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
From the inside out
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…
The Impact of Mental Illness on Who we See
This week I’m going to get a little personal, and tell you about an experience I had with seeing more. I have a brother who has a mental illness. It’s easy to judge him; to see the many ways he “doesn’t cut it” and the things he should be doing (the things that make sense to me, the things that I … [Continue reading] The Impact of Mental Illness on Who we See
How Can We Say Such Things To Each Other?
Last week in the Toronto Star there was an article about claims of homophobia, Islamophobia, and racism at The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). You can read more about the emails employees allegedly received from their superiors in the article The first thing that comes to mind, … [Continue reading] How Can We Say Such Things To Each Other?
How well do you know the people you work with?
A few weeks ago I took an Uber in Washington DC to get to the airport. As we drove, I struck up a conversation with the driver. I like to hear about people’s lives while I’m sitting in the back seat, and I always learn something new – plus I often get to challenge my own biases! Turns out my … [Continue reading] How well do you know the people you work with?
What Images Tell us About Bias and Inclusion
Last week I visited a Health Care Practitioner. As I sat in the in the waiting room I watched the TV screen display with a slide rotation of all of the practitioners who work in the office and offer complimentary care. While there is a range of offerings and small bios underneath so one can … [Continue reading] What Images Tell us About Bias and Inclusion
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
Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”
Welcome to week 4. Happy Eid to all of our Muslim brothers and sisters! Ramadan ended last night, and today is the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, which means ‘festival to break the fast’. It will continue until Tuesday, June 27th at sundown. And if you’re (also) part of the LGBTQ community in … [Continue reading] Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”