I’m a little late to the party, but wanted to wrap up my representation series before moving on. By now, Don Cherry’s remarks and his subsequent firing are old news. But what intrigues me most about this story is how we defend ourselves, and what those defenses tell us about awareness and … [Continue reading] Don Cherry – and how we can miss the bigger picture of inclusion
Brownface and the impact of Race as a Social Construct
So, Justin Trudeau is in hot water as images of him in “brownface” 18 years ago have surfaced. And although I’m disappointed, I’m not surprised. Well, maybe a little that it was only 18 years. Why? Because this is an example of how deeply the social construct of race has embedded itself into our … [Continue reading] Brownface and the impact of Race as a Social Construct
Technology and Access
As many of us are aware - we live in a technological world. Wifi at home and in public spaces with which we can access information from our laptops, tablets, and cellphones. Email addresses that are accessible from any of these devices - and even via apps to make it easier to connect. When we are … [Continue reading] Technology and Access
Who are you? Pick one…
A few weeks ago I had a mommogram (if you have breasts and are of a certain age, I can feel you cringing). During my appointment at the hospital I was handed a clipboard with and intake form, and a survey. I was pleased to see many options for the gender category along with some definitions at … [Continue reading] Who are you? Pick one…
Now that Pride is over…
If you live in Toronto, Pride week is over, and Pride month will end in a few days. But no matter where you live, if Pride is celebrated, here is some food for thought for after the parade is done. What happens now? Where do all the rainbows go? The stickers, the flags, the sentiment? What … [Continue reading] Now that Pride is over…
Happy Pride – this is what inclusion looks like
If you live in Toronto, June is Pride month, and this weekend coming up is Pride weekend. Rainbows abound. It’s nice to see the outwards signs of support. It wasn’t always like this. And it isn’t like this everywhere. In fact you don’t have to drive far to experience that. And we are also … [Continue reading] Happy Pride – this is what inclusion looks like
The Raptors, Basketball, and Black Boys’ Dreams…
I’m writing this on the eve of Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The game has been going on for about 2 hours. I am not watching – I have no TV – but I can hear the energy spilling out from neighbouring windows. My 7-year-old daughter has taken to basketball in the last few weeks, and I’m sure she will be … [Continue reading] The Raptors, Basketball, and Black Boys’ Dreams…
For the People…
First I want to acknowledge that the report from the Inquiry into the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released in Ottawa yesterday. I want to read more about what it says before I write about it. In the meantime, a little something about privilege. The cover of NOW … [Continue reading] For the People…
The Importance of Asking Questions
Last week I had an experience that reminded me how important it is to ask questions so we can see more. I was at Paramount Restaurant for dinner. Paramount is owned by a man who is Muslim and I have seen a prayer room in one location. I would not be surprised if that is standard: another example … [Continue reading] The Importance of Asking Questions
Remember, it’s Ramadan
For many of us, the fact that it’s Ramadan may not even be on our radar. Ramadan is the 9thmonth in the Islamic calendar and is a month where Muslims around the world fast between sunrise and sunset. As the days get longer, consider what I might be like not to eat or drink for about 14.5 … [Continue reading] Remember, it’s Ramadan