Are We As Tolerant As We seem?
Adrienne Clarkson wrote a compelling article addressing an important issue in Canadian culture: we are not immune to racism. In an address made at a citizenship ceremony at Rideau Hall, Clarkson addresses the racist initiatives historically put forth by the Canadian government. Clarkson also discusses the growing issue that stems from our proximity to the United States and the problematic rhetoric surrounding it.
The recent attack on the Quebec mosque has appalled Canadians nationwide, yet has also forced Canadians to questions a fundamental value of our culture: are we as tolerant as we believe?
As a UBC student, my immediate community of academics and students promote tolerance of all cultures. In my experience, intolerance of different ethnicities or sexual orientations is considered socially taboo and thus hateful rhetoric is not commonplace. However my socio-cultural understanding is simply a reflection of my social surroundings and is in no way reflection of the ‘Canadian’ social climate.
Canadians residing in tolerant communities must recognize the multiplicity of views within our country. It would be problematic to suggest that racist ideologies are not held by Canadians and furthermore ignoring our countries historically racist legislation.
I hope that Canadians began to think critically about the necessary steps in combatting systematic racism. By recognizing the variety of views held in our country and creating dialogue around this topic, we are choosing to acknowledge our past and beginning to create a future where all cultures are tolerated.
What Her Weathered Eyes Tell Me – A Poem
Her weathered eyes tell me she’s seen some things;
Her neatly knitted red hat each stitch each seam;
She speaks not it seems in complex phrases;
She could have been here three decades but to you she’s the same as;
That Chang that Chong, too many Wong’s its wrong;
Like her only place at the table should be slurping Wontons at Hons;
You worry about your own backyard, call her the product of an invasion;
You paint her with the same brush, like all calligraphy must be Asian;
She wants nothing more than to say hello and have you smile back:
She tired of you saying go home, like she’s a pre-1960’s black;
Her wrinkled hands washing white rice, but to you it’s crack;
But she ain’t going nowhere, homie I’mma assure you of that.
Cause her nose has smelled the burning of bodies on the street;
She’s been through so many medical treatments, she’s immune to all disease;
She knows the games you playing when you raise up all your fees;
She’s dealt with enough shit, from fleas to trynna flee;
She doesn’t need you debating whether she still a refugee;
All she needs is you to tell her that her presence fills a need;
That her picking up your cans, truly helping clean our streets;
You might never know her name, but her story can’t be washed away;
She’ll wake up every morning, cause every morning it’s the same;
Maybe for a minute stop and say how goes your day;
Cause tomorrow when she doesn’t show up for work, you’ll be regretting what you didn’t say.
“You are my family. Thank you.”
Inside the Migrant’s Mind – Official Label Launch
I am proud to officially launch my new label – IMM (Inside the Migrant’s Mind). For many of us Canadian immigration starts with an IMM form. We are proverbial monarch butterflies. Our migrations around the world form the greatest natural phenomenon on earth.
Stay tuned as we explore the poetic power of our immigrant pasts, stories of love for our past and hope for our future.
With Meraki.
Will
