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Currently viewing: Clovis
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Note: Viewers defined their own race and religious affiliation in open-ended demographic questions - this information is intended to show the diversity of our audiences.

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"I can very well identify with this film since I was born in one of the WWII Japanese internment 'concentration' camps -- mine being on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Arizona. My parents told me stories of what had happened -- much of what was not learned written in our history books growing up in this country.

Thank you! These stories need to be told. If these lessons are not learned, then they can and will be repeated... due to ignorance. I enjoyed the film. Well done."

"This was a wonderful documentary. I can't wait to see it in the theaters. The world needs to see this film."

"Thank you for making this film. It is so important for Americans to see it. You and your crew are heroes, American heroes.

I was reluctant to come because of being biased. Thinking it wouldn't have the message it gave because you were from Clovis. I think of Clovis of being redneck. Thank you for giving me a different perspective. Bless you."

"Being a Japanese-American, I realize after seeing the film, that I should have tried to learn more about what happened to the Sikh community after 9/11. In the future I will try to be more proactive in my own education and advocacy for this community."

"Imagine how influential this documentary may be if the 2 hours I'd just experienced changed the way I've been thinking about civil rights for the past 15 years. Being a citizen born with black hair and a certain skin color, I felt the film truly bought out the truth in the events of our time. The prejudice, racism, discrimination... Valarie's story became my story. I'm very grateful for her successful 'history day' project."

"- Ignorance is harmful.
- I feel shame for the ignorance of my country.
- I felt shame in how many Christians portrayed ignorance.
- The Christian church I attend deals with graffiti weekly also.
- Anyone attacked is wrong -- I so agree with this.
- Outstanding film - so real.
- Responsibility of the individual in the machine - profound."

"In my high school career thus far, I have experienced amounts of prejudice due to my religious beliefs, or my lack of. I have had people attempt to convert me, people flat out telling me that I am wrong, and people insulting my opinion because of my belief. I have even had people call me Satanic. In the last two years, I have given up trying to fight these people. Now, I have begun to calmly express my beliefs when they try to give me theirs."

"I was also touched by History Day. Last year, I completed a documentary which centered around Raoul Wallenberg, a man who saved over 100,000 Jews during the Holocaust. Like you, I found that his story should be spread. I have been presenting my documentary film and a speech to community groups. Your film and comments have deeply inspired me to continue this work. Like you said, you've took on the ultimate history day project; you are an inspiration to me. Your film touched a chord deep within me -- I realized my own prejudice. Your film perfectly exposed the American spirit -- both good and bad. You brought light to needed areas. And your comments came straight from the heart. They truly made the message stick. I admire you and want to thank you for doing this."

"I think you struck hard at the core.

As an African American and a social psychologist, I've experienced racist attitudes of many Americans during the civil rights movement and to my regret, it still continues. My experience is that of the film."

"Valarie and director and Sonny,

Your film is reflecting of a passionate exploration that has resulted in a mature vision. Our hope is that the film will broaden the perspective of individual folks who react with fear and then, with anger and hate.

Especially important is the need for each of us to become more aware of our own limitations, our actions and our inactions. We live in an age of an increasing media monopoly also. I say, 'Bravo.'"

"I felt many of the same. It got so bad my parents told me to just say I'm Mexican.
Thank you. It was a great experience."

"Being Latino and being in education for 41 years, I have too many stories about the injustices done to our people in the educational community. What you showed in the film and what happened to your people has happened and continues to happen to the Latino community with President Bush's proposals to the immigration solution. Great job."

"As a teacher with many Sikh, Muslim, Buddhist, Animist, Christian and other students at Clovis East, I especially value what you've done to help overcome ignorance, fear, bigotry, racism, and hatred, and civil rights for all.

As a teacher and pastor involved in interfaith witness with Sikhs, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Unitarians, and others, I welcome what you've done for this community.

As a father and uncle of a Hmong daughter and African-American niece and nephew, I appreciate your family's support and love."

"I wish all of us would be more willing to stick our necks out to discover prejudices in American culture; not only for Sikhs but for all peoples. You have inspired me as a young person to look at others differently."

"What an inspiration! I hope that this film goes to theaters, and eventually DVD so that I can share it with everyone I know. This is such an important film to share! Stories can change the world!"

"My name is Eli Rodolfa, and I have been moved by this. Thank you. As a Philippine born Filipino I understand how you feel."

"The film was moving, educational, a pleasure to view. I definitely have a better understanding of what Sikhs and others have gone through post-9/11. I am optimistic that Americans are learning. More people are seeing, studying, and understanding people who are different from themselves."

"Flew to Toronto 10 days after 9/11. Got on plane in Fresno. A young man of Pakistani descent sat down and I watched many eyes go to him, including mine, feeling fear and suspicion. I felt angry for having that automatic reaction. It made me more conscious of living amidst the biases."

"I like this film. It touch my heart.

For me, I always think people all are the same.

We all need love, sincere, and helping. Everyone should realize that life is short, and everyone will die from this world know matter who you are. No one can't take anything with them when they died. All they need to do are loving each other, be nice to each other, forgive and go on in their life with smile and happiness and keep all the good thing with them when they leave from this world."

"My knowledge of hate crimes against Sikhs was very limited. I only know of what the media reported. I remember the newspaper printed examples of differenet ways a turban was wrapped to eliminate fear of all who wore them.

Working at a Clovis elementary school, I did hear of teasing and hate remarks toward Sikhs (from children). It was dealt with and not tolerated."

"Great portrayal. The media has its way of showing news which doesn't deal with race issues, but even more chillingly brainwashes the American public. We don't ask questions, nor are we encouraged to do so. We are a pathetically greedy society and this from a teacher of 38 years."

"A wonderful educational tool. The curriculum resources are a natural next step."

"Powerful message, especially the analogy of the cycle -- 9/11 (death) -- Sikh hate crime death - death of person who took Sikh's life. Very thought-provoking! Keep up the good work!"

"I was touched by your gracious honest open style that permeates your film."

"Very impressive to go from World History to natural filmmaker. Her personality really was very unchanged from her contributions way back when she was a sophomore back at Buchanan. A great way for a history teacher to spend an evening in Clovis."

"Thank you so very much for helping build a community of understanding, especially in Clovis."

"Valarie,

Your video does a great job in informing your audience about the Sikh community. Very interesting history and a nice tribute to your family.

My feeling is that conservative fundamentalists, including our President, have managed to avert their gaze from basic civil liberties, so that the people has become tolerant of intolerance.

Hopefully your video will be seen by a wider audience.

Best of luck."

"Hate crimes suffered:
1. Rejected by Harvard
2. Charged too much at various dining establishments
3. Attacked by vicious dogs"

"Valarie was a schoolmate and friend of our son, Wyeth Hansen. We have followed her accomplishments through the years and believe she has created something important and meaningful."

"Beautiful, powerful film. Thank you for sharing your message."

"You could feel Valarie's compassion and she is sincere."

"Awesome, excellent and empowering movie. Great job."

"Remember the Sikh ice cream man in Pinedale who bravely came out the day after Mesa, AZ."

"I really enjoyed watching the film."