EMBRACING DIVERSITY by Nav Gill
This is one in a series of articles inspired by V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.
We’ve Come a Long Ways
Each corner of this world has its own unique characteristics ranging from language, food, culture, religious background, and everything in between. Due to this diversity, our perception of reality differs from one place to the next. In other words, what we consider to be normal here in Canada may very well be an act that has no social value elsewhere. Yet the world we live in today is much more interconnected than ever before. In the case of Canada, this interconnectedness has lead to openness in immigration and thus the term multiculturalism defines this very country. We’ve come a long ways with dealing with this mass “cultural shock”, but on a fundamental level have we conquered this acceptance of “others”?
Though multiculturalism would suggest that racial tension does not exist, on a fundamental level many immigrants are still viewed in an “us and them” perspective. Them being the ones who have entered this country and us being the ones who were here before. Many first generation born Canadians have gone through accepting these differences on a fundamental level. How many can remember those moments where someone has openly made fun of your parent’s or someone in your extended family’s ability to speak English? It may be funny to hear someone speaking another language, but only until the kind-hearted atmosphere is broken. I recall overhearing a story last week of an older Punjabi gentlemen being treated so rudely due to his ability to speak English in KeremeosBC. “I can’t understand anything you’re saying so no I can’t help you!” said the employee in a tone that was completely out of line. When my brother asked that gentlemen to stand up for himself, he replied with, “They always treat me this way, it’s just the way it is.” Could you imagine packing your bags and moving to a part of India that does not comprehend a word of English? Not only would it be difficult, but imagine the emotional pain you’d hold in for being teased to a point that isn’t even funny anymore.
We have come a long ways – this is a fact worth celebrating. A common characteristic between each and every one of us is the fact that we are different yet still belong to a common race – the human race. There are over seven billion people living on this planet, each with a different story and a different perspective.
The time has come to step away from seeing the world as “us and them”, whether it’s new Canadian citizens or those living half way across the world. Instead of taunting each other for being different, why not begin to see life through their eyes. Through this single action we are creating a global perspective of unity, understanding, and acceptance.
Resources:
Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre provides referral and advocacy services and counselling for women, men, children and youth: Oliver: 250.498.2538, Osoyoos: 250.495-2623, http://www.desertsuncounselling.ca/
South Okanagan Women’s Crisis Line: 250.485.7777 (Toll free 1.877.723.3911)
Ministry of Children and Family Development: 250.485.6001
Victim’s Assistance: Oliver: 250.498.4353, Osoyoos: 250.495.7236
Mental Health: 250.495.6433
RCMP (Police): Oliver: 250.498.3422, Osoyoos: 250.495.2561
Article by: Nav Gill, “Global Perspective – One Smile At a Time”, www.navgill.wordpress.com
“Abuse Awareness and Prevention Series”
Coordinated by: Ursula Wick, Oliver
Please look for future educational articles that will run in this series.