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MPP Jagmeet Singh wraps his turban on CBC’s Sleepover
Growing up in Windsor Ontario as a Punjabi-Canadian, Jagmeet Singh is no stranger to racism and cultural bias. Not only that, but racism that leads to violence.
Physical altercations were a regular occurrence for Jagmeet as a teenager, having had to fend off plenty of people who had a problem his race. He took up martial arts and boxing at an early age to defend himself.
“I used to fight a lot in school because I got picked on — I used to fight in the streets because of racism,” says Jagmeet. “Someone would come up to me and push me, call me a terrorist and get really aggressive.”
It’s these life experiences that have driven Jagmeet to work at disarming ignorance and racism. “I’ve done a lot to disarm people who have a negative perception of my identity,” says Jagmeet. By presenting a friendly demeanour, wearing extremely stylish clothing and bright colours, he’s managed to challenge cultural perceptions.
Jagmeet talks candidly with CBC radio about his experiences growing up, as a lawyer offering free legal council to marginalized segments of society, and of some of the challenges that come along with having gained so much notoriety for his impeccable fashion sense.