Reasoned debate vs. hateful discourse

Re: “It’s not racist to question multiculturalism” (Lise Ravary, Aug. 21)

Lise Ravary is correct that it is not racist to question multiculturalism, just as it would not be racist to question any philosophy or government policy. The charge of racism arises when the discourse around multiculturalism becomes hateful, or when the challenger uses dogwhistles to whip up hateful sentiment.

Of course, what is hateful can itself be a subject of debate. Whether a statement, action or policy is racist will often attract wide agreement. At other times, racism, like beauty, may lie in the eye of the beholder.

As Justice Potter Stewart of the U.S. Supreme Court, wrestling with the definition of hard-core pornography, famously opined, “I know it when I see it.”

That said, questions about racism (unlike, say, conversations about proposed road closures) are sure to engage deep-seated emotions for most of us.

Our leaders and elected officials know that, and they have a unique responsibility to be respectful when challenging policies and ideas or even each other. If they are really looking for a conversation on the merits, and not for cheap political gain, they should set the tone for reasoned and reasonable debate; they should avoid hyperbole and abstain from personal insult.

Wherever we stand on multiculturalism, or on any other policy matter, we need to hold all our politicians to a higher standard of discourse. Deborah Corber, Westmount