"This is my crown, it's my turban."
A Sikh shopkeeper in West Yorkshire posted a defiant message after being subjected to racism on TikTok.
Serge Singh Notay runs Notay’s Convenience Store in Batley and frequently promotes his shop on TikTok.
However, he took to the platform to respond to one user who had posted a racist comment.
The comment, posted by @Securitymaster, read: “Why are all Premier shops owned by curry munching towel heads ffs.”
Standing outside his store, the shopkeeper hit back:
“I don’t usually come on here to answer these questions, the stupid comments like this but this one needs to be answered now.”
Pointing up at the shop’s sign, Serge said:
“That name has been above that door for over 49 years.”
Addressing the racist individual, he continued:
“Probably longer than you have been alive, yeah we paid more tax than you, we contributed to the local community more than you and we’ve helped loads of people out.
“We work hard that’s why.
“You probably won’t be able to do the stuff that we do.
“I can’t believe we’re having to answer these racist questions.”
Serge went on to highlight the user’s “towel” remark as he proudly declared:
“Another thing, this is not a towel. This is my crown, it’s my turban.
“My name is Serge Singh Notay, I wear my crown with pride everyday.
“People need to stand up against this comment. Social media, do your thing.”
Serge’s defiant stance against racism prompted a wave of support from TikTok users.
One wrote: “Keep strong Serge. The hard-working folk from minority backgrounds are a key part of Britain.
“Never let the hateful dossers online tell you otherwise.”
Another pointed out: “The thing I noticed here is he doesn’t look angry, he looks sad, disappointed, and not for the first time. It’s awful.”
A third added: “People can certainly be very ignorant. I’ve always found the Sikh community very friendly and welcoming.”
@notayconveniencestores Replying to @Securitymaster my name is Serge Singh Notay i wear my turban witb pride everyday! #fup #pyp #fypdong #SikhTurbanAwareness #StandAgainstRacism #RespectTheTurban #SikhRights #EndRacism #TurbanIsNotTerrorism #DiversityAndInclusion #CulturalRespect #UnityInDiversity ? original sound – Serge Notay
The video was also shared by Narinder Kaur, who commented:
“The racism shopkeepers receive is honestly disgusting. You tell ’em Serge!”
One person replied: “I’ve been served by Serge before and he is one of the most kindest shopkeepers I’ve ever met in my life.”
The video also brought back painful experiences of racism in the retail sector as one user recalled:
“My parents had a shop in Scotland for many years.
“We suffered horrendous abuse but as long as the tills were ringing day and night we didn’t care. Same people abusing us! Same people putting their cash in our till!! Everyone’s happy!”
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