It’s an interesting thing that Quebec has done with Bill 62: they haven’t used the word Muslim or niqab in their Bill, but they have still managed to target Muslim women. Sneaky. And, in my opinion, sinister. There has been a statement to attempt to defend the universalism of the Bill. … [Continue reading] The Niqab and Bill 62
From the inside out
What’s Privilege got to do with it? – Part 3
Last week we explored taking up space. This week we’ll explore the ways we use our privilege to discount others (and impose our needs on them). I was recently facilitating a workshop. Right away, during the introduction, one of the participants indicated that he was aware of his privileges … [Continue reading] What’s Privilege got to do with it? – Part 3
What’s Privilege got to do with it? – Part 2
I’m sure you’ve been in situations like this – the ones where someone is talking way more than anyone else in the group. Maybe you were at a party, maybe it’s a group of friends, or perhaps it happens at work. Share the Air In workshops, we always have an agreement about sharing the air. I explain … [Continue reading] What’s Privilege got to do with it? – Part 2
Oh Dove…
Last weekend we saw another mis-step in the advertising world. If you didn't see Dove’s Facebook ad, you can see it here. Dove pulled it down, and apologized for the “racial insensitivity”. Well. The ad is not just racially insensitive, it perpetuates (and is perpetuated by), systemic … [Continue reading] Oh Dove…
Taking a Knee… and what created the movement
I was really busy with a project this past week, so this weekend was my first chance to catch up on the Take a Knee movement. I’m intrigued by the history as well as what it has become. You can read about it and watch the video here. Taking a Knee Here's a rudimentary synopsis: Colin Kaepernick … [Continue reading] Taking a Knee… and what created the movement
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
The Trouble with ‘Ranting’ about Racism
Last week Munroe Bergdorf was fired by L’Oréal after a Facebook “rant” on racism. You can read about it here. There are so many points of entry into this issue for me, but I’ll focus on two today. Who is ranting? First. The definition of a rant is to “speak or shout at length in a wildly … [Continue reading] The Trouble with ‘Ranting’ about Racism
The Lesser Wonders of Wonder Woman
I went to see the movie Wonder Woman last week. For the second time. There were many things I like and appreciate about the movie: Female superhero: check Strong female lead character: check Female lead who doesn’t spend time obsessing over a guy: check I’m also glad Gal Gadot … [Continue reading] The Lesser Wonders of Wonder Woman
Human Rights – Who Has Them, and Who Doesn’t
A few weeks ago, President Trump decided to reinstate a ban on transgender people serving in the military. It was a blow to transgender rights, which had been creeping along in a positive direction in the US. You can read more about the details here. The first thing that comes to mind is how some … [Continue reading] Human Rights – Who Has Them, and Who Doesn’t
But You’re White…
Last week I had another interesting experience that has rocked my world a little more. Quite frankly, I should know better. But every time I get to see more, to notice and challenge my assumptions, I grow. That is the point, after all. And because these challenges allow me to see myself and others … [Continue reading] But You’re White…