When you have children in your life, it’s bound to happen that they will say something that embarrasses you in public. Sometimes it’s more painful than other times. But likely every caregiver has had at least one experience where a child has noticed something about someone out loud. What does … [Continue reading] It’s OK to Notice Difference
Diversity & Inclusion
Happy (?) Fall!
Fall Equinox happened this weekend and it has brought some cooler temperatures to Toronto (and likely elsewhere too!) While for some people this presents the opportunity to sport some new Fall fashion, change the furnace filters and consider turning up the heat, for others there are greater … [Continue reading] Happy (?) Fall!
Happy (?) First Day of School…
I’m writing this amid the screaming of airplanes over my head from Toronto’s Airshow. Why we still “celebrate” this tradition when we have thousands of people living here from war-torn countries is beyond me. But I already wrote about that. I wanted to write about Serena Williams’ catsuit … [Continue reading] Happy (?) First Day of School…
Perfect is Boring
The cover of my journal says Perfect is Boring. I was at a workshop when I picked it, and the message has spoken to me many times since, in different ways. Today, it struck me as an important point when talking about the work of diversity and inclusion. Sometimes we don't know what to … [Continue reading] Perfect is Boring
What Does Resistance Look Like?
This past week I have been thinking a lot about resistance, and how it manifests itself in both overt and covert ways. Often when we are afraid, we resist. It’s a defence mechanism designed to keep us safe. But the result is that we can miss opportunities for learning, growth and … [Continue reading] What Does Resistance Look Like?
Why D&I needs Bill C-25
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
Moving Beyond What We Know
To me, one of the most important parts of this work around diversity and inclusion and anti-racism/anti-oppression is to give people a chance to expand their awareness and broaden their thinking. Because generally speaking we all live in a pretty small orbit – our own. This works … [Continue reading] Moving Beyond What We Know
Proud Boys – when private views make it into the public domain
I'm watching an interview with a leader from the Maritime Forces Atlantic (the Navy) about the Proud Boys "interruption" of an Indigenous ceremony in Nova Scotia on Canada Day. You can google the footage of the disturbance and the troubling comments made by the Proud Boys. I'm not going to link … [Continue reading] Proud Boys – when private views make it into the public domain
Being Open to Learning – Part 3 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Welcome to week 3! If you missed the last two weeks, you can find them here: - A general overview, but with a focus on Ramadan - The first R in ROAR – Recognize Privilege O = Openness to Learning The whole point of the O is that as allies, there will be many things that you don’t know, don’t … [Continue reading] Being Open to Learning – Part 3 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Seeing Ourselves in Media Matters
A TV Commercial Yesterday I saw a commercial on TV that made me smile. Picture this: It starts with a close up of little feet running through mud, and into the house. At which point we see that the little girl (4 years old? 5?) – complete with skirt and crown - is chasing a frog. Around the … [Continue reading] Seeing Ourselves in Media Matters