Speak out against racism

Letter to the Editor:
There has been a great deal of talk lately; private conversations in churches, schools and homes. People have been discussing racism and bigotry. We have generally not spoken loudly about these issues in this area, preferring to consider this a non-issue.
We can no longer afford ourselves that luxury. Recent events have provided a catalyst for us to have to boldly stand up for reason.
When the young man was beaten up by 4 others and racial slurs were shouted at him, everyone I talked to was appalled by that cowardly act. We spoke about it to each other, but there was little done publicly by people of the non-native community to assure First Nations people that we do not condone or even tolerate that kind of behaviour.
Then last week young non-native youths chose to disrespect and ridicule First Nations people publicly.
Are we going to let that be the only public message that First Nations people hear from us?
I believe this has provided us an opportunity to speak out against racism and bigotry. We can no longer hide our heads in the sand and ignore this. In school we teach students about bullying. The positions people take are: the bully, the bully supporter, the observer, the victim and the victim supporter. Until now we have been able to assume the position of observer, but that position rapidly changes when a bully act occurs. At that time, the observer has to make a choice: become a bully supporter or a victim supporter. Which will it be? Our silence at this time moves us into the position of bully supporter. Excusing those acts, or pretending they have nothing to do with prejudice supports the bullies, the perpetrators of racism.
We need to publicly declare our support for the voices of reason and fairness. We have to publicly denounce acts of racism and prejudice.
I understand that there are some anti-racism committees in Fort Frances. Are these inclusive or exclusive? Are they public? I would like more information about their mandates.
Have there been any non-native groups that have reached out to the First Nations communities to lend support and stand with them at this time? I know that Howard Hampton has met with a group of First Nations people to discuss how our communities can work together to promote healing. We need more of that kind of pro-active leadership.
If I were a member of a First Nations community I would be forced to doubt that I would be treated with respect and dignity by non-natives at this time because of the public silence from the majority of us who are appalled by the racist and bigoted acts but say nothing. Our silence makes us appear to minimize the impact of these acts, to consider them not important, not relevant.
We need to act if we want First Nations people and other groups to know we support fairness and respect for all.
I propose these:
1. Write short letters to the editors of the papers, stating opposition to acts of racism and supporting the need for healing and unity in our communities.
2. Young people are being taught about bullying in schools. Now is a chance for the voices of the majority of young people who are not racist to publicly oppose acts of prejudice and stand up for the people who are being ridiculed. Your letters would have a great deal of power to convince and show leadership to others.
3. The anti-racist committees need to become more public, let the majority of us know about you and join you in a public forum dealing with how to heal and unify our communities.
It was members of our community that started this harmful display of dis-respect. We have to show leadership in healing this.

–Charleen Gustafson
Stratton, Ont.