A year ago, we predicted that S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley – then a fifth-place Republican gubernatorial candidate – would come under attack over pictures of her wearing a “bindi.”
Wait … what’s a “bindi?”
It’s a forehead decoration worn by women and young girls in many Southeastern Asian cultures – including Indian culture. Of course the “bindi” isn’t just for decoration. According to some religions, the area between the eyes is the seat of “concealed wisdom,” and placing a bindi there prevents that wisdom from escaping while also warding off demons and bad luck.
Haley – who was raised a Sikh – has worn bindis on numerous occasions, although not during her public campaign events.
Why not?
Come on, people … this is South Carolina – a state where our leaders still dress up as Confederates and some people define “tolerance” as not lynching anybody.
Anyway, in keeping with our prediction, FITS received an anonymous email earlier this week that lampooned Haley as “Her Excellency The Hindu Nimrata Randawa (sic).”
Nimrata Randhawa is Haley’s maiden name.
Attached to the email (which was purportedly sent by a “Lifelong Republican”) were two pictures of Haley at an unknown event wearing a bindi and a green “gagra choli,” which is a traditional dress typically worn by unwed Indian girls at weddings and festivals.
The message field of the email was left blank, so it’s unclear in what “spirit” the pictures were sent – jokingly or hatefully.
SC Republican gubernatorial nominee Nikki Haley sporting a "bindi."
Either way, this isn’t the first time that Haley has been either attacked or lampooned along racial lines.
Last year, Haley was the butt of a racially-charged joke allegedly told by former S.C. Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian, who is said to have speculated that Upstate evangelical voters would “love Nikki Haley” because of the fact that she had been “born again … and again … and again.”
More recently, S.C. political cartoonist Robert Ariail created a stir when he challenged Haley on the issue of government transparency with a racially-themed sketch. In the first frame of his controversial drawing (dubbed “what she promises”) Haley was shown in a bikini with a pageant sash proclaiming herself as “Miss Transparency.” In the next frame (dubbed “what we get”) Haley was shown wearing a burqa – which women in some Muslim cultures are forced to wear in public to hide their bodies.
Many viewed Ariail’s cartoon as over-the-top … and racist.
Undeniably racist, however, was the national embarrassment caused by S.C. Senator Jake Knotts, who infamously referred to Haley (and President Barack Obama) as a “raghead” this summer on an internet talk show.
No real debate on the racist nature of that comment … or the boost it provided Haley’s campaign.
Also, largely unknown to the public (but known to our founding editor), is the fact that in the years prior to announcing her candidacy for governor, Haley was forced to call S.C. law enforcement agents on numerous occasions to investigate racist hate mail that was sent to her Lexington, S.C. home.
One of the threatening drawings that Haley showed us at the time contained a monkey with a red dot on its forehead.
Obviously, we’re all for “equality in joking” but genuine racism like that is flat out wrong … no matter how disappointed we may be with the leftward lean of Haley’s general election campaign.
Also, to those who would seek to make Haley’s race or culture an issue in the current gubernatorial race: Remember that such attacks have not only backfired against her in the past, but they also backfired against Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who benefited from them in his successful 2007 campaign.
Of course those who would seek to make Haley’s race or culture an issue in this race are likely incapable of making such a logical leap …
By Person September 17, 2010 at 3:55 pm
“Haley – who was raised a Sikh – has worn bindis on numerous occasions, although not during her public campaign events.”
Sikhs don’t believe in any religious connotations behind wearing bindis. As such, in any instance where Haley is wearing a bindi, it is only for fashion purposes. A Bindis is very common fashion accessory for Indian women regardless of religion (including Indian Christians).
By Sicko September 17, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Will, there is only one person seems to be making an issue of this: You. Don’t you have anything better to do with your time?
Cooking up scandals and slinging mud cannot be the best uses of your time. Doesn’t your wife need you to actually earn a paycheck or do something around the house once in a while?
