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Focal Point: Can we eliminate racism?
by Angela Spadafora
When you think about it, Canada is a fascinating place with so many people coming to live here from so many different places. Even though Canada has served as a model for the world in human rights and general acceptance of different people and cultures, we still need to work hard to reduce acts of intolerance and racism. In our history, specific groups were sometimes not allowed to contribute to the cultural diversity of our nation, and were stifled simply because of their ethnicity or the colour of their skin.
From the era of segregation, and the Underground Railroad, to the stereotyping that followed the events of 9/11, equality has not always thrived in this country. Like food and water, equal rights are something that is to be shared by every person on the planet. And while society has come a long way in terms of equality among races, the question remains, can racial equality become a reality? Or is it destined to remain an utopist vision of the eternal optimist?
The definition of racism can be found in any dictionary, but regardless of its meaning, racism hurts. Racism is the belief that one ethnic group, race, or religion is superior to others and that they are not worthy of respect or recognition. As a result, individuals become the targets of racial acts based solely on the colour of their skin or their cultural background. Racial discrimination takes many different forms and as such, can enter into all aspects of our lives. Some examples of racism are obvious, such as graffiti, intimidation or physical violence. Racial and ethnic slurs, name-calling and "jokes" are other examples. Unfortunately, they are often ignored because people do not know how to deal with them, especially if it’s a close friend or family member making the comment.
It is one of the measures why The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every year on March 21st. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 67 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa. The demonstrators were protesting against apartheid. Declaring the Day in 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to step-up its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, whether intentional or not. In fact, Canada was one of the first countries to support this initiative. In 1989, Canada became the first country in the world to promote the March 21st campaign. As a result, March 21st has become a national focal point for raising awareness and involving Canadians in the movement against racism.
Canada is a country with a wide variety of races, cultures and ethnicities that make us unique and diverse. So, what can we as individuals do to support diversity? First of all, speak out against racism. In this case, silence is not golden. In fact, it can be interpreted as a silent form of discrimination, as American author Henry Miller once wrote “Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, or evil can become a source of beauty, joy, and strength, if faced with an open mind.” Remember, you have the right, as well as the responsibility, to speak out.
Your support should not stop at home. Even at work, you can explore ways to promote positive race relations by vocally objecting to racist jokes and insults. While the walls of hate and intolerance may divide us racially, culturally and as a society, if we can work together to break down these barriers, brick by brick, racism can be stopped.
You can also take part in events marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Some activities and events taking place to commemorate the day in and around the Greater Toronto Area include:
- The launch of the University of Toronto’s Racism-Free Zone Campaign. For more information log onto www.events.utoronto.ca.
- RyeSAC Events presents A March 21st International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Event: "Director Spike Lee Speaks Out." On Monday March 14, 2005 at 8:00pm, Roy Thomson Hall. The price is $27.00 students / $42.00 general public. For more information, contact Jeff Zoeller, RyeSAC Events Coordinator, jzoeller@ryesac.ca.
- "Black History Through Art." This year's theme of human rights will commemorate the U.N. Proclamation of the International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination from a uniquely Canadian perspective. At the Burlington Arts Centre, 1333 Lakeshore Road. Running March 14 - April 1. Admission is FREE. Call (905) 632-7796 for more information.
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