In The Light We Give Sim Shot Sing Analysis

Sarah Zappa McNabb FYS 13 August 2024 The Light We Give In The Light We Give, Simran Jeet Singh vividly illustrates the profound impact of fear, misunderstanding, and violence on the Sikh community through his recounting of two particularly striking events: the 2012 Oak Creek Gurdwara massacre and the lesser-known but significant experience of a violent attack on a Sikh temple in 1984, often referred to as the “lesser Holocaust”. Through these narratives, Singh aims to deepen our understanding of the systemic violence faced by Sikhs and how their faith traditions guide them through such trials. Both experiences are memorable and illustrative due to their harrowing nature and the ways in which Singh reflects on them through the principles of

The event is striking due to its sheer brutality and the fact that it occurred in a place of worship. Singh says “Two conflicting feelings rushed over me that day; I was shocked by the news and at the same time completely unsurprised. Unsurprised because I have been collecting anecdotal evidence of the racist violence throughout my life, building a mental archive of all the worst memories I would have rather forgotten”(page 74). Singh describes the deep sense of grief and shock within the Sikh community, highlighting the personal and collective trauma inflicted by such violence. This incident was inflicted by violence. This incident illustrates the extreme end of the spectrum of fear and misunderstanding that Sikhs face, revealing the urgent need for empathy and greater awareness about Sikh identity and values. In reflection on the Oak Creek tragedy, Singh explores how Sikhism principles of forgiveness and compassion were embodied in the community’s response. He states “Even when we’re targeted and killed, and even when we have people’s sympathies, we still don’t get the dignity of being acknowledged and understood for who we

Similarly, Singh discusses the violent attacks against Sikhs during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India, often referred to as the “lesser Holocaust”. This period was marked by widespread violence against Sikh’s, including the destruction of gurdwaras, killings, and forced displacement. This event is striking due to the nature of the attacks, which were orchestrated with political motivations and deep-seated prejudice. So, “because Sikhs staunchly insisted on standing up against injustice and inequalities, the rulers of the day focused on persecuting Sikhs such that their numbers dwindled into the low thousands”. (page 77) Singh uses this historical context to illustrate the long-standing challenges Sikhs have faced, including persecution and the struggle for recognition and justice. Singh reflects on the 1984 attacks through the lens of Sikh resilience and the ongoing quest for justice. He says “Even now, I think about this story often, grateful that I’m not being hunted down and inspired to live with fearlessness and