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
racism
The Subtleties of Racism
Last weekend, a good friend of mine was the only Black person at a wedding. There was one guest there, a white woman, who was intent on making sure my friend understood that she “got it”; that she was an ally. She sought my friend out throughout the evening, on multiple occasions, and shared her … [Continue reading] The Subtleties of Racism
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…
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?
Racism in a Costume
If you haven’t heard about it already, Disney has a new movie coming out (Moana), featuring Maui – a revered figure in Polynesian culture. That’s a topic all of it’s own; that a company will take culturally significant figure (particularly an Indigenous one) and make a movie with it. But that’s a … [Continue reading] Racism in a Costume
Systemic Racism in many forms…even dolls!
Last week in Calgary, a woman was shopping for dolls for her children at Toys R Us and made a startling discovery – the “dark skinned” doll was priced lower than it’s “lighter skinned” counterpart (those are the words from the CTV new report). Image from: … [Continue reading] Systemic Racism in many forms…even dolls!
Talking about Race & Racism
Last week I was part of many conversations about race and racism – in organizations, with the people in my life, in the community. Race and racism are tricky to talk about. People feel cautious - even afraid – to say the wrong thing, or to be perceived as ignorant (or worse, as racist). The trouble … [Continue reading] Talking about Race & Racism
Why the Oscars are White
Last year was the first year I remember there being a wide unrest about the "colour" of the Oscars. Hashtags abounded. This year, there has been a stir as well - including an amazing video by Jada Pinkett Smith where she talks about it maybe being time to stop asking to be included, because it makes … [Continue reading] Why the Oscars are White
Sexual Harassment and Intersectionality
Thanks to Jian Ghomeshi, there has been a lot of talk over the past two weeks about sexual violence and sexual harassment. It’s good that we are talking about it. Yesterday I caught the tail end of an interview on CBC radio about sexual harassment in the workplace, and why women don’t come … [Continue reading] Sexual Harassment and Intersectionality
The Subtleties of Systemic Exclusion
Last weekend my partner and I went to see The Delivery Man (don't judge me - new parent movie criteria includes close to home, not too late and a few good laughs. check, check, check).In the movie, Vince Vaughn discovers he is the biological father to 533 kids because the sperm bank he donated to as … [Continue reading] The Subtleties of Systemic Exclusion