"Overcoming racism compels us to address public policies and private attitudes that perpetuate it. On this International Day, I call on Member States, international and non-governmental organizations, the media, civil society and all individuals to engage meaningfully in the promotion of the International Year for People of African descent – and to work together against racism whenever and wherever it occurs."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
I recognize the unearned priviledge that I am granted by Western society, simply by having been born in a white body (see the 'classic' White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack By Peggy McIntosh). And I know I'll never understand how racism feels, living in out society dominated by whiteness. I'm reminded today--the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination--to take a look at what is happening in our community and country, in both the effort to eliminate racial discrimination, and the things which serve to reinforce racism
To Canadians of European descent whiteness is akin to normalness; yet, as Frankenberg (1996) points out, it is unacknowledged and unknown to most white people. Euro-Canadians do not define themselves as white - they merely construct themselves as NOT being people of colour. This invisibility of whitenes is “historically, socially, politically and culturally produced and ... linked to ... relations of domination” (Weis et al., 1997, p.22). This domination manifests itself in the form of white privilege...These privileges are invisible to most Euro-Canadians; yet, they exist. They are built into Canadian society. It is a “protective pillow of resources and/or benefits of the doubt” (Fine, 1997, p 57). ...from J. Cameron, Media, Stereotypes and the Perpetuation of Racism in Canada
'The work racialized Canadians are able to attain is more likely to be insecure, temporary and low paying,' .... 'Despite an increasingly diverse population, a colour code is firmly in place.'"
From the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives:
"[R]acialized Canadian workers earned only 81.4 cents for every dollar paid to non-racialized Canadian workers – reflecting barriers in Canada’s workplaces.
'The work racialized Canadians are able to attain is more likely to be insecure, temporary and low paying,' .... 'Despite an increasingly diverse population, a colour code is firmly in place.'"
From the Vancouver Sun:
In its notice of the proposed change, the government says the groups most likely to be affected by the change are Colombians and Eritreans.
Currently, six countries are designated: Colombia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Sudan, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. (hmm...where people of colour live! ~ N.S.)
However, Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees, said scrapping the class instead of reforming it will close the door to people who can't easily leave their home countries to apply for refugee status and force them into the arms of human-smugglers.
"They are proposing to close one of the few options Canada has which allows people who face persecution to avoid smugglers."
From the Ontario Human Rights Commission:
