Sikh Captain America kicks ass in 'Red, White, and Beard'

Fun short documentary follows the adventures of cartoonist Vishavjit Singh.



Beware, evildoers! A star-spangled superhero walks the streets of New York City, wielding a shield of truth and justice. I'm talking cartoonist Vishavjit Singh, also known by his heroic alter ego Sikh Captain America.

He's the subject of a great new short documentary Red, White, and Beard, which follows Vishavjit and captures people's reactions as he roams around the city dressed as the classic American icon, turban and all.

Watch it here:

Coming Soon: Sikh Captain America in 'Red, White, and Beard'

Short documentary is a quirky, lighthearted glance at America's very own Sikh superhero



By now, you know of the legend of Sikh Captain America. So check out this trailer.

The short documentary Red, White, and Beard is a quirky, lighthearted glance into Sikh Captain America and the man behind this growing phenomenon. The more he brings the character to the people, the more he hopes they recognize their own prejudices toward Sikhs and other religious, ethnic, and cultural groups. But is the public only respecting the superhero figure, or do they truly realize what the artist is saying?

Take a look:

Facebook features Sikh man in video, racists can't handle it

Commenters call Vishavjit Singh "raghead," "terrorist" and "ISIS," among other hateful remarks.



Cartoonist Vishavjit Singh, known to many as his superhero alter ego Sikh Captain America, was recently featured in a video ad for Facebook Tips, which you may have seen popping up on your timeline. It's just a 28-second video of Vishavjit talking about how "likes" can help shape the content on your news feed.

No big deal, right? But Facebook users, you never let me down. Many seem predictably fixated on Vishavjit's turban and beard, offering comments calling him "terrorist," "raghead," "ISIS," and other hatefully ignorant references.

Osama's Ghost on Streets of America

By Vishavjit Singh. Cross-posted from Sikhtoons.



The article below was rejected by a diverse array of news outlets. One explained "there is not enough of a new story here." A film-maker acquaintance shared similar struggle pitching an idea along the theme of this article sometime ago. Potential funders responded with "Racism against Sikhs and the use of the 'O' word is so cliched and overdone." Apparently we Sikhs need to find ourselves being targeted in innovative ways for being news worthy! So here is the same old news for you. If it moves you, share it, comment on it, share your experience, make it your news.

Osama Bin Laden has been dead for over 3 years.

But his ghost lives on and quite responsive to news events of jihadi flavor.

As our new streams fill with the advance and images of ISIS in Iraq, the ingrained countenance of the Saudi who personified hate at its worst in his living days finds outlets in the most unlikely of places.

Rapper Joe Budden posts racist photo of Sikh man

"Not on my watch Homeboy!"

Seriously? Rapper Joe Budden was recently at the airport when he saw an elderly bearded Sikh man in a turban going through the security checkpoint. He snapped a photo of the gentleman with the caption "Not on my watch Homeboy!" -- the insinuation, of course, is that this man is a terrorist.

Joe Budden, Hip Hop Artist, Posts Anti-Sikh Photo On Instagram, Twitter Reacts

The photo, posted to Instagram, drew the ire of folks who called Budden's comments "racism and ignorance at its finest." The rapper was initially unapologetic, telling his critics to "lighten up," but then later changed his tune and apologized for his comments via Twitter:

Love Letters to Turbaned Captain America

Guest Post by Vishavjit Singh



A few weeks ago I received a love letter. Not the paramour kind but one with moving affection for my alter-ego. An Afghan war veteran had just discovered my pics from the Captain America in a Turban photoshoot on the streets of New York City. She felt compelled to share her response.

I have been receiving similar letters for months since the pictures went public last September. The overwhelming warm reception has been life affirming for me in turn inspiring What I learned as Captain America in a Turban.

Turbans continue to elicit intense visceral reaction in the American narrative. For many it is still synonymous with the 'other.' I got a rude reminder of this a few days ago as I was about to turn a street corner getting home in New York City.

As I passed a group of high schoolers a voice trailed me, 'Osama.' I turned and asked the young boy, "You think I am Osama?" He denied saying it. I said, at least have the courage to say it on my face. I told them here you are stereotyping me based on my looks. How about if someone responded to their looks with, "Illegals! Go back to your country."

He responded with an apology which I accepted. But not before educating them about where I come from and there being much more to life than meets the eye. He apologized again.

I returned home a little annoyed reminding myself why I had walked out as Captain America on the streets of New York City last summer and even more energized for my artistic endeavors.

In the spirit of Robert Louis Stevenson's words, "Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others," I present to you a sampling of love letters to a Turbaned Captain America from fellow Americans.

Angry Reader of the Week: Vishavjit Singh

Hello! It's about that time again. I'd like for you to meet the latest Angry Reader of the Week, spotlighting you, the very special readers of this website. Over the years, I've been able to connect with a lot of cool folks, and this is a way of showing some appreciation and attention to the people who help make this blog what it is. This week's Angry Reader is Vishavjit Singh.

JANM presents Sikh Captain America, February 8

Meet Vishavjit Singh at the Japanese American National Museum



If you're in Los Angeles, you are invited to meet the one and only Sikh Captain America. This Saturday, come to the Japanese American National Museum to meet cartoonist Vishavjit Singh, the guy who dressed up as Sikh Captain American -- complete with his blue turban -- and was photographed around New York City. Vishavjit will share about his adventures. It's happening February 8 at JANM in Little Tokyo. Here are some more details:

Hari Kondabolu teams up with Sikh Captain America

Is New York ready for a Captain America who rocks a turban?



Y'all know I love me some Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell. Check out this amazing segment where Hari Kondabolu takes to the streets of New York City with Sikh Captain America. Yup, Vishavjit Singh, the Sikh New Yorker who dressed up like Marvel Comics' most patriotic superhero -- plus a blue turban -- for a day.

Are the people ready for a Captain America who rocks a turban? Let's find out: