Just in case the need for race*-based stats is a new conversation to you, it’s not just about COVI-19. COVID-19 is just the latest reason to beat the drum. Laurie Townshend (filmmaker, photographer and teacher) has a gripping installation up as part of Toronto’s Scotiabank Contact photography …
Racial Discrimination
Who Gets to be the Hero?
In the past two weeks I have watched two thought-provoking movies: Green Book and Same Kind of Different as Me. The former (as you may know) won Best Picture for last year. I watched it on the plane. The latter was from 2017, and I found it on Netflix. I love them both for the lessons they …
The Elimination of Racism
Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Given what I do, every day is a day to eliminate racism, but I digress. First, I notice that it feels different to say ‘the elimination of racial discrimination’ vs. ‘the elimination of racism’. The latter is more …
No More Princes…?
Soon after the news of the engagement between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke, my 5-year old daughter and I were in the store. I showed her the cover of the magazine. “Look!” I said. “That woman will be a princess.” Princesses can be brown too! Believe me, it’s not because I want her to …
Who Gets to Complain, Why, and Who Is Heard?
Complaining is something that only those with privilege are really afforded. Did you know that? It’s true. So, who is heard? Complaining is something that only those with privilege are really afforded. Did you know that? It’s true. And to highlight this, I’m going to share two examples from …
[Continue reading] Who Gets to Complain, Why, and Who Is Heard?
Anti-Black Racism in Canada
Last Friday morning, my world felt different. I had watched Desmond Cole’s documentary The Skin We’re In on CBC the night before (if you missed it, you can watch it here). The Skin We're In - a brief overview The Skin We’re In was insightful, personal and thought-provoking. I appreciated …
Silence = Complicity
Many of you are likely familiar with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote: “There comes a time when silence becomes betrayal.” I would argue that time has nothing to do with it. Silence equals betrayal anytime – whether we realize it or not, whether we are alone or in a group – because it equals …
The Oscars – not so White?
After the public spotlight on race in the last two years, it’s nice to see some melanin in the Oscar winner lineup in 2017. Just to be clear, I didn’t watch, but I see that Moonlight won Best Picture, Viola Davis won for Best Supporting actress and Mahershala Ali won for Best Supporting Actor …
Racism in a Menu?
A Toronto restaurant has been called out by the media for calling their non-spicy food option “White” on their menu. Reality Check Firstly, I have to point out that in a world where Black men are routinely targeted by police – in some cases fatally – and there are many many examples of …