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Amanda Gesine
22-year old Amanda, a college
student at Georgetown University
in Washington, DC, initiated the
idea for the film during a candlelight
vigilance attended by hundreds of
Sikhs in New York's Central Park,
five day after the Attack on America.
Talking with young Sikhs her own age, Amanda learned about the sudden racial
profiling, verbal abuse and physical assaults (over 295 reported attacks within
weeks) by fellow Americans, simply because Sikhs wore turbans and beards, for
religious reasons.
Together, they discussed the reason was sheer ignorance and fear. This film
represents the voice of young America - the white American, sheltered like
so much of American society behind a white picket fence.
Amanda speaks candidly of her view of the world, 'September 11 changed us all
- the question is whether it changed us for better or for worse?
It was not only a wake up call for everyone, but also a sense of innocence
lost and the coming of age for my generation.
Stories of cultural and religious diversities need to be told and, celebrated'.
The film spearheads the film/TV viewer for deeper understanding, remembrance,
forgiveness and healing around the country.
Why Produce Mistaken
Identity ?
In Amanda's Own Words
"... the opportunity to be part of this project was a dream come true. I
admit I knew nothing about Sikhs and Sikhism. But for me personally, it has been
an amazing journey of discovery.
If you grew up in a sheltered town like I did, you were not exposed to different
cultures.
A number of reasons why I am so committed to this project. We need to educate
all members of American society about Sikhs and look beyond physical appearances
and not judge people by the turban.
We have to come together as a country again - to celebrate the values that
we took for granted: national security, our safety, our homes, our morals,
our very ways of life, are being threatened.
This project really took off on 19th of September - 4 days earlier - on 15
September, I read about the senseless killing of Balbir Sodhi in Meza, Arizona
on the Internet.
He was shot because he was wearing a turban. I am very angry at the media.
They flashed pictures of terrorists and equated a style of dress: the turban
and beard with mass murderers.
Imagine growing up in a country and all of a sudden, you are scared of your
neighbors, catcalls, murderers .
You can't judge a book by its cover - there are too many tragedies because
people just assume and take out their hatred on innocent by-standers.
Imagine all of a sudden, you are looked at differently and accused of things
you've never done.
It is really amazing how much Sikhs suffered.
"Film and television are key to getting beyond the narrow-mindedness that
so many of us hold.
I know prejudices and bigotry are results of ignorance and fear. And I don't
mean that in a negative way - Ignorance is all over the place.
I hope people will view my personal discovery with the same joy and, move beyond
intolerance and hostility.
"Cultural Diversity in America - For me it is very important. And was one
of the major reasons why I switched schools.
I transferred to Georgetown University, Washington, DC, from the very private
Williamstown College in Massachusetts. Americans are so typecast, so stereotyped.
We know nothing about the rest of the world. I set out, not to be the typical
American.
So many of us are born and raised in one town and never leave it. Especially
in the mid-West and, I feel this is a huge loss.
I have learned so many things from other cultures and people. It has made my
life more fulfilled - listening to other people's views.
It has been a fascinating educational experience.
"Family values are very important to me. I feel very lucky to be very close
to my own family.
It is where I get a lot of my source of strength and confidence. My mother
and grandmother, who I am very proud to say, were teachers.
I don't know where I would be without the support of my family. I feel a lot
of American youth miss out on that nowadays.
So many teenagers are lost without family guidance. Education is important
to bring about change, contrary to what the media is telling children."
"Children are our future - I would like to see Sikh children grow up as
confident leaders and not to be scared of the place where they were born.
I mean, being scared of your homeland is unfathomable, just a huge tragedy.
They should not have to hide in
their homes and gurdwaras, (Sikh
temples) or not go to school, because
they are afraid of teachers and friends.
We need to address their voices.
I think doing this TV series, will helping people to understand their next
door neighbors, and hopefully make a change for the better.
The children are the future and therefore education about worldwide social
cultures and other religions will help to get rid of ignorance that leads to
prejudices and bigotry.
Educating people about diversified multicultures, like the Sikhs - we need
to re-introduce and re-enforce family morals and values to really appreciate
the little things in life."
Come on my film journey, learning about the Sikhs has helped me grow as a person.
I hope to make a difference because I believe in this project. If I can help
one person understand more about the Sikhs, I hope it will be a domino effect
to affect others.
Reach out to your Sikh neighbor. Respect them, we owe them this, because they
have every right to the freedom and security we cherish so much, as fellow
Americans.
A cherished colleague
and friend, "Mistaken
Identity" is Amanda's
legacy to America and
the world, due to a
tragic accident on
14 June 2002.
As our talented anchorwoman and investigative journalist, this was her first
major TV program completed after 9 months, during the springtime of her youth
and career.
Her presence is greatly missed by all who knew and, loved her, especially her
family, friends and business associates. |
