[www.petitiononline.com]
Dear Organizers of the Spinning Wheel Film Festival (WWW.SikhWheel.Com),
We are writing to you in regard to the current poster being used to advertise the 2008 Spinning Wheel Film Festival. We humbly request you to carefully consider the image being promoted. The "superheroes" portrayed are far from being a positive image of Sikhs. Though the intention may have been to generate excitement and pride amongst Sikhs and to show the general public that Sikhs too have superheroes amongst them, we must ensure that the image being promoted in fact matches the actual character and virtues of a Sikh that Guru Granth Sahib and our history portrays. The excellence of character that identifies a Sikh as superhero is to be revealed both in visible and inner virtues. Chivalry, modesty in thought, word and action along with selfless service to humanity in spirit, matching the life of Guru Sahib are alone the hallmarks of a Sikh.

The current poster diminishes Sikh identity by playing fast and loose with Sikh Rehat Maryada in presenting the lead male and female characters as superheroes and role models. They appear more as villains, abandoning the true Sikh virtues. Going about "saving the world" with the hair uncovered is far from being obedient to Sikh Rehat and to the visible identification as a Gursikh. The Kirpan is supposed to be worn in a Gatra, not attached to a belt. Furthermore, pierced ears as in the case of the young girl are not in the spirit of how Sikhs should raise their children towards principled Sikh living.

Most troubling of all is the dramatic clothing and poses portrayed by the four characters. There is an unwholesomeness and shallowness that reeks of the typical [B-H]ollywood-type depiction of men, women and children and debasement of true human nature. It is unfortunate that the mainstream culture is flooded with such images on billboards, movie and television screens, and in print advertisement. These images incite immorality in all segments of society - young and old, male and female of any faith. It is against this backdrop of media and social decadence that the outstanding Sikh virtues of unique visible identity, maintenance of natural form and modesty of character should be promoted.

Sikh identity projects a vision of uniqueness, unalloyed wholesomeness, trustworthiness and humility that acts as a beacon to all to turn to. When Sikhs already have their own prescribed dress and way of living that exudes grace and spiritual refinement. It promotes a modest lifestyle, and the social welfare through selfless service, where is the need to ape the street culture of tights, revealing cuts and egoistic-attitude.

Particularly as these cartoon characters represent as role models - popular icons, they become a powerful force capable of creating lasting biased images and attitudes about Sikhi in the minds of those unfamiliar with true Sikh values and identity. As the 2008 SWFF poster can promote true Sikh character, it can misrepresent towards un-Sikh character. Sikhs already have their own heroes in the example of Guru Sahib and in the lives of Sikhs who lived emulating Guru Sahib. Let us not adopt false heroes who cast aside the example of Guru Sahib and project a shallow reflection of Sikh character.
Please, with the above in mind, we urge you to consider this matter seriously and replace the current 2008 poster with one that is representative of the true superhero character of Sikhs.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned