In Canada, despite the fact that Visible Minorities make up 21.9% of the population (much more in some cities) the representation of people from “diverse” backgrounds (as well as female representation) is still abysmal. Bill C-25 (currently before the Senate) is aimed at changing that. It would … [Continue reading] Why D&I needs Bill C-25
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Why I Hate Black History Month – part 4
I have an issue with Black History Month. I have written about how everything Black happens in February and is forgotten for the rest of the year. I have written about “firsts” and what they say about how far we have (and haven’t) come. And last year I wrote about the lessons we could learn … [Continue reading] Why I Hate Black History Month – part 4
A “Win” for Transgender Inmates?
It was announced today that transgender inmates in Federal prisons will be housed according to their gender identity and will be addressed using the correct pronouns (among other rights). This is a “win” for gender identity and expression and human rights – but what about for Trans and non-binary … [Continue reading] A “Win” for Transgender Inmates?
Mental Health – Join the Conversation on Jan 31
This coming Wednesday January 31st in Canada is Bell’s Let’s Talk day – a day set aside to raise awareness about mental illness, and funds to support mental health. You’ve likely seen the ads from Bell in bus shelters, billboards and transit vehicles. If you don't live in Canada, don't let that stop … [Continue reading] Mental Health – Join the Conversation on Jan 31
The Lorax, and Catching Happiness
Lessons from The Lorax Last Thursday night we took out 5-year-old daughter to a theatre production of The Lorax (the Dr. Seuss character who “speaks for the trees”). She was enthralled with the stage performance, the dancing, the singing and the large puppet that was the Lorax. There were a few … [Continue reading] The Lorax, and Catching Happiness
Sh*thole countries…?
Last week was quite a week… I wrote a blog about Judge Eidsvik’s comments about “dark people”, commented on the H&M “coolest monkey in the jungle advertising debacle, and then President Trump made disparaging comments about Haiti and African nations in the context of immigration. If you … [Continue reading] Sh*thole countries…?
Oh H&M…
2018 has just started and we have our first public misstep in advertising: H&M had a black boy modelling a hoodie that brands him as the “coolest monkey in the jungle”. Are you kidding me?! The white kid next to him is the “survival expert”. Ah… if only someone had caught this during the … [Continue reading] Oh H&M…
Judge Eidsvik’s comments about “dark people”
Judge Kristine Eidsvik told her class at the University of Calgary that she was uncomfortable walking into a room "full of big dark people." If you haven’t read the brief article in the Toronto Star, you can read it here. Sigh. Welcome to 2018. This type of comment isn’t surprising or … [Continue reading] Judge Eidsvik’s comments about “dark people”
Happy Holidays (plural)
This past week I hard-pressed to find a menorah anywhere. Christmas trees, yes. But a menorah? I live in a condo, and the Christmas tree went up in the lobby on Dec. 7. When I called the management office to find out if a menorah was going to appear I was told no, and that I’d have to write a letter … [Continue reading] Happy Holidays (plural)
What we swear on…?
Three things stand out for me in this clip from Tuesday night’s coverage of the Alabama Senate race in the USA where Doug Jones won. On Tuesday night, following the US election where Doug Jones won, Jake Tapper speaks with one of Roy Moore's spokespeople who doesn't think Muslims should be … [Continue reading] What we swear on…?