Final answer:
Sikhs in the United States are more likely to face hate crimes and prejudice because some Americans mistakenly identify them as Muslims, due to the traditional Sikh practice of wearing turbans and beards. This confounding of identities has been exacerbated by increased post-9/11 hostility towards Muslims and by the overall rise of discrimination against various groups. Therefore correct option is C
Step-by-step explanation:
Sikhs in the United States are more likely to be victims of hate crimes and prejudice primarily because some Americans mistake Sikhs for Muslims. This confusion became particularly pronounced in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, which led to increased hostility towards Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim, like Sikhs. Because Sikh men often wear turbans and have beards as part of their religious practice, they can be mistakenly identified as Muslim by individuals harboring anti-Muslim sentiment. This case of mistaken identity is compounded by a general lack of knowledge about Sikhism among the American public. Additionally, given the rise in discrimination and hate crimes against various religious and ethnic groups, Sikhs unfortunately become targets within this broader context of intolerance.