But I bet Earl Capps would fuck her, based on that picture. He likes chicks with visible tattoos, so he probably gets off on that shit as well. So I have gone from disbelieving that rumor you cooked up to believing you.
But it’s still none of my business, just like this bindi shit. Get a life, please.
By Ralph Hightower September 17, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Will,
Thank you for the explanation of the bindi. That explains it all.
Nikki Haley has let all of her wisdom escape by not wearing hers all the time.
By phreddy September 17, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Sounds like a self-fulfilling prophecy to me.
By conservative September 17, 2010 at 4:28 pm
The bindi is often worn to usher in prosperity. Kind of like being a governor with control over the dept. of revenue.
By Legion September 17, 2010 at 5:36 pm
I’ve got no problem with the bindi. Please try to get some old photos of her in her high-school cheerleader or basketball outfit, like Sarah Palin. (HOT HOT HOT)
BTW, I had always been told that the bindi was for Indian girls who didn’t want to take it in the mouth, well, that’s where they point it…
By Old Bike Dude September 17, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Those coonasses and cajuns thought they was electing Boudreaux Hebert. Woooeeee he sure look like Boudreaux. They still don’t know they have Gunga Din for a guvner. Bobby Jindal like Nimrata Haley is just another USINPAC plant.
By Old Bike Dude September 17, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Is that her old man in the background going over his list of muslim contributers?
By eggaday September 17, 2010 at 9:26 pm
so you tellin me that man with a turban will be standing with this Indian chick holding a BIBLE when she gets sworn in…
that’ll be a cold day in hell in SC.
By Gary September 17, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Sic Folks
An idle brain is a devil’s workshop. please get a life Will and use your talents for some thing productive.. This obsession is killing you. However i applaud you for reprimanding those who are trying to raise race or religion as an issue.
By the way this is slightly misinformed story about Bindi. My elementary study of Sikhs and interaction with them tells me that they are beyond all superstitions.
Bindi is just a fashion accessory which many Indian women- mostly Hindu, wear as part of the attire.
It is a shame that we still have racism in this country and specially against Sikhs who are victims of mistaken identity after 9/11. Americans are ignorant of the fact that in spite what they see on TV and Fox news regarding turbaned images of Osama Bin laden or Taliban, almost 100% of the men who wear turbans in this country are Sikhs.
Sikhs are perhaps the most accepting, universal and large hearted race in the entire world. They are just 2% of India’s population concentrated mostly in Punjab state which Sikhs have made it in to the bread basket for the entire country by their farming skills. They are also the best soldiers India has.
While reading Sikh history and studying about Sikhs, I came across a great tradition of theirs which dates back almost 500 years. It is a requirement for all Sikh temples to serve a simple wholesome meal to all absolutely free- no matter to what race religion, or social status you belong. In their headquarters in Golden temple, almost 80,000 people are fed free by volunteers Every single day-365 days a year and the numbers can be double on week ends. in fact NYT had an article by Lydia polgreen on this just two weeks back. Here is the link. I am sure it must be a huge blessing to poor in a country where per capita income is perhaps One dollar a day.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/30/world/asia/30india.html
By Roger goldberg January 18, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Totally agree with you analysis. I grew up in Africa (where my American Dad was serving as a missionary) and we had many Sikh family friends. They were very kind and loving. All the BS about “pointing at the head” shows why some in our society are at state of decay, whereas the world is moving ahead. I write this not only because I know Sikhs (and trust me all are not alike – like the body guards who shot Indira Gandhi) but because I just feel bad because my fellow Christain folks have so much ill will against someone who is not. Amen !!!
By conservative September 17, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Yes, egg. That’s why this has been making all the press. Lexington knew, but the rest of the state had no idea. Get the word out, or you will be ruled by this. Her father is not in this pic. He has a black beard and wears a burgandy turban. He publishes for the Tri-State Muslim newsletter. Time’s a wasting.
By snakeMD September 17, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Eggaday she will be sworn in on the Sikh Bible, The Guru Granth is Sikhism’s Holy Scripture. It is the respected scripture of the supreme enlightener. Maybe this is what SC needs. However, the Guru Granth when taken to a location must be placed on a litter carried by a group of attendants on their shoulders. One must walk ahead carrying a sword. How about Glenn McConnell for this task? Confederate reenactors would march ahead of the litter sweeping the streets. There could be lavish floats with flowers and and musical instruments. Kirtans or hymns would be recited, too. We should not pass up this opportunity for international acclaim.
Most male Sikhs know Gatka. This is a martial art form that uses circular movements to effectively swing a kirpan, a knife that is used in self defense. Just because these dudes are polite and wear soft and shiny clothes you don’t want to piss them off. Them Khalsas (Sikh warriors) can slice and dice faster than a Ron Popeil’s Vegematic.
Sikhs are big on protocol and discipline. We could use both here in SC. Sikh Scripture is read in poetic hymns. We need some tranquility. Nikki could just be the Guru that we need. Lets give her a chance. With her grace and charm she could be the new Jackie Kennedy of our time. And right her in SC, too!
I feel enlightened just talking about it. The Beatles had to go to India to find IT, but we got IT right here under our nose. I’m running not walking to the voting polls next month. Step aside or please join with me to elect Nikki Haley. For it is written.
By BIN News Editorial Staff September 17, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Our Funding Editor is waiting for a comment from Buttsac Teabugger to see if shehe has anything reasonable to say about this.
By conservative September 18, 2010 at 2:06 am
I am assuming that she will not be sworn in with the Christian bible, as she is not of our faith. Is not and has never been!
By Just another Joe September 18, 2010 at 6:28 am
Hey Eggaday
Since it is usually cold in SC in January and for many SC is a hell hole (not me) it will be a cold day in hell.
By Cancerman September 18, 2010 at 10:09 am
Hahah south carolina has a bunch a dumb fuckers in this state if they vote for Haley!!!!
By Pepper September 18, 2010 at 11:12 am
BIN News Editorial Staff – The Funding Editor is quite busy at the moment, packing fudge with Gary & James in the southeast corner of the Route 26 reststop north of Columbia.
By Shlomo September 18, 2010 at 3:01 pm
“It is a requirement for all Sikh temples to serve a simple wholesome meal to all absolutely free- no matter to what race religion, or social status you belong. In their headquarters in Golden temple, almost 80,000 people are fed free by volunteers Every single day-365 days a year and the numbers can be double on week ends. in fact NYT had an article by Lydia polgreen on this just two weeks back. Here is the link. I am sure it must be a huge blessing to poor in a country where per capita income is perhaps One dollar a day.”
Gary, you sound like some kind of liberal idiot with all this talk of free food giveaways.
Tell me, how much of it was the U.S. government cheese you con dopes used to obsess about? Why can’t these poor Indians take personal responsibility for their own hunger?
You stupid liberal twerp. And stop quoting the left-wing New York Times to draw attention to type of bleeding-heart nonsense. I’ll be damned if you don’t sound like Jesse Jackson in this latest dumb-ass comment of yours.
By Ray September 18, 2010 at 4:30 pm
They come and they take shiva linga!!
By Gary01 September 18, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Oh Sholomo!! you seem very uncomfortable and judgemental. But it is not your fault. It is just that you are misinformed like many millions of Americans.
How can I enlighten you my friend! But I will try.
In fact this should be the conservative solution to the problem of hunger, unlike the US Government’s institutionalized entitlement pro gramme called food stamps and free housing vouchers.
My inquiries reveal that this is absolutely a VOLUNTARY SERVICE. No Government money is involved, No NGO money is involved and there is no bureaucracy. And by the way there is NO US Government money involved in Sikh temples. In fact in Big US cities in west, like Toronto, NY, Vancouver, LA , you can walk in to a Sikh temple and you will be served free food every day.
My inquiries with Sikh friends and some research tells me that Devotees out of free will donate money, visitors and pilgrims volunteer their time as a service to the community and the humanity out of free will. Unlike here in USA, the Sikh temples have been serving free meals every single day and for centuries. And by the way there is NO US Government money involved in Sikh temples. As the story in the NYT points out Sikhs refuse to accept any money from any government of the world.
Here are the two links sent to me by a Sikh friend. It is NOT from “liberal NYT” !!
One is from a westerner who went to golden temple and the other is from the editor of a culinary magazine. I hope this helps in dispelling some of the the preconceived notions.
http://uppercrustindia.com/oldsite/8crust/eight/amritsar.htm
http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-blogs/41672/Amritsar-embrace-Golden-Community-226
By Cancerman September 18, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Oh dumb south carolina if Haley is elected you fuckers are going to see turbins everywhere at the mansion. Our state is so uninformed as to what is happening right now. But hey tell them the tooth fairy is real and he is for small government and it would get elected in this state.
By Don't care what she wears, however... September 18, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Could care less what religion she is, what she wears, etc. I respect the melting pot that is America, this is just a foolish attack on her.
However, all the other issues w/ her is a different story…
By conservative September 18, 2010 at 10:34 pm
You like turbins?…you’re really gonna love Haley!!!
By WorkingTommyC September 18, 2010 at 11:19 pm
“Of course those who would seek to make Haley’s race or culture an issue in this race are likely incapable of making such a logical leap …”
True, and there’s a bunch of them posting on this thread and others on your site lately whenever Nikki’s name comes up.
By bqueen September 18, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Schlomo: Talk about not having a clue. Just about any sikh temple anywhere will feed the hungry for free. It’s not just the Golden Temple – which gets noticed more because it is a famous temple. And there is no U.S. or other government $$$ involved.
Go get an education before you chime in with your ignorant comments. Hang with Jakie Knotts much?
By conservative September 19, 2010 at 1:39 am
I am sure that Nikki’s culture should not be an issue, unless you have a problem with her father publishing for the tri-state muslim newsletter. Remember 9/11 9n NYC. Whatever! And she wants to be president, you must know that! Start brushing up on your arabic. ….. In Lexington, since June, we have had a major influx of arabs and punjabis (Haley). The turbins, burquas, and saris have been overwhelming. They are not friendly, but not rude. Be gullible. It will be your down fall.
By Shlomo September 19, 2010 at 3:03 pm
No, Gary, it’s YOU who are misinformed, you chattering dumbass.
Same goes to you, bqueen. You bought your clue with a wooden nickel. The same material as your head.
ALL charity is socialistic because it only helps the weak.
And they NEED to die off because they’re weak — so that there’s more for the strong and deserving.
It’s just like Andre Bauer’s grandmother said: If you feed a bunch of stray dogs with free food, then you’ll only have more of them.
Same with birds, same with people.
You phony cons with your secret bleeding-heart tendencies have stabbed true conservatives in the back for the last time.
You’re outta here.
By snakeMD September 19, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Give’em Hell Shlomo! Give Social Darwinism a chance! President Johnson’s Great New Society set us up to spend trillions of $$ on welfare housing projects and what did it give us? Generations of crime and chemical dependency. Yes, let’s spend our way to prosperity and open the flood gates of charity.
By snakeMD September 19, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Hey Conservative—-what do you mean by Nikki’s father publishing for the Tri-State Muslim News Letter? The Tri-State concerns New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. What connection would he have with that News Letter? Can you provide proof with a link? Just curious.
By Gary01 September 19, 2010 at 7:58 pm
SHLOMO
>>ALL charity is socialistic because it only helps the weak.
And they NEED to die off because they’re weak — so that there’s more for the strong and deserving.
It’s just like Andre Bauer’s grandmother said: If you feed a bunch of stray dogs with free food, then you’ll only have more of them.
Same with birds, same with people.<<<
Really..seriously, So your mom should have also thought like Andre's grandmother when she was breastfeeding you or giving you free food when you were growing up?? Her actions sound quite socialistic as per your definition.
By conservative September 19, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Snake, I am behind on my blogging. Google dr ajit randhawa sc and you will see his evolution article published in the tri-state muslim newsletter. If you are fine with that, great. I am not! Google nikki haley black sheep Read about her sister, Simran Singh. That will throw you for a loop!
By lavenderwolf September 19, 2010 at 9:36 pm
i had never seen a photo of Ms. Haley wearing traditional garb heretofore. She looks quite charming in them. thank you.
By Alvin Green Cousin September 19, 2010 at 11:02 pm
No doubt sic Willie worn a Nike Jock Strap over his Retarded Cave Man South Carolina Skull when he bang Haley!
By Andy September 20, 2010 at 5:13 am
Thing is, this is America, and people get to vote as they wish for whatever reason(s) they wish. There is still an anti-Catholic vote in some sections of this country. Why is it notable? It’s nothing new.
By Sicko September 20, 2010 at 8:31 am
Meet Will Folks during his Nikki Wakky sessions: http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h198/hootyhaha/WeirdScience.jpg
By Darth September 20, 2010 at 10:59 am
Wil, it was once said that the bindi covered the reset button… was it removed or relocated?
By snakeMD September 20, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Thanks, Conservative. I know all about her sister and her magazine. I’m surprised there hasn’t been more written about her.
By Rachel September 20, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I have a question. How much money do the S.C republicans usually make by staying in power?
I mean not just the individual milions. What are the other benefits? Like money and connections from favoritism, lobbying, country club meetings with super rich, acess to real high dollar hotties, exclusive vactions!
Does the entire extended family gets to benefit or is it just money hidden away in tax havens!
I am not saying all the above is bad. Its all great!For some reason most of the above are banned activities until about 20 years ago!
Why cannot we change the rules that people in power do deserve previledge, and we need to keep them happy!
I know the people writing here are the real republican acessories who love all these. Who doesnt???!
By conservative September 20, 2010 at 12:48 pm
http://www.jihadwatch.org/2010/06/pat-condell-on-ground-zero-mosque-is-it-possible-to-be-astonished-but-not-surprised.html
By conservative September 20, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Which is your favorite turban?
By snakeMD September 20, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Conservative writes: “I am sure that Nikki’s culture should not be an issue, unless you have a problem with her father publishing for the tri-state muslim newsletter. ”
Conservative, I’m not debating you on your concerns about Nikki’s father’s religion or his “connection” to a Muslim newsletter. However, after much research I did discover that he did not “publish” nor does he “publish” for this newsletter. Nikki’s father, Dr. Randhawa is retired professor and he has published a book on his lifelong teachings. (I haven’t read the book, nor do I intend to) The Tri-State Muslim newsletter merely offered it as a book review because the book refers to Islam as well as too Christianity.
However, what I did find interesting was that when you Google this specific topic most of the references come back with your tag in numerous posts here at FitsNews. Also, this topic appears in many other national blogs with “first hand accounts” from people saying the exact same thing– all with Lexington, SC bylines. So, I ask the question is there anybody in Lexington, SC that has the ability to simply recognize a book review in a publication? Just because Dr. Randhawa’s book review appeared there doesn’t make him an Islamic plant. Also, even more interesting is that a bunch of posters here at FitsNews appear in other well known blog sites using their exact names. Real Firebrands when it comes to the Nikki topic.
Some of the stuff that I have written (published) occasionally appears in places that I have no connection with. My problem is I need to find a way for these folks to send me $$ for running my articles!
By bqueen September 20, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Schlomo: Maybe you need to relocate to Mars. You can rule your own kingdom and execute anyone who helps another in need. Here on earth, things work differently as Andre Bauer found out. YOU’RE outta here.
By Shlomo September 20, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Gary:
“Really..seriously, So your mom should have also thought like Andre’s grandmother when she was breastfeeding you or giving you free food when you were growing up?? Her actions sound quite socialistic as per your definition.”
Gary, if you don’t know the diffeence between a helpless little baby and an adult who has allowed himself or herself to starve, then I can’t help you. I can’t reverse lobotomies. Science hasn’t advanced that far yet, partly due to dumbasses like you constantly procreating and holding us back with your defective intellects.
You’re a secret socialist, and who knows what the hell else is in that closet with you? I don’t want to know.
bqueen:
Since you offer nothing except a personal attack, I can safely assume that you cannot argue with my position — nor even that of Andre Bauer’s old grandmother. So why don’t you and Gary and the rest of your diseased kind blast the hell off to Uranus where you can practice all the destructive socialism you want along with the rest of your gay pals?
Tell you what:
I’ll even donate money to pay for your rocket. Now THAT’s charity.
By John Hall September 20, 2010 at 3:17 pm
I’m glad for Haley’s diversity. Everyone with a problem because of what she is wearing needs to get a life. Can’t wait for the end of the good ole boy politics of say or do anything to keep you in power so you can steal from the people of SC. Haley 2010!
By 803andy September 20, 2010 at 4:36 pm
She kind of deserves it it. Her answer to the Confederate flag issue was along the lines of: “c’mon I’m a minority in South Carolina too, we all have to adjust, blah, blah, blah.” She basically threw blacks under the bus
She’s a minority, but her ancestors were not pimped for centuries of free labor and another century of Jim Crow in the US.
Her response was insulting and condescending.
By Boz Martin September 20, 2010 at 4:41 pm
///
Come on, people … this is South Carolina – a state where our leaders still dress up as Confederates and some people define “tolerance” as not lynching anybody.
///
Good one, Sic!
It’s insane, really, that these pics could be harmful to her. Those are two of the most beautiful photographs of Nikki Haley I’ve seen yet. Love the attire, love the bindi. And of course, she is quite lovely, and anyone who says otherwise is blind.
I the future Governor should every happen upon this post, I say to her:
NAMASTE.
By Perez Hilton Says September 20, 2010 at 5:48 pm
In my nearly tewnty years in SC I have never once had a conversation with a single voter that involved Yucca Mtn., yet today I received an email from whomever the fuck Tim I am the manager how may I help you telling me how brave Nikki is for uttering some words via the keyboard regarding Yucca… Dear, Mr. Folks WTF?
By Mark September 20, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Wow,
If this were obama he would already be a faded memory! very cute, whats on that guys tie? a detonator, a scud or is it just the bottle that you put your tax return in, toss it in at Folly and hope that its correct! She is a numbers girl ask anyone at lexhington medical center.
Having been the only person at USC with a mondale/ferraro sticker on my car at USC nothing surprises me about this state. We are 50th in everything and it looks like we are going to stay there. So Vincent Shaheen is some kind of retard that will cause embarrassment to our state? Good luck matching your predecessor, if you get it there. God help us! She is a Christian out of convenience. That is all. Be proud tea partiers!! and mr. demint, we will never get our port dredged thanks to you!
By Rev. Thurston Hill September 24, 2010 at 11:35 am
I hope this woman does not make it in politics in South Carolina. She is dangerious to our state.
South Carolina is in the middle of the Bible Belt and we don’t need anyone trying to change things.
The bible tells us :1 Tim 2:12 [size=5][color=red]But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.[/size][/color]
By ryan October 9, 2010 at 1:29 pm
All of these brown implants into the southern GOP are to be watched closely. Bobby Jindal the catholic apparently is getting a taste of his pwn medicine with a protestant son, who is reacing out to the pseudo-evangelical Nikki Haley:
http://sladeisking.com/2010/10/03/reaching-out-to-nikki-haley/
By Crooner October 19, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Why is Nikki wearing single girl clothes?