Those who believe that racism doesn’t exist in Canada have never had to prepare a young child for what could happen to them just because of the colour of their skin.
Laurabel Mba is a woman of colour living in Newfoundland and Labrador and says Canada does have a racism problem.
She says it’s hidden behind political correctness and being polite, but deeply ingrained micro-aggression and prejudice exist.
Mba wrote a powerful message on Facebook in light of the current uprising in the US.
As the mother of a young son, she knows she will have to sit him down and have a conversation that she doesn’t want to have—but one that he needs to hear.
Mba says she’ll have to explain at a younger age than she’d like that it doesn’t matter if he is hanging out with friends who are white or black, if he’s out with his white friends and they all do something wrong, he’ll need to understand that he’ll face harsher judgement.
She says she’ll have to go through car safety about having his licence and insurance handy, not ruffle through things, and to comply just so he comes home at night.
Mba says all people want is to be equal and treated as such. She hopes that people educate themselves, and listen to people of colour in their communities.
Listen to Laurabel Mba’s conversation with VOCM’s Ben Murphy below:
US Violence a Symptom of Underlying Racism: Human Rights Commission
The Executive Director and CEO of the Human Rights Commission is watching what’s happening in the United States with a mixture of horror, anger, frustration, sadness, and a sense of hopelessness.
Carey Majid asks why the issues being raised in light of the murder of George Floyd keep repeating.
She quoted a statement attributed to Martin Luther King; “A riot is the language of the unheard.” She suggests the looting and violence are a symptom of the underlying racism and oppression that pushes people to the brink.
Majid says racism is a social construct, and what’s happening before the cameras in the United States is opening some people’s eyes to what is really happening.
She says the conflict has existed for a very long time, and now it’s at the forefront for those who may not be fully aware of the history of racism.
Listen to Carey Majid’s conversation with VOCM’s Gerri-Lynn Mackey below:
