Sikhism (pronounced "Sick-ism") originated in the state of Punjab, which today spans the border between both Pakistan and India, in the early 16th century. It began in an era that was dominated by the presence of Islam and Hinduism, and as a result, Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the creator of Sikhism) and his followers were subject to the constant threat of coercion into conversion, which still continues today.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the subsequent nine Gurus outlined and established the definition of what it means to be a Sikh. The main beliefs of Sikhism include:

1. Ik Onkar: God is one, for all individuals of all religions. God is without gender and physical manifestation.

2. Salvation: It is the ultimate goal, but it is thwarted by engaging in acts of bad karma like lust, greed, pride, and anger. Until we free ourselves of these sins we are trapped in an endless cycle of reincarnation.

3. Seva: The Punjabi term "Seva" means selfless service, and is expected from all Sikhs. One form of Seva popular to the religion is the providing of free, fresh meals at all Gurudwaras, the place of Sikh worship, to all individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, and creed.

4. Equality: One unique aspect of Sikhism is the rejection of caste systems, like those found in Hinduism, and instead the belief in the idea that all humans are equal to one another and therefore discrimination based on any factor, including gender, is not allowed. All individuals should be treated with respect and a peaceful demeanor.

5. Perhaps the most stressed aspect of the religion is that all Sikhs should wear the five K's, which include "Kesh" (having uncut hair, which must be covered, "Kanga" (comb for cleanliness), "Kachera" (underwear, to avoid lust), "Kirpan" (sword, for self-defense), and the "Kara" (a steel bracelet worn for protection and for the constant reminder of our close bound connection to God). It is difficult for many Sikhs to don all five in today's society due to persecution and xenophobia, but many Sikhs still display their turbans and karas proudly.

The reason why I felt obligated to write this article now was due to the recent event of comedian Jess Hilarious posting her racist rant about Sikhs online. She posted a video on her Instagram zooming in on a group of Sikh men boarding a flight and then flipped the camera to tell viewers that she felt "threatened" by their presence on the plane. The men were later kicked off the flight, which she claims to have no affiliation with.

The Sikh community was not angered by her mistaking of Sikhs as Muslims, but rather her sheer ignorance and blatant xenophobia. Sikhs are not even allowed to wear objects of religious importance without having to worry about close-minded individuals like her. My own brother, compelled by the beliefs and actions of xenophobes like her, cut his hair and stopped wearing his turban, especially after the rise in anti-Sikh and anti-Muslim violent acts after 9/11.

Sikhs have been constantly oppressed and persecuted ever since our origination, and to add insult to injury we still are not wholly recognized and accepted as a religion. When my friends ask me about my religion, I am happy to teach them, but Sikhism is definitely lacking universal recognition and should be something taught in schools. Maybe just a bit of the vast amount of time dedicated to teaching students about Christianity could be used for that.

I am incredibly proud to be a Sikh, will always wear my Kara with this feeling.