Perpetuation of the system

I FOUND lots to celebrate in Canadian PM Mark Carney’s address at the World Economic Forum, like many in Canada — and around the world — did. He did a lot of Canadians proud. If you haven’t watched it, it’s easy to find. I recommend it. One theme that really stood out to me is summed up in this quote:

The system’s power comes not from its truth, but from everyone’s willingness to perform as if it were true. And its fragility comes from the same source. When even one person stops performing…the illusion begins to crack.

This also sums up the work of anti-racism. Silence helps perpetuate the status quo. The status quo that taught me, when I was just a little kid, that whiteness is the normal, the standard to which everything is judged. This is the system we still live in. I know lots of people don’t want to believe it. It’s uncomfortable to admit. But we have to name it. We have to be uncomfortable. And we need to speak out against it.

The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is presenting my documentary, Outsiderness, on the morning of January 24. The event runs from 10am to noon in Trail, BC at the Royal Theatre. A short film produced by the Chilliwack Local Immigration Partnership and Bear Image Productions called Common Territory will open things up. I will be hosting a Q&A after the screenings.

Admission is by donation but you need to reserve your seat(s) To do so, contact Carolyn Amantea at:

camantea@cbal.org or 250-231-9415

If you’re in the area, I hope you make it out!