As a Canadian moving to the US in the middle of these strange times, I feel like I have a slightly different perspective than most. And there are a few things that really jump out at me – and I keep saying to myself “why?”. This is a story about my experience with racism across 2 countries and a conclusion that I think warrants sharing.
Being brought up in rural Ontario – I was extremely sheltered from any kind racism. I literally didn’t know it existed and never considered skin colour or cultural background as an attribute that needed to be considered beyond perhaps enhancing good looks.
When I moved to BC I was absolutely shocked at the racism towards First Nations people that exists across the western provinces. Racist jokes, openly stereotyping people and anger towards a race based their history – I had never to been exposed to this kind of open hostility and disrespect. The First Nations community issues are very much in progress in BC, are extremely difficult to fully comprehend and are still “young” (there are people still alive who experienced residential schools). As I learned, the community struggles for First Nations are complex and the result is poverty and hardship for which there are no easy solutions. This is part of the systemic racism that has a lot to do with white privilege.
Then we move to the US. The first thing that really shocked us was the importance, depth and vivid depiction of US History in the education system. The kids spend a considerable amount of time learning about Slavery and Native American treaties in a very graphic way. It kind of feels like getting your nose rubbed in it. I feel like in Canada we approach a lot of these issues with a focus on reconciliation and a celebration of culture. Whereas in the US – it is very focused on owning up to the horrors of our predecessors. I’m pretty sensitive – and so are my kids – so a lot of it very hard to read, see and hear. And I spend a lot of time wondering what is the value?
Owning your history is super important. But I feel like it isn’t framed in a way to move forward, to celebrate cultural diversity or help kids recognize white privilege.
And now, with the Central Park/birdwatching incident and the George Floyd murder there is another big realization. Racism in the US against black people is different than any other kind of racism.
Most racism I have encountered is one of disrespect and stereotyping. Assuming someone is a lesser citizen because of their skin colour or cultural background. But this is where the difference lies: when a white american sees a black man – the white person feels fear. The black man is, by definition, likely a criminal and will endanger your life. You see a First Nation man, maybe you make a snyde remark; you see a Muslim man, you may think they must treat women badly… These are all terrible stereotypes – but why does a man with Black skin instantly instill fear?
I found this post on Facebook by Shola Richards and it sums up the exact sentiment I am exploring here:
Twice a day, I walk my dog Ace around my neighborhood with one, or both, of my girls. I know that doesn’t seem noteworthy, but here’s something that I must admit:
I would be scared to death to take these walks without my girls and my dog. In fact, in the four years living in my house, I have never taken a walk around my neighborhood alone (and probably never will).
Sure, some of you may read that and think that I’m being melodramatic or that I’m “playing the race card” (I still have no clue what that means), but this is my reality.
When I’m walking down the street holding my young daughter’s hand and walking my sweet fluffy dog, I’m just a loving dad and pet owner taking a break from the joylessness of crisis homeschooling.
But without them by my side, almost instantly, I morph into a threat in the eyes of some white folks. Instead of being a loving dad to two little girls, unfortunately, all that some people can see is a 6’2” athletically-built black man in a cloth mask who is walking around in a place where he doesn’t belong (even though, I’m still the same guy who just wants to take a walk through his neighborhood). It’s equal parts exhausting and depressing to feel like I can’t walk around outside alone, for fear of being targeted.
It goes on a little more – it is a public post by Shola Richards, so you should be able to find and read the rest of it, but this captures the essence of it. And it is the realization that has hit me over the past several days that I feel needs to be talked about.
Why the fear? Why is a black man instantly assumed to be a criminal? Why do white Americans save this special type of racism just for African Americans? This specific assignment of fear and criminality doesn’t apply to other races. I hear about a rise in hate crimes against Chinese people – it comes from a place of disrespect and definitely white privilege, but no one is automatically assigning each Chinese person with a label of fear and criminality.
I think the recognition of white privilege is definitely a requirement for society to grow and learn from this. But there is another piece – specific to African Americans (men, mostly) that needs to be addressed ASAP. People really need to recognize and dismantle this fear response – black skin may indicate a different culture, maybe even one you don’t appreciate, but it does NOT indicate criminality or aggression.
