To date, I have the honour of talking with psychologists, social workers, former MLA, lawyers, youth, Minister of cabinet, Vice Provost at a University, documentary film maker, former media broadcaster, and policy makers. Each episode ends with some calls to action so the listener can walk away with ideas they can think about, do, and do more of on their anti-racism journey.
Stephen shares how his parents were born in Hong Kong, and he was born in Ontario. He discloses how, growing up, he experienced racism at school, being only one of a few Asians. He states he went into policing due to wanting to ensure public safety. He voices how he experiences racism from the public. He warrants the importance of taking action against racism as silence is complicit.
Veenu shares how she grew up in Dawson Creek, with a predominantly white and Indigenous population. She voices the regret of not having learned Punjabi and understands that her family was trying to “assimilate.” She discloses her thoughts about internalized racism. She notes as an instructor and human, she is more aware of the need to be curious about diverse cultures.
Rahim shares his experience as a queer, racialized individual immersed in psychotherapy work. He voices the importance of realizing that microaggressions are mainly unconscious. He conveys to white people who are anti-racist to get to know people of colour through genuine interactions and think about their own biases. To people of colour, to explore our own internalized racism and grieve the roots of where we come from.
Nadia shares how her family is from an East Indian background, and she grew up in a rural town with mostly farmers and ranchers. She voices the importance of bridging many cultures. She notes her mom is a strong woman, and her dad broke the mould of the traditional male and helped with caring for her and her brother. She indicates the importance of assuming positive intent because the world is not binary and dichotomous.
Dr. Ed speaks to the importance of not feeling overwhelmed by solving racism. He shares that one adult could make a difference in a young person’s life by helping them understand the impact of Ai (for example). He shares that giving experience rather than simply focusing on giving knowledge may have people learn about different cultures. He voices the importance of understanding Ai and how it could more negatively impact racialized and lower-income families.
