Drama or dialogue? Reader responds to racism allegation

When addressing important issues that affect us all, which is better, drama or dialogue? We have so many issues affecting us today, affordability, immigration, crime, housing, health care and more. Now more than ever we need to be able to have reasonable and rational discussion to address these complex issues. But, a recent letter to the editor on March 3rd showed that people would rather emotionally exaggerate to shut down conversation rather than promote it. It was a prime example of drama rather than discourse. Discussing the planned referendum that is to include immigration the writer said, “let’s be honest: today the word immigration has become a code word for people who aren’t white”.

Really? That’s the reason decisions on immigration come to the floor: skin colour? Things like adequate housing and jobs are not issues to consider? The fact that our education and health care systems are buckling under the current load doesn’t factor in? Somehow, wanting to ensure that immigrants can succeed is inherently racist? Assuring that our citizens and permanent residents are properly supported is irresponsible? Crying racism is only meant to do one thing: severely evoke an exaggerated emotional response so as to squelch factual conversation. More and more we are seeing unhinged statements, like that of the McBride’s Bakery Facebook post, that seek to do just that. But where does this get us? Is anything solved?

I can already hear the response: “well, a referendum doesn’t bring about conversation either”. There are two things I would say to that. First, how else would we prefer a democracy to preside a decision? Having it dictated by someone with our view while ignoring other key issues? Secondly, and maybe more importantly, the government doesn’t need to engineer conversation for us. True grown-ups can take it upon themselves to engage in conversation now, ahead of a vote, in order to be better informed on different perspectives, provided they are willing act like grown-ups.

The point is, we need more dialogue so let’s stop with the drama of calling each other racists.

Now, have you heard the one about the German, the Irishman and the Asian….? No? Well, they are members of my extended family who are, each, wonderful people, contributors to society, and immigrated to Canada successfully. So let’s dialogue together to work toward that! 

George Mills, Bow Island