans without being offended.
Though she is aware of the current problem, Buckingham Palace says that she does not wish to
get involved in this particular controversy.
The national Canadian Legion was embarrassed by the bad publicity and quickly issued an
order requiring that the 1,750 local branches not consider turbans to be headgear. However, a
few local branches have said they will not do so.
Excerpt from Discussion Starters (Folse 2010).
As a group, choose your most favourite question(s) below to focus on. You have 10 minutes to
prepare. During the discussion, please note that...
- The group leader helps monitor the discussion and makes sure everyone contributes.
- Other members should all take part and stay active.
- Be creative, spontaneous and interesting!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think the Sikhs in the news have a right to wear their turbans in the legion hall?
Why or why not?
2. Have you heard of any clothing customs around the world? Are there any clothing
requirements to follow in your country?
3. What are the reasons for clothing requirements in some cultures?
4. Does the majority have the right to make certain rules about customs even though they
violate someone’s religious beliefs?
5. Beside potential clashes in clothing traditions, what other challenges does a
multicultural society face?