There is racism still in Canada

Dear editor: The reverse racism card is often pulled by white folks when people of colour call out racism and discrimination.

The impulse behind the reverse racism argument seems to be a desire to prove that people of colour don’t have it that bad, and they’re not the only ones that are put at a disadvantage or targeted because of their race.

Is there racism in the Okanagan? If yes, do racists wear a badge on their forehead?

Canadians do not widely reflect the mythical narrative of inclusively and diversity. And, when I hear or read Canadians are asked to show acceptance and tolerance towards non-white, it raises my temperature.

Many people think tolerance is a virtue. It isn’t. To show tolerance is negative. Tolerance indicates a deep sense of dislike. When whites tolerate us, they are temporarily putting up with it, holding on to something that can turn into hatred. Tolerance indicates a sense of separateness, small mindedness, and limited awareness. And, acceptance is also negative. You accept only that which is not lovable.

I met my first black cat fellow in Kelowna, 42 years ago on Harvey Avenue. Last year I read a non-commercial, self-published book called: “Canada, eh.”

The author describes the racism and discrimination he experienced in Canada. Almost all examples of racism he related in his narrative, I had experienced right here in Kelowna, not in Kingston, Hamilton, or St. Catherines, Ont. I see a century of difference between Ontario and British Columbia’s Okanagan valley.

A common national narrative holds Canada up as a country of multiculturalism and inclusiveness. But a recent survey, this year by Nanos Research, suggests the narrative has cracks.

Seven-in-10 respondents said there is still a lot of racism in Canada. One in five have had racist remarks directed at them. And more than a third said they have made a racist remark in the company of others.

Reading an article by Derrick Clifton, “10 simple ways white people can step up to fight everyday racism” was fascinating. I will close with the just his first suggestion:

“When a white person speaks up about racism, other whites tend to listen carefully and respectfully, even if they disagree. But more often than not, when blacks and people of colour speak about racism, the instinct is to jump to conclusions, to interrupt, call them liars, question their intelligence or walk away from the conversation altogether.”

Three cheers for Collin Basran and Mohini Singh, who obviously did the smart thing!

Mo Rajabally Kelowna