Viewer Comments - Orlando, Florida

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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.

"Valarie,

I am still talking about your touching and insightful film that I saw on Saturday evening. This film is a must for our children all to see and discuss. The way we eradicate hate, prejudice, and ignorance is through education. My feeling is that you should distribute this film to every high school in the US. I know that that is not possible and is a great expense but I think we can start at a grassroots level and expose this wonderful film of yours.

As I said in the discussion after the film, I was touch by the universal message that we all can do something to make this a better world. I am an American born man of the Jewish faith. I lived in Israel for 6 years. I am the grandson of Eastern European immigrants that escaped persecution and the holocaust. Many of my family members were wiped out by the mere fact that they were different.

We must all unite against bigotry and hate. Just like the minister from the interfaith council said so prophetically in the film….We should all unite around the Sikh community and wear turbans, so did the King of Sweden make a stand for his Jewish subjects in not being deported by the Nazis. In defiance he wore a yellow star as did all Swedes so that the Nazis could not distinguish between Jew and Gentile. This story always has stayed with me. I use this example when I teach the lesson of bravery and how one individual can make a difference. The king and the Swedish people brought light to this dark period of history and made such a difference. Our faith teaches us, 'If you save one life, it is as if you have saved the world.'

Let me know how I could personally help and spreading your message and your lesson of faith and love to our younger generation."

Jordan Miller
Owner, Money Mailer of Central Florida
Global Peace Film Festival
Orlando

"Thank you for your tender presentation of the effects of ignorance and fear on the lives of victims and survivors of hate crimes. It was authentic, not angry; consequently, the raw truth is revealed. My heart is opened by the stories of your film, and I'm moved to learn more about how we can unite."

42-year-old female, Caucasian, Buddhist, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"Amazing film! I hope the whole world watches it, or -- at least -- all of America. :O) As a white "dude," I did not suffer hate from others, but I did have friends (roommates from UAE with whom I stayed with after being advised to stay indoors after 9/11. I am glad there is a film that brings this to light. :O)"

30-year-old male, Latino, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"My story is set in India. I remember 1984 and Indira Gandhi's assassination but I am from Calcutta and did not know about the 1984 riots mainly in Delhi. Cut to 20 years later -- I now live and work in Delhi and routinely tease my friend Manjit with "sardar jokes." [A "sardar" is a Sikh man who wears a turban.] Anyhow we are all sitting around one evening and Manjit suddenly gets really mad and walks out visibly upset. I follow him and for the first time in our five years of friendship, he tells me of being a four-year-old when the riots happened, and how his parents cut off his and his brother's hair in order to make them feel 'safe."' That was the first time I remember looking at Sikhs and thinking what it took for the them to assimulate to India!"

29-year-old female, East Indian/Hindu, agnostic, Indian citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"I admire your curiosity and courage. What an old soul resides in your youthful persona. Thank you for asking questions that are central to us all. Your film invited me to examine my own heart as well as my own flaws. Your film is a gift."

59-year-old female, Caucasian, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"I am totally aligned with the perspectives conveyed in this film. And yes, please try to drive the film into the schools."

60-year-old female, Caucasian/Italian-American, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"Great documentary and very informative. An Indian guy at my university was beat up after 9/11 simply because he was of 'brown skin.' This film hit home. Furthermore, my grandfather came to the USA in a steamboat and became a U.S. citizen... I am a second generation Indian American, and I could relate to the story (your history) you shared."

24-year-old female, Indian, Hindu, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"Thank you for your film. I think you were not only telling the story of Sikhs in the U.S., but everybody who is in minority -- whether race, gender, or religious affiliation. Thank you."

28-year-old female, mixed (Asian/Hispanic/Caucasian), Jehovah's Witness, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"Valarie,

You deserve a standing ovation. This is a film that must be shown in every classroom of the U.S. so our children grow up without fear and racism.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE FOR THE U.S. AND YOUR FAITH IN YOUR RELIGION."

Preeti Bhutani
41-year-old female, Sikh, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"Civil rights are being dragged under our need for security. We "fight them here" so we don't have to fight them there. This attitude has made Americans value our lives more than somebody whose face we do not have to see.

As the mother of two grown sons, one who wears a beard, I am constantly worry about them being stopped at airports, detained. What I would like to see is an end to ignorance and lies about what America truly is. We are a nation of tolerance who have become blind to this fact.

As long as we are willing to give up our freedoms to be safe, we will not be safe or free. Prejudice is something I have seen in India also."

64-year-old Asian Indian, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"Valerie said this back page is for 'my story.' I feel humbled to have to admit I do not have any stories which show discrimination, ignorance, etc against me. Therefore I vow to open up to all around me, to simply greet people and smile, in an endeavor to carry on the education I have received via this film."

57-year-old female, white/Caucasian, Buddhist, British citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"A powerful documentary... don't believe its inherently different anywhere... 1984 in Delhi (as your movie); 1993 in Mumbai; 7/7 in the U.K. The key challenge is to move away from religion and country to origin to being in the here and now... as world citizens..."

Naresh N Sharani
44-year-old male, Indian citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"A theme that was not brought out much was what do the common people do with their feelings of outrage after the initial terrorist act, in light of the fact that 99% are not involved in the justice process? I and my family lived in Kenya when the embassy was bombed in 1998. In that incident and in 9/11 both, nobody could catch the real culprits, to pour out justice where it really belonged. So they turned on each other, anyone who was 'handy.' In Kenya we saw and heard people say it was America's fault for being so 'bad' that terrorists wanted to punish us! -- and, significantly, catch Africans in the crossfire. They insisted America pay all damages as if we were the culprits -- which we did, just out of decency. This generalizing of outrage and frustrated justice is typical human and part of the reason for the violence that occurred after 9/11 -- NOT to excuse it!"

50-year-old female, Caucasian, Christian, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"I really enjoyed the film. This film is a wonderful teaching tool for people of all ages and races. I'm glad you included the Japanese 'interment' camps. Thank you for your dedication."

27-year-old male, white, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"I must congratulate you for having made this instructive documentary at a young age. Hope every person in America sees this film and learns from it."

Pralep Kale
71-year-old male, Hindu, Indian, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"My story: Although I was nowhere near NYC on 9/11/01, just by the fact that I was perceived to be different and might be in danger, my family, particularly my DAD was so petrified that he passed away 10 days later on 9/21/01!! Albeit, he had a weak heart, but all the fear perhaps made it weaker. Bless you!"

Amita Engineer
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"I wish you the best with this film and your personal journey in life. You have educated people and made an impact on society's views."

30-year-old female, East Asian, Sikh, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"I hope a lot of people are able to watch this film. It is a great source to learn about different cultures and the society we live in. Everyone can learn something from this film."

24-year-old female, Indian, Hindu, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"Excellent we need to do a lot more on a continuous basis and work harder together on a national level for us and for our future generations."

46-year-old male, Sikh, American citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"You are a very intelligent and brave young lady. You have made a very powerful, emotional movie."

61-year-old male, Indian, Canadian citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"This was a nice insight on a cruicial topic and the necessity of the hour. Good job."

38-year-old female, Asian, Hindu, Indian citizen
South Asian Film Festival
Orlando

"The movie brought about a mix of emotions and questions. I was very unaware of the many stories that were told and have become compelled to ask questions and gain awareness. I'm blown away by the effort and pure honesty of the film. It is so painful to witness this aspect of the country I live in, however without education and attention nothing will change. The film opened my eyes to a new way of looking at the world in relation to me. Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication, it is greatly appreciated."