intolerance

Tuesday May 28, 2024

The escalation of protests into prolonged occupations, exemplified by the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Toronto and the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, underscores the challenges and limitations of such movements, highlighting the need to balance the right to protest with maintaining public order and preventing the proliferation of extremism.

Editorial cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Tuesday May 28, 2024

The Limits of Protests – Lessons from Pro-Palestinian and Freedom Convoy Occupancies

The recent incident in Vancouver, where Pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded Prime Minister Trudeau at a restaurant, along with previous instances of incivility, underscores a concerning trend of disrespect and aggression in Canadian politics that threatens the principles of civil discourse and democratic engagement.

November 17, 2023

In recent years, the landscape of protests has shifted dramatically, with demonstrations increasingly turning into prolonged occupations that disrupt communities and breed extremism. Two prominent examples, the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Toronto and the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, highlight the challenges and limitations of such movements.

The pro-Palestinian encampment began as a demonstration against Israeli actions in Gaza, calling for divestment from companies associated with the conflict. While the initial grievances were valid, the occupation of university grounds quickly escalated, disrupting academic activities and fostering an environment of intolerance. Some protesters resorted to hostile rhetoric and actions, alienating potential allies and overshadowing the legitimate concerns at the heart of the protest.

News: U of T files for injunction to evict pro-Palestinian encampment

In the blossoming of spring, the humble tent becomes a poignant symbol of both escape and despair, embodying the struggles of homelessness and the fervent calls for change amidst the tranquility of nature.

May 9, 2024

Similarly, the Freedom Convoy started as a protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, attracting citizens frustrated with government policies. However, the movement swiftly evolved into an occupation that paralyzed the capital city, attracting extremist elements and causing widespread disruption. The government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act underscored the limits of tolerance for such occupations and the need to balance the right to protest with public safety and order.

These examples illustrate the dangers of protests that transform into occupations. While the right to protest is fundamental to democracy, it must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries. Occupations disrupt daily life, attract extremism, and erode the legitimacy of the protest, ultimately detracting from its original purpose.

Editorial: The ‘Freedom Convoy’ was hauling a load of bad ideas – but the people on board are not the enemy  

February 19, 2022

Moving forward, it is essential to recognize the importance of protests as a means of expressing dissent and effecting change. However, it is equally crucial to ensure that protests remain peaceful, respectful, and within the bounds of the law. Authorities must enforce these boundaries firmly and consistently, protecting the rights of all individuals while upholding public order.

While protests play a vital role in democratic societies, there are clear limitations when they escalate into occupations. By maintaining a balance between the right to protest and the need for public safety, we can ensure that demonstrations remain a force for positive change rather than a source of division and disruption. (AI)

Thursday May 22, 2024

A survey points out a concerning decline in Canada's reputation as a welcoming destination for international students due to governmental missteps, commercialization of education, and the exploitation of legitimate criticisms for xenophobic purposes.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday May 22, 2024

Addressing the Worrisome Public Backlash Against International Students in Canada

Canada is dealing with more immigrants while also facing a shortage of doctors and healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for solutions to keep skilled professionals and help newcomers settle in.

February 6, 2024

Recent findings from the 2023 international student survey, as highlighted in the Toronto Star, reveal a troubling decline in Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination for foreign students. Larissa Bezo, President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, points out that Canada is losing its image as a safe and supportive environment. This shift is due to government ineptitude and the commercialization of international education, but these criticisms are also being exploited for xenophobic and nativist purposes, intensifying the backlash against international students.

The Canadian dream for immigrants has turned into a harsh reality, prompting growing pressure to reassess immigration policies in the face of economic challenges, housing struggles, healthcare complexities, and cultural clashes.

January 19, 2024

The government’s recent policy changes, including capping study permits and limiting post-graduation work permits, were intended to address housing and economic pressures but have instead caused unintended harm to students and educational institutions. Visa processing delays and bureaucratic inefficiencies further erode trust in the system, compounding the problem.

Educational institutions, relying heavily on international students for revenue, have been criticized for prioritizing financial gain over educational quality and support services. Some have even been labeled “diploma mills,” damaging the sector’s credibility. Institutions like Ontario’s Fleming College face financial strain, cutting programs and staff due to reduced enrolments, which fuels public resentment.

News: International student survey shows worrying signs for Canada’s image, education group says

August 30, 2023

Amidst these issues, nativist and xenophobic sentiments are rising. Legitimate concerns are being twisted to promote anti-foreigner narratives, unfairly blaming international students for housing shortages and job competition. This scapegoating ignores the complex nature of these problems and fosters discrimination.

May 19, 2022

To restore confidence in Canada’s international education program, a nuanced approach is needed. The government should implement targeted policies and engage stakeholders in the policymaking process. Transparent communication about policy changes is crucial to manage public perception and reduce misinformation. Strengthening support systems for international students, such as housing assistance and integration programs, can mitigate backlash by addressing root causes of discontent. Public campaigns should highlight the value of diversity and the contributions of international students, countering xenophobic attitudes and reshaping public narratives.

July 28, 2023

The challenges revealed by the 2023 survey and the public backlash they reflect pose a significant threat to Canada’s reputation as a global leader in education. By refining policies, enhancing support systems, and promoting inclusivity, Canada can restore confidence in its international education program and reaffirm its commitment to being a welcoming destination for students worldwide. (AI)

Tuesday December 19, 2023

The heightened rhetoric against undocumented immigrants by global leaders, including Canada's Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, underscores concerns about the potential impact on compassionate immigration policies, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach that prioritizes both economic interests and humanitarian considerations.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday December 19, 2023

The Escalating Rhetoric Against Undocumented Immigrants

March 29, 2023

The recent surge in inflammatory rhetoric by populist and conservative leaders, particularly British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and former US President Donald Trump, demands a critical examination of its implications on immigration discourse. Sunak, who narrowly survived a parliamentary challenge to his controversial plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda, has advocated for global reforms to the asylum system. However, his warnings of a growing refugee threat and accusations of deliberate destabilization tactics by “enemies” raise concerns about the demonization of vulnerable populations.

News: Rishi Sunak warns of migrant threat ‘overwhelming’ European countries  

February 23, 2017

On the other side of the Atlantic, Donald Trump’s rhetoric, echoed in his bid for a third consecutive presidential run, reaches alarming heights. His repeated claims that undocumented immigrants are “poisoning the blood of our country” not only reflect xenophobia but also draw parallels to historical instances of dangerous scapegoating. 

Trump’s promise to intensify immigration restrictions, coupled with “ideological screening,” raises serious questions about the erosion of democratic values and the potential targeting of specific communities based on their beliefs.

January 13, 2018

The use of such inflammatory language by Trump has drawn criticism from experts like Yale professor Jason Stanley, who notes the echoes of Nazi rhetoric in Trump’s speeches. This normalization of dangerous speech, Stanley argues, poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of immigrants in the US. The White House, under President Joe Biden, has condemned Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that they stand against the principles of democracy and public safety.

June 6, 2023

It is crucial to contextualize Trump’s current rhetoric within his previous actions during his tenure. His administration implemented over 400 immigration policy changes, including a ban on refugees from Muslim-majority countries and the separation of thousands of children from their families at the southern border. The policy, later deemed one of the “most shameful chapters” in US history by a federal judge, highlights the real-world consequences of such inflammatory rhetoric.

News: “Poisoning the Blood”: Donald Trump Doubles Down On Anti-Migrant Language  

May 9, 2019

In the UK, Sunak’s push for reforms in the asylum system, coupled with efforts to send refugees to Rwanda, faces legal challenges and accusations of inhumanity. The UK Supreme Court is currently deliberating the lawfulness of sending asylum-seekers to Rwanda, with human rights groups arguing against the deportation of individuals to a country with a questionable human rights record.

Canada’s Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, while evasive on immigration targets, criticizes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ambitious goal of welcoming 500,000 immigrants annually by 2025. Poilievre’s emphasis on aligning immigration policy with private-sector needs raises concerns about prioritizing economic interests over humanitarian considerations.

In conclusion, the heightened rhetoric against undocumented immigrants by populist and conservative leaders reflects a disturbing trend. It not only risks normalizing divisive language but also threatens the rights, dignity, and safety of vulnerable communities. As citizens, we must remain vigilant in challenging such rhetoric and advocating for immigration policies grounded in compassion, fairness, and respect for human rights. (AI)

 

Thursday September 21, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 21, 2023

A Complex Blend of Inclusion and Intolerance

February 8, 2022

In the past, the “1 Million March 4 Children” gathered to protest queer-inclusive policies in schools. However, this event featured a confusing mix of activists, some aligned with intolerant ideologies. Questions arose about the true nature of this movement.

The 1 Million March 4 Children drew attention, with counter-protests emerging. Yet, the protests lacked clarity due to diverse participants, including Christian Nationalists, conservative Muslims, conspiracy theorists, and anti-education activists. This lack of cohesion raised concerns.

Under #1MillionMarch4Children, two main groups, Family ❤️ Freedom and Hands Off Our Kids, stood out. The former appeared more secular and inclusive, while the latter leaned religious and anti-queer. Both opposed queer-inclusive education in schools.

News: Hundreds of protesters, counterprotesters descend on HWDSB office  

May 4, 2023

Despite confusion, local organizations took safety measures and organized counter-protests. The discourse surrounding these protests mirrored transphobic narratives from the UK and the US, indicating an alarming trend of intolerance in Canada.

These protests were far from unified, highlighting the challenges in achieving inclusive education. Activists must collaborate with local organizations to protect LGBTQ2S+ rights and preserve inclusive education. Education remains a powerful tool for fostering acceptance; it must not be undermined.(AI)

 

Tuesday February 28, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday February 28, 2023

Intolerable Ties

August 15, 2017

“Dilbert” creator Scott Adams continued to see his reach shrink Monday as dozens of newspapers and a major comic strip platform said they would no longer publish his long-running office workplace comic strip over his recent racist remarks.

Newspaper readers around the country were greeted by notes from publishers – and, in at least one instance, a blank space – alerting them to outlets’ decision to stop running the popular comic. Adams’ fate was effectively sealed Sunday evening when “Dilbert” distributor Andrews McMeel Universal said it was severing ties to the cartoonist. By Monday morning, “Dilbert” was gone from the GoComics site, which also features many top comic strips like “Peanuts” and “Calvin and Hobbes.”

In a Feb. 22 episode of his YouTube show, Adams described people who are Black as members of “a hate group” from which white people should “get away.” Various media publishers across the U.S. denounced the comments as racist, hateful and discriminatory while saying they would no longer provide a platform for his work.

October 30, 2018

Readers of The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro, Massachusetts, found a blank space in Monday’s edition where “Dilbert” would normally run. The paper said it would keep the space blank throughout March “as a reminder of the racism the pervades our society.”

Newspapers ranging from the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post to smaller papers like the Santa Fe New Mexican and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette have also said they would cease to publish “Dilbert.” The strip, which lampoons office culture, first appeared in 1989.

Two of Canada’s largest newspapers, The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star, have also dropped the Dilbert comic strip over its creator’s remarks. (The Globe and Mail) 

Meanwhile, Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre is denying he ever spoke to a controversial German politician who recently claimed she spoke to him at least a “couple of times.”

August 26, 2022

Christine Anderson, a member of the European Parliament with the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AFD) or Alternative for Germany party, made the comments in a video posted to Twitter by the Western Standard media outlet.

In the video, Anderson is asked about her opinion of Poilievre, to which she responds, “I have spoken to him a couple of times, he seems to be a decent guy, and we need people that actually do think and go back to what democracy is all about and what elected representatives should do. It’s to be elected by the people and then represent and act in their best interests.”

Poilievre denounced Anderson last week after she met with three Conservative MPs during her recent tour of Canada in support of the “Freedom Convoy” movement.

Her tour included stops in Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Whitby, Ont.

The three Ontario MPs — Colin Carrie, Dean Allison and former Conservative leadership candidate Leslyn Lewis — were pictured with Anderson, a meeting the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said it was “deeply concerned” about.

July 11, 2019

The centre specifically pointed to the German AFD party Anderson belongs to as being “known for Islamophobic and anti-immigrant views.”

Skamski, Poilievre’s spokesperson, said in a previous statement that the MPs were unaware of her “vile” views and said they regret meeting with her.

Lori Williams, a political science professor at Mount Royal University, says the meeting with Anderson shows “poor judgment” as the Conservatives look to court moderate voters ahead of the next federal election and disassociate themselves from radical views.

“Many people in the party, many of their supporters, many who voted Conservative Party, do not endorse (Anderson’s) views,” she told CTV National News last weekend. “But that association has been a problem for the Conservatives in the past, and you would think they’d be doubly careful about associations that could revive those concerns.”

November 5, 2022

During her tour, Anderson appeared with convoy organizer Tamara Lich and two of her lawyers. She also posed for a photo with the flag of Diagolon, an online protest movement considered by some to be an extremist group.

In a video posted to Twitter on Friday, People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier appeared with Anderson and called her an “honourary member” of the party. (CTV) 

Letter to the Editor – The Hamilton Spectator – Friday March 3, 2023

Cartoon deeply offensive

Cartoon deeply offensive

The cartoon in Tuesday’s Spec which links the leader of the federal Conservative party with the KKK and with Dilbert is categorically unjustified and deeply offensive. Cartoons like contribute to growing cynicism toward political leaders.

Fred Spoelstra, Hamilton