Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Apologizes To Aboriginals.Was The Apology Sincere Or Just Politics?
Earlier this year, the current Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd apologized for the genocide against the Aborigines in Australia. Suddenly in June 2008 the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has a “conscience”. Prime Minister Harper has apologized for the history of systemic racism and discrimination against Canada’s First Nations Peoples. Canada’s treatment of indigenous peoples is strikingly similar to Australia.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has an image in Canada of being a very cold, callous, and brutally efficient man. Perhaps Harper utilized this opportunity to humanize himself make himself appear to actually be human and have a heart? One wonders if blood actually flows through Prime Minister Harper’s veins? Is the blood toxic or is it pure?
Harper is a very shrewd politician he has always come across as very aloof, obnoxious, arrogant, and very bitter man. Harper and his public relations team most likely want to improve his image in the international community as well as improve Canada’s image.
Unfortunately, the mythology that Canada is a “multicultural” paradise is false. There is a racial hierarchy in Canada and the racist attitudes against Canada’s First Nations People still exists. One of the racist ideologies is that the First Nations People’s just want “hand outs” from the Canadian system.
However, we cannot just turn the page and ignore history. The truth is Canadians must remember that the Residential Schools also involved a lot of child abuse against children, misogyny, the total destruction of families, and the eradication of Native cultures and languages.
The legacy of the racist Residential School system still exists today and just a simple speech by Prime Minister Harper will not remove the entrenched prejudices and biases against First Nations Peoples. The Canadian government must do more, the Canadian people we must demand more.
We cannot just let this moment slip through our fingers. Prime Minister Harper does not deserve accolades or platitudes what he deserves is a fresh bucket of hot water splashed on his face. Why did Harper take so long to apologize? Why now?
The Aboriginals in Canada encounter the most racial discrimination even though Canada is their land the rest of us Canadians are just immigrants. If you compare the histories of Canada and Australia you see a lot of parallels in the incredible amount of racism and prejudice against indigenous peoples.
For instance, in Australia the Aboriginal children known as the “stolen children” were forcibly removed from their homes and forced into residential schools. The residential schools were created to “civilize” the First Nations Peoples and make them conform and “assimilate” to “Canadian” values and culture.
I wonder what do people think? Is Harper’s apology good enough or is it just “words”? After all actions speak louder then words. What is Prime Minister Harper going to do to improve the quality of life of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples?
Do you think Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s apology to the First Nations people was sincere or just a way to score political points? Also why did Prime Minister Harper wait until now?
After all Kevin Rudd the Prime Minister of Australia apologized to the Aborigines in February 2008. Why did Prime Minister Harper wait until June 2008? Is Harper’s statement significant? I wonder what Canada’s First Nations People think about the apology?
Zine Review: Kerosene Opinion Is Fuel
On Monday, I received my copy of a wonderful zine called “Kerosene”. Kerosene is a zine that was created through the blood, sweat, hard work, and tears of my fellow blogger Aulelia. The art work is beautiful and the words in Kerosene are passionate, vivid, powerful, and enlightening. Aulelia is a young black British woman of African hertiage. Aulelia was born in Tanzania, she attends the University of Bristol in England. Aulelia’s blog entries proves England is not all about tea, cookies, Wimbledon, and bad weather. Aulelia is the editor of Kerosene.
The written word is very powerful and important through words we are able to communicate, express ourselves, transmit messages and thoughts through language. Reading is knowledge and knowledge is power.
My article, “Shades of Blackface” was republished in the zine and a second piece “where are the gay black men on TV?” was also published.
It is very interesting to read about black people living in the United Kingdom. I admit I have my own misconceptions about the UK and Kerosene really shatters a lot of the myths I have about the UK. It is also insightful to read about the frustrations, the joy, the issues that black Caribbean and African people deal with in jolly old England.
Aulelia’s article, “The Ascent Of The Black Female Blogger” is an important article. The internet has provided black women with a voice since black women are displaced due to race in the feminist movement and gender in the black community. Aulelia is an African goddess she is so passionate about black issues and politics she has really opened my mind to new ideas. Aulelia runs a wonderful thought provoking blog called Charcoal Ink. You can find Charcoal Ink on my blog roll or go to http://www.charcoalink.wordpress.com and check out Aulelia’s blog.
Last summer, Aulelia asked me to submit two articles to the zine she said she liked my writing. It is really endearing that someone else from across the pond actually responds and likes my writing. It feels good to know that there is a connection through the written word. The zine is excellent and well written. A wonderful article I loved was written by a Thinashe Mushakavanhu a young Zimbabwe man. Thinashe lives in Carmarthen in Wales. Thinashe is very educated he has completed a Masters degree in Creative Writing and he’s working on his PhD in English. Thinashe ‘s piece “Notes From A Black Exile In Wales” discusses his frustrations with being one of the few Africans living in Wales. Thinashe discusses the feelings of anger about being treated as “the other” in Wales.
For example, Thinashe says people ask him about “what is the solution to your country?” Of course it is so offensive that people put Thinashe on the spot he’s just one person how is he supposed to stop the paranoid dictator Robert Mugabe? I found it so strange and bizarre that people have the audacity to put Thinashe on the spot like that it. It is just so rude and arrogant it reeks of the Occident’s attitude towards African politics. Thinashe’s piece focuses on identity politics and how he negotiates between the public and private spheres as a young African man living in Wales. Wales has a very small black population compared to other places in the United Kingdom.
Onyeka’s piece “Being A Lot Of Things At Once” is about the issues of identity and our views of blackness. What is “blackness”? What does the term really mean? Onyeka’s article investigates her personal views on the issue. Onyeka believes that the term “blackness” is too myopic and essentialist. Onyeka’s perspective is there is multiplicity in the black community and people should not be forced to identity a “certain way” to fit into a certain paradigm. Onyeka provides a few examples she has a white boyfriend she likes rock music, wearing Doc Martens, and she has two tattoos.
If you would like to purchase a copy of Kerosene feel free to contact Aulelia via her blog at http://www.charcoalink.wordpress.com
Sisters In The Struggle: Why Are Black Feminists Ignored?
The Occidental media have provided a platform for white heterosexual feminists such as Geraldine Ferraro and Gloria Steinem to pollute the media with their racist and misandrist views about Barack Obama. The quandary is black feminists views are being ignored by the mainstream and the black media. The truth is the media networks don’t want the public to know the views of black feminists. The Occident ignores black feminism as being “invisible” this is their method of “marginalizing” and “silencing” the views of black women.
Essence Magazine is the only mainstream black publication that has provided a social and political context into the views of black feminism during this presidential campaign. The only black feminist that has been granted press is Alice Walker. Once again black feminism is treated as an afterthought as though mainstream white feminism is the “only” feminism and that’s false. The black media should be providing black feminists with a platform especially right now. I think it is crucial that black feminist perspectives be given center stage.
The vast majority of the newsrooms in the Occident are still controlled by the mythical norm. Since race is a social construction the mythical norm has forced Barack Obama into a corner and demonized him for being a black man. The racist and misandrist anti black male articles flooding the media are not by “chance”. The articles are carefully planned in editorial meetings by racist editors, managing editors, editor in chiefs and reporters.
I am surprised that Alice Walker did not criticize her “friend” Gloria Steinem for her disgusting racist and sexist attitudes. Steinem’s January 2008 NY Times opinion piece was abhorrent. Walker did say that there is a racial divide in feminism though. bell hooks has been very vocal in her work about Gloria Steinem and I applaud bell hooks for speaking the truth. Steinem focuses on gender and acts as though race and class is not an issue.
However, I wonder why are established black feminist scholars such as bell hooks, Barbara Smith, Patricia Hill Collins and Dionne Brand are ignored? I think black feminism can provide some insight for the masses as to why some black women are supporting Obama over Hillary Clinton and it isn’t just about race. One of the tactics mainstream white heterosexual feminism attempts to play is to force black women to choose between their race and gender.
The mainstream has only focused on Hillary Clinton’s “gender” as a potential disadvantage yet the Occident doesn’t want black feminist thoughts or views to be explored. The reason is black feminism is the key that would smash the “hype” surrounding Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton is no feminist heroine she is a privileged white heterosexual woman that gained political power through the mythical norm, the marriage market, and white skin privilege.
After all, one of the prevailing myths is that the white heterosexual feminist movement speaks for all feminists and that’s a lie. In fact, one the biggest problems in feminism is the fact the mainstream white heterosexual feminists attempt to displace black feminists and feminists of colour. My sister told me Hillary Clinton is “not her sister”. I think a real opportunity is being lost when black feminism isn’t given center stage.
It is a powerful yet racist example of white heterosexual female skin privilege when white mainstream feminists refuse to acknowledge their social advantage. Another issue is the Occident ignores the fact Hillary Clinton has social, economic, and political advantages due to whiteness. The western media are so focused on Obama’s blackness yet chooses to ignore Clinton’s white skin privilege this is absolutely deleterious and perfidious.
Book Review: Sister Outsider
What does it mean to be black, female, and lesbian? Audre Lorde a black lesbian feminist attempts to answer these questions in her groundbreaking book “Sister Outsider”. How does a black lesbian woman negotiate between the gay, heterosexual, and black heterosexual spheres? Is the feminist movement a movement where the black woman can work in concert with white females? Or are mainstream feminists simply racists that want to devalue the experiences and views of black women?
“Sister Outsider” was published in the year 1984 by the Crossing Press. Lorde believes poetry and writing is important for black female emancipation. Lorde view is poetry is essential for people to express themselves and she views limiting poetry as a form of class bias and prejudice. Lorde discusses the “mythical norm” which is the white, thin, Christian, heterosexual male. Lorde says the mythical norm has the ultimate power in society since everyone is compared to the white heterosexual man. The mythical norm also creates, enforces, and legislates, laws that discriminate against the black woman.
Lorde also states that in order for emancipation to occur literacy is paramount. Lorde’s view is in order for for black liberation to occur people of African descent we must work together despite our differences. Lorde does not believe in separation from the black male she rejects white heterosexual feminist politics that focuses exclusively on gender. Lorde’s view is race matters and to ignore race and class is to ignore reality.
Listen To Arsalan Iftikhar On NPR “Tell Me More” Barbershop Segment Every Friday!
Listen to Arsalan Iftikhar on Michel Martin’s NPR radio program “Tell Me More” every Friday during the “barbershop” segment. Arsalan is also a political commentator and he’s often on CNN, FOX News, and various other networks. The barbershop segment is really great because it is a segment for men to talk about politics and pop culture.
Isn’t Arsalan gorgeous? I love Arsalan’s voice he is so sexy! Arsalan is the legal director for CAIR, he is also a contributing editor to Islamica Magazine. Arsalan is a Pakistani American and he is also a lawyer. Arsalan is a breath of fresh air he’s so witty, cute, intelligent, and he’s a big supporter of Senator Barack Obama!! Too bad Arsalan is straight though lol!
Hillary Clinton Victory In Pennsylvania Proves Race More Important Than Gender
Although Senator Hillary Clinton continues to play the game of being the classic white female victim and underdog she still won the Pennsylvania primary last night. Some white feminists will complain about “how hard” they have it even though they have access to white skin privilege, the mythical norm, and the marriage market. The truth is race is the deciding factor in this campaign because race trumps gender. Black feminist bell hooks reminds us “race always matters”.
According to the 2006 USA census the United States has over 221 million white Americans which accounts for 73.9% of the total USA population. Another important fact is the United States also has 23 million white Hispanics add in the white Hispanics the USA white majority is even larger. The reason Barack Obama didn’t win California was due the white Latinos. The United States has a bizarre racial classification system where white Hispanics are not counted with the white majority. What is the difference between a white Cuban, a white Puerto Rican, and a white Italian? For instance, Christina Aguilera, Daisy Fuentes, and Cameron Diaz are examples of white Latinos they have the white skin and the long blonde hair.
The mainstream media are attacking Barack Obama calling him an “Uppity Negro” too distant from the masses. I just laugh because if Barack was too “pro black” the white mainstream media would be screaming he’s “too black” and now they are saying he’s not “black enough”.
When the media discuss Hillary Clinton they focus on “gender” while ignoring race which is perfidious. Race matters in this campaign more then ever and to ignore race is to ignore reality. What about Hillary Clinton? Why is Hillary Clinton’s “whiteness” never challenged? Why does the racist Occident act as though Hillary Clinton doesn’t have a racial background? Hillary Clinton isn’t exactly poor the Clintons are multi millionaires in fact they have over $100 million dollars in the bank. Hillary Clinton also was on the board of Walmart for six years. Hillary Clinton’s class status is never disputed of course since she is aligned with the mythical norm.
Also, Hillary Clinton has more support from the super delegates then Barack Obama. I sincerely hope the African American people are paying close attention the dirty race baiting tactics of the Clintons and consider other political options. Perhaps it is time for African Americans to form their own political party or become independents?
The Democratic Party has no respect for black people this is obvious the racist comments made about Barack Obama by Bill Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Geraldine Ferraro and others proves this. The Democratic Party are stunned that Barack Obama doesn’t know “his place” he’s supposed to sit at the “back of the bus” and not want “leadership roles”. Hillary Clinton also made an offensive statement that she thought Barack Obama could be a good “vice president”. Thank goodness, Barack shut Hillary Clinton down.
The decision for the Democratic party will come at the Denver Convention this summer. Bill Clinton the patriarch and former United States president is an active participant in this campaign. It must be so hard for Hillary Clinton after all, she has a husband that is a former United States president with international star power, money, and deep political ties. Hillary Clinton’s success is based on aligning herself with patriarchy and of course gathering resources from the white heterosexual man.
The truth is Hillary Clinton’s victory last night proves race is more important then gender. Also, Hillary Clinton has benefited from her husband’s powerful political ties she didn’t earn her success the hard way on her own. Hillary Clinton also has access to patriarchy. Hillary Clinton already had eight years in the White House so I don’t see why this lady is viewed as some beacon of light.
Is Senator Barack Obama An Uppity Black Man?
Senator Barack Obama recently made a comment at an event in San Francisco about “bitterness” in the lower classes. Hillary Clinton John McCain, and the news media jumped on Senator Obama. First off, just look at Barack Obama he is a very attractive black man he’s tall, he’s fit, he’s wonderful. The press and Senator Obama’s enemies are now trying to brand him as the uppity educated Negro that is too distant from the masses.
Senator Obama is not W.E.B. Du Bois. If you want to read about a black elitist please read the works of W.E.B. Du Bois. Visit the local public library or bookstore and you will be shocked at the hypocrisy of W.E.B. Du Bois.
W.E.B. Du Bois was a snob he also wrote about the “talented tenth” which is the upper crust black elite. Du Bois view was only the “talented tenth” were the “only suitable “leaders” for the black race. Although W.E.B. Du Bois is very important because he founded the NAACP he also was very prejudiced against poorer people. Some scholars believe Du Bois appropriated aspects of white culture in relation to class and privilege.
Senator Obama appeals to me because I think he is so inspiring due to his hard work and determination. Now of course, Senator Obama is a gorgeous black man but he’s also a very intelligent black man. I admire Senator Obama a great deal because he is demonstrating to young blacks we can have dreams and we should strive for our dreams. Why can’t young blacks believe we can shatter the glass ceiling? The pernicious attitude of the mainstream media is that young blacks we should “stay in our place” at the back of the bus. The question remains when will it ever be the right time to advance forward in society? Well some people need to understand this is the year 2008 not the year 1955. We have a right to demand more for ourselves in terms of advancing our lives and political careers.
Senator Obama’s presence has made an incredible difference to me in so many ways. The racist tactics of the Clintons, Gloria Steinem, Geraldine Ferraro and other Democrats are a true eye opener. People complain about the Republicans but it is clear Democrats have no respect for black voters. It is time for black voters to explore new political options.
The media have always tried to frame Senator Obama as this “uppity black man” that is too distant from the masses. It is true that Senator Obama is very educated but so are the Clintons. Do people want political leaders that aren’t educated, that didn’t work hard for success? The double standards and the hypocrisy is incredible.
It is interesting that Senator Hillary Clinton and John McCain are slamming Barack calling him “bitter”. I just think its interesting the Clintons are incredibly well educated, very rich more rich then Senator Obama. Hillary Clinton used to be on the board for Walmart. The Clintons are America’s political aristocracy.
Gayblackcanada 