"Thank you. The film was fabulous. I think it was really powerful to include the stories and interviews with the Japanese Americans who had been interviewed -- to demonstrate how extremely deep this problem runs in our history and how quickly people forget. And to draw that parallel with discrimination and attacks of 'retribution' against Sikh/Arab/Muslim Americans. I think so many Americans are only vaguely aware that these horrific acts of violence occurred in the months post-9/11 and putting faces on these stories is so so important. People need to be made aware and be encouraged to examine their own prejudices. Thank you. Thank you.

Also, Valarie and filmmaker people, I wanted to tell you all about a project I worked on. The events of 9/11 reverberated very deeply in my life as well. I was outraged by the rise in ethnocentricity and xenophobia across this country and I too tried to channel my anger positively. I started studying Arabic which led to extended stays abroad in Jordan, Syria, and Egypt. While in Jordan and Syria, I conducted interviews with people asking about their perceptions of Iraq/US relationship with Israel/perceptions of American culture, people, etc. I then created a website where the interviews are available for viewing -- it's supposed to be an educational tool for people in the U.S. -- www.arabperceptions.wordpress.com"

"My friend and I, my sophomore year in college (/04), went to the Minneapolis courthouse to watch some trials to critique what we saw for our criminal justice class. We had a camera to take pictures to present to class. A security guard stopped us and asked us what we were doing. We showed him our syllabus and student IDs and told him we were writing a paper about criminal justice for class. He called for backup and six police officers came, questioned us, detained us, and called different agencies to check our background... we were stopped and questioned for over 45 minutes..."

"This was an extremely powerful film, an extremely powerful evening for me. Your journey brought me back to those days and months after 9/11 and helped me see what was happening much more deeply than I have before. More than that, it helped me see America and its history in a much richer way that I ever have before. Thank you for making this film, for making this journey, and presenting this as you're doing.

I look forward to the release of the DVD. I'll want to share this in my college philosophy classes with my students."

"Thank you for educating me on the experiences of the Sikh community. It's alarming how easy it can be to exclude, to label, to judge... this movie is so important, it has shown me my own biases."

"My neighbor would stop by our home daily with articles focusing how we were together in our mourning. We would light a candle each night at the end of our driveways for two weeks to discuss how our days had been. I felt very supported as a Sikh family in a Caucasian suburbia! This film captured the essence of the community with respect to the emotions of fear.

Valarie -- you did a wonderful job - catching the fresh emotions. You are a wonderful voice; I hope that we can keep your light of knowledge glowing. It took a while for us to get comfortable going to shopping malls/groceries after 9/11."

"This film has a great message and provides insight into experiences which enlighten and educate us. It's sad how common discrimination is -- we so quickly pick 'the other' and only seem to learn what the 'other' is when it becomes us."

"First of all, this film was done exceedingly well. I thank and applaud Valarie Kaur for writing this. Although I knew vaguely about discriminations against Sikhs in America, I was not aware of the extent of it nor the violence that occurred. I was in 5th grade when Sept. 11 occurred, living in the growing suburb of Woodbury, MN. My school of Middletown Elementary was remarkably accepting, I suppose; never did I encounter discrimination at school. That's why I was shocked when my mom told me about a Sikh woman who was threatened in a nearby Rainbow Foods parking lot. I didn't really understand why she would be targeted. The first time I saw a photo of Bin Laden, I thought he looked like an uncle-ji or someone of a familiar Indian nature. The film opened my eyes even more to the troubles that many Sikhs faced. I really want to gather my diverse group of friends and show them this documentary, and to see their reactions. Again, this film was a profound look into the lives of Sikhs in America after Sept. 11."

"I have very dark hair and dark eyes whereas my mom is blond haired and blue eyed and when I was a baby my mom was frequently asked why she married a Mexican. My parents were not married and my dad's heritage is German/Native American."

"Thank you! Your film is truly moving. I knew a little about Sikhs before, but I learned so much more. The love and forgiveness demonstrated by the victims and survivors was striking. Remarkable stories..."

"I hope this documentary will be distributed throughout the country, so that people can view events thru the eyes of minorities."

"I was very moved by this film. I believe you portrayed the feelings of the communities persecuted in a way that deeply touched me. I had never seen these stories before. Sure, I had heard about them, but only in facts and figures. Before today I had never experienced the personal stories. I am grateful for this insight. The Sodhis' story affected me and opened my eyes to the pain experienced by my fellow Sikhs. I am very grateful that you chose to share this view of American. Thank you, and I hope you continue to help better this nation of ours."

"It was very moving. I am glad you took the time to document the experience of the Sikhs post-9/11. As a community we need to reach out and communicate who we are.

My immediate reaction to Sept. 11, when they showed pictures of bin Laden, was that people were going to think he was a Sikh and target the gurdwara and people wearing turbans. There were some reactions in Minnesota, but luckily nothing too serious."

"This film has really inspired me because I feel that, as a Muslim female wearing hijab (headscarf), I have a special connection with Sikh men wearing the turban. Sikhs and Musims have a physical embodiment of their spiritual beliefs, and I feel that it's this 'headdress' that identifies us as 'the other,' something foreign or strange."

"I am Indian. I was coming from the gurdwara and was almost assaulted by three black dudes who were sitting in the bus. I stood up. I didn't surrender. Fortunately they just left when people started called 911 but I was really scared and it was my first month in an alien country. I was alone. I stopped wearing my turban to school and started wearing a hat which I have never done before."

"Valerie,

Your film touched my heart! As an American Muslim living in Minnesota for the last 30 years, I felt different after Sept. 11, 2001. Our masjid (mosque)'s experienced some backlashes in the last six years and your film summed up. Thanks a lot.."

"Touching, gripping, and insightful film portraying lives of good, decent, moral people, some of whom have had deadly and life-threatening encounters as a result of their somewhat similar outward countenance to radial Islamic terrorists and their ilk."

"Thank you for bringing this story forward. It is a service to humanity and I hope many people will be able to see it."

"Thank you for providing hope through understanding of what an American is and how we treat each other. Let us learn from our history, our mistakes."

"I knew so little about these hate crimes before tonight. Such silence on this issue is frightening."

"I came tonight to educate myself. I had no special story in relation to the film because of my white American identity. However, I have seen this very hate in play in the small town I am from. I try my best to educate others. It is amazing the lack of knowledge in the minds of many Americans. The only way to fight hate is to educate!"

"I thought this was a film that needed to be done and needed to be shown, especially in such a tragic time in history. You did a wonderful job, and this will help many younger and older generations of what we need to do to keep our religion alive. Great job!"

"Until tonight the terrorist stereotype has only but once crossed my mind. When I was 12 (directly following September 11th) I accompanied my best friend and her family to an airport to pick up her grandmother. While passing through security my golden hair and pale skin ensured my easy passage while every member of my best friend's family was searched, even her 90 year old grandma. I asked my friend's mother why they were searched if no alarm was set off and she simply responded, 'they think we are Muslim.' Her family was Greek. To this day I am yet to be searched at an airport and as long as I can remember neither has any member of my family. I guess my 'ignorance' on this current problem because of my upbringing within a suburb of Milwaukee with 99 percent white and about the same percentage Christian. Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention."

"Obviously the issues in this film are neglected in the media, I felt completely ignorant for not knowing that Muslims are not the only ones who wear turbans. I thought the film was really enlightening, though sad that those who fit the 'terrorist' stereotype almost have to prove their patriotism because of an appearance/religion."

"Thank you. My eternal gratitude to these filmmakers for making this impactful message heard. I thank you."

"A very touching depiction of discrimination against the Sikhs after Sept. 11, 2001. A MUST see for all Americans!"

"Very enlightening. Storytelling, educating each other on our histories and beliefs, simply learning about each other is the best way to confront the hatred and to dissolve the unnecessary anger and frustration, and you did it beautifully!"

"Thank you for bringing the issue of prejudice against Sikhs out in the open. I deeply appreciate the courage, hard work and determination to get this movie made."

"I'm so delighted that you have made this film. When it is available, I will do all I can to offer it for use in our college programs for teacher education. Our students are so eager to learn all they can about the cultures and lifestyles of the students in our diverse communities. They want and need to hear the truth about their students' experiences. Thank you! They will be much better teachers for their knowledge of your work."

"Thank you for sharing with me some of your personal experiences as well as a better understanding of your culture and religion. I will do what I can to share with others and to educate misinformed and fearful people. You did a fantastic job with your film.

P.S. I hope I can hang out with Sonny someday -- he cracks me up."

"All religions and spiritual paths point to love and compassion. This is the deepest hope - the deepest aspiration."

"A very powerful film regarding very important issues of identity, separation, ignorance, and patriotism. The film's destruction of the 'us vs. them' mentality is a message that should be heeded by all."

"I thought it was a very good documentary of Sikhs and also other races after 9/11. I think this is the best video to educated people about Sikhism.'"

"I was physically assaulted a year after 9/11/01. I blame ignorance and not the people that attacked me."

"This film was very good, more people should see this. Try to get this film in the mainstream."

"I loved it. It was really hard to see people who look like my family -- my aunts, my uncles, my brothers, and my sisters -- hurting, and abused and violated like that. I think that shows how effective the film really is. The film was so sincere, so genuine, and so effective. I felt so proud to be Sikh watching this movie."

"True depiction of how the situation of immigrants who cannot trace their origins to Europe are. I myself have witnessed the 'random security check' every time I fly on U.S. or British soil. I have also witnessed hate speech on public transport from individuals; mainly from other minority communities."

"I thought the documentary was done well. I felt it was powerful and I feel it would've been more powerful if it was shown to me early around 2002 - post 9/11."

"I was not aware of the extent of the hate crimes against Sikhs following 9/11. The film was informative and I am grateful that Valarie dedicated years to making it and educating the public."

"It was an eye-opener."

"Her words about storytelling remind me about restorative justice - could this field be a way to break our fall."

"The movie was an extraordinary delve into a community I know little about. Thank you for the effort in education, expression, and compassion.

Racism in the U.S. does exist and we must make people aware of it. First realize, then stop, finally - change."

"Isn't it interesting how Timothy McVeigh is never described as a 'terrorist'? He can't be, he's a white male.

Is time on our side? Oh God, I pray so.

THANK YOU for completing this important project."

"Having lived in London, UK, for the past five years, I can relate very well with the views and stories mentioned in the movie. Post the July 7 bombings in London or should I say UK was quite similar to the experiences seen in the film. I myself experienced a lot of discrimination just based on skin colour specially while traveling on trains when people wouldn't sit next to you because you look 'Asian' and also Asian/brown skin men were targeted for 'stop & search.' The basis for all this is ignorance and the worst thing one could do is assume what a person is like just by looking at them. Just because a few people were horrible towards me and my friends, I don't classify every white person to be the same. Great movie, great work!!"

"Truly inspiring story. It made me wonder how many people seated in the auditorium had any sort of ill-feeling towards a community. Each of us has some sort of preconceived notion about someone or a group of people. Education will go a long way, but would the people who do/who want to do hate crimes ever get a chance to watch such movies/read books or will they be interested?"

"This is the second time I've seen the film. It is so important. The emphasis on the need to see everyone as human is so obvious yet so forgotten and it needs to be brought up again and again.

Valarie, I wish you the best of luck in everything, and if you go to law school I hope your strong days outnumber your hopeless days (as I am now) and that you can remain always aware of your support and how much you are appreciated. Thank you for making this film and sharing it with all of us."

"This movie puts people into other people's shoes and forces introspection. I was personally affected on and after 9/11 and believe that this movie honors all the stories that got fame and that went unnoticed."

"Your film touched me deeply and made me very sad. I am grateful to everyone involved in this film. Thank you for your hearts and hard work."

"Seeing the common people, common Americans in the movie and all around me gives me hope for the future. However I am concerned that six years after 9/11 the country is still occupied with fear and prejudice. The media and the political leadership are not providing guidance for peace and hope and mutual understanding. The time will heal the wounds, but it seems it will take a lot longer than it should."

"The movie was great -- I had heard a lot about the tragedy in Arizona, but I had no idea that hate crimes like this were committed against so many people."

"How people dress should be honored as freedom of self-expression, if one chooses a religious mode of dress this should be honored.

That the species humans are so vulnerable to sadism (to going sadistic) is a glaring problem."

"I work with New American immigrants every day and their stories continue to reflect the hatred you so eloquently and effectively portray. I was very moved! Thanks."

"A powerful study of the journey we as a nation undertook after 9/11... a journey that many Americans had hoped to ignore or to deny -- the reality of our xenophobia. The film is a strong reminder of how fear truly is the only thing we should fear. Unfortunately, fear is far too often used by our leaders to divide us. We must find leaders who will call us to our highest values rather than lower us to our lowest, emotional responses.

The film is also an amazing chronical of the spiritual and emotional journey of a 20-something. She copes with the trauma she experienced as an American in reflecting on 9/11 and then processes a whole new level of trauma as her community is under siege misguidedly/erroneously and despicably by fellow Americans. This film chronicles her transformative personal journey and the transformative community journey of Mesa, Arizona in response to a tragic hate crime. It brought me to tears of sorrow for our nation and tears of joy for our nation for the hope for our future."

"Very touching! Wish it could be seen by a lot more people.

Sept. 13 or 14, 2001, I was stopped at a stop light. A group of high school kids stopped their car in front of me and started to get out. I was able to back off and drive off. A few days later a pickup truck kept tailgating and flipping the finger at me."

"Excellent production. Good example of crime and hatred in the U.S.A."

"I relocated to Minnesota after 9/11, in 2002. I watched the attacks on TV in Singapore, completely dumfounded and in shock, feeling not 'American' but as a human being sharing in the anger and grief. Regardless, when I was in school (high school), I remember my parents telling me not to style my facial hair in a goatee so as to not be targeted as Muslim. We were scared to some extent but were still buffered because we were not Muslim or distinguishably Sikh. My point is that I was affected intimately to some extent as well, even though I am not American, white, Muslim, Sikh. Amazing documentary!"

"On 9/11, I was driving to my sophomore year of college, from Minneapolis to Chicago. I watched the planes crash that morning as I packed the car, and listened all day as I drove. I remember it was all anybody was talking about at rest stops and gas stations. At one stop in the middle of Wisconsin, I recall very clearly someone said, '...well that's it, we just have to close the border.'"

"Thank you for making this film. Thank you for making a difference and making us better humans! Best wishes to you. My land is your land. Your land is my land."