Dear Editor:
Re: “Fergus youth face racism”
I am proud to have called Fergus home for 20 years. I experience our community as warm, welcoming and caring.
Unfortunately, as reported in the article on racism felt by youth in public places and online, not everyone has the same experience.
Often acts of racism (or attacks on other vulnerable groups) are seen as happening somewhere else or as isolated experiences and “not who we are.”
For children and their parents who experience racism it is anything but isolated. Once targeted, people often face repeated slurs, taunts and other abuses, or live in fear of the next insult.
If we think our community is “better than this,” we can act accordingly.
If people are being abused, we can actively support them in real time and tell the perpetrator this is not alright.
When racist comments are made in general conversation, we can say where we stand; we can insist that schools and other institutions dealing with youth do more to educate students and provide a safe environment, including acting against repeat offenders; we can support local groups within these vulnerable communities who are working to address these issues and to celebrate diversity; as parents we can discuss this issue with our