Raj Garha

Professor Gerritsma

DATE \@ "MMMM d, y" October 16, 2014

True North Strong, But Not Perfect

Canada is known around the world as an international peacekeeper, a place of liberty, and a loving country that accepts everyone. This reputation is part of our image, and is honoured by many nations. But Canada is not perfect. Racism still exists, sometimes it maybe in the shadows, it does not take a investigative detective to notice the visible racism all around us. In some cases it is social phrases, in some it may be serious bullying, discrimination or even assault, racism is still a problem.

Like the United States of America, Canada has a history with racism. In the 1900s to 1950s, there was discrimination against African-Canadians. From the time of settlement into North America, up until a few decades ago, there was serious mis-treatment of First Nation peoples, including genocide, sexual assault and child abuse.

Also during WW2, Japanese-Canadians were looked upon as enemies, and treated poorly. Compared to the past, we are much more liberal, and have less racial prejudices.

The improvement of civil liberties from the past to now is amazing. But still not enough. Every time I see something racist, it deeply saddens me. In my heart, Canada as a whole has left racism behind, but some people still carry the disgusting tradition. I once saw a bus driver speaking disrespectfully to an older Chinese woman, about how he couldn't understand her, and she should try to speak in English. I thought to my self how sad it is that an official city worker can be so intolerant of other cultures. I do not like racism, and see it a lot. I see racism when a group of African-Canadians attack a Caucasian man for "coming...