On racist aggression against Indigenous people
Racism is an evil, a disease of mind and of society, that cannot be allowed to fester and rot among us, if any of us is to live in peace, and well-being.
“Some ideas (but we really need big change). If you see hatred on social media towards Indigenous people, report it to Facebook, the person’s employer and/or to the police as hate speech. If you hear a hate-filled comment in public, confront it. If you are in denial about the extent of Canadian racism, open your heart and ask why you have this misconception. If you have Indigenous friends or co-workers, thoughtfully and respectfully acknowledge what is happening.” — Those are a friend’s wise and gentle words.
For myself, I feel much anger against the ignorant, self-entitled people who abuse and threaten those among us who seek only for justice and fair treatment on these, their rightful ancestral lands and waters.
I know that those who act in hateful racist ways are deficient in mind and spirit, that they have been damaged and so are in need of compassion, but also they are at least hurtful, and possibly also they are dangerous. They cannot be allowed to act out their pathologies, for they threaten the safety of our communities, for everyone.
If I see you or hear you, you hateful ones, I will stand up to you.
And I ask all others, of good conscience, now, to do the same.
Go in peace. Go in justice.
John Mowat Steven
Duncan