Filed under: Issues | Tags: asian canadian, discrimination, ethnic, fishing, harassment, Ontario, violence
So, north of Toronto there have been instances of racism against Asian Canadians. It’s unfortunate that, hear in Ontario, this issue has not had a lot of press in the media. We like to assume only happens in the United States of America. Racism is something we must face and deal with. As far as I am concerned there is no excuse for targeting any ethnic community. We are all Canadian, and the accounts of racism are greatly disturbing and must be taken seriously at all levels. Fishing is not a right only to be bestowed upon certain Canadians. Asian Canadians should be able to enjoy fishing like everyone else, without fear of discrimination, harassment or violence.
Filed under: Issues | Tags: black, canada, ethnic, fear, intolerance, racism
Fear and intolerance, in some ways, is still true today in Canada. We are not as tolerance as we think? We claim that we are tolerant; however I bet that we are actually driven by fear. Let’s not get bent out of shape now! We get so ‘defensive’ when someone says “you are ignorant” or maybe “intolerant”. However, maybe we should just ask “are you scared”? We are a great multicultural society that tolerates all backgrounds. What we really see is a community, like many others, that is changing. People tend to fear change. We label what we ‘think’ we know and actually know nothing about it. Canada is a free and democratic country, but “are we afraid”? There is no shame in it. At least it’s a start to the discussion. If we value freedom, then let’s talk. However, if we value ‘fear’ then by all means only allow everything that only looks and feel like Canada, whatever that might be.
We do not have to look too far back to a time when African-Canadians were looked upon as a ‘lower classes’ or even ‘in-human’, to some. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s true! How about how Canadian Sikhs and the discrimination they faced? How about Chinese-Canadians and their treatment in Canadian society, from our past? How about the Irish? And let’s not forget Jewish Canadians, along with others who have and still face discrimination today. We must endeavour to not be ignorant of other cultures that come to enrich Canada. On the same foot, immigrants must try to assimilate to Canadian society. Personally I never really liked the various enclaves of ethnic groups in the G.T.A; however, that problem is more linked to multiculturalism. We will leave that talk for another day, because there are pros and cons to this type of setup. I believe in integration and education, so that no one group is marginalized.
If we continue down this path I fear that we will tear apart, as a country. Just because someone, who does not look like us, moves into a community, it does not mean we have to move out. We are Canadians of many colours. We can learn from one another and discuss our opinions freely; not in fear.
By: Torontomatic
Filed under: Issues | Tags: Afro-Canadian, American, canada, Chinese-Canadian, ethnic, GTA, racism, South-Asian, Toronto
I think I am still lamenting over the fact that Ontario, or shall I say the outskirts of Toronto, is a bit more prejudice then I thought. What am I referring to you ask? Well, it’s the comments I have heard lately and from others during this provincial election. It seems that the faith-based funding issue and the amount of “ethnic” candidates are bringing out the worst in people. Or should I say that it really has always been there? Imagine why would an Afro-Canadian, Chinese-Canadian, South-Asian or any other so called ethnic minority even think that they are allowed to run for office. This is not my Canada and it does not look like me. Our for-fathers built….Shall I go on? I have always thought that Canada is a bit more racist and intolerant then we like to believe. We like to say that Canada is not like the American experience, however I wonder who is more racist, prejudice and intolerant?
My parents are immigrants, but I grew up in Canada from birth. So am I Canadian? I think so, just as much as the person who somehow believes that it is theirs. In my experience ignorant and bigoted individuals in Toronto tend to “smile” with you and say that they like you. They may even pat you on the back and say “you are so great, you are a good person”. They would never say a mean thing to you directly; however behind your back they say some of the most awful things. I cannot use that language on this blog, but in such a diverse area such as Toronto, I am sure you can imagine it. I have even heard of individuals not voting for particular candidates because of their colour or ethnic background. So how tolerant are we? As tolerant as the peameal bacon on our plate for breakfast! I guess we are tolerant because we do not hang people from trees. So that makes us so much better then everyone else, especially American right? We can hold our heads high and say “everyone should be like us”. But I wonder are the people that make racist and ignorant remarks simply afraid? Do they now feel “threatened” because they are now considered the minority? Ironic isn’t it!
We are all shaped by our environment. Hatred is something that we learn and it is only education that can change and reshape us into a better society. We need to learn about other cultures, if we are to become a better Canada. We are all not born racists. However, when a group of people feel that they are better then others, what happens? I guess over the years these individuals have become so used to their ways that they cannot see out of the box. They feel that the immigrant should somehow conform to the Canadian way, whatever that is. We are Canadians of many colours and we can learn from one another. Maybe we can spread a little Canada to the rest of the world? “Canada does not only belong to those who sailed here first. It actually belongs to those who were here first”. Better yet, I think colorless cans of paint are on sale this weekend. We should all pick up some!
By: Torontomatic
Torontomatic 