It seems a car load of people failed social studies and failed society in general when they mouthed off to a man in Edmonton this week. It’s sad to think that racial slurs continue in Canada (or anywhere for that matter). We’ve all got some learning to do about how we treat each other and back-to-school season is as good a time as any to refocus on social justice, inclusion, and respect. It’s time to look ignorance in the eye and stare it down for good.
The ignorance demonstrated by the carload of people who slurred Jesse Lipscombe is shocking. It sends a message about how far we have to go and how much more people like Jesse need to endure until we all treat each other with respect. I am grateful for having been raised in an environment which promoted respect. I feel sad for the carload of ignorance in Edmonton which seems to have missed out on that. We need to help them to be better. We bear some responsibility for their ignorance and their actions.
It’s one thing to “call it out when you see it,” but it’s another, far more impactful thing to do something about it. I’m not sure how to do that. Hopefully, if that moment comes I’ll lean in the way it seems Jesse did. I’ll look ignorance in the eye and calmly say, “Really?” I’ll stare it down, with respect.
Jules Fauteux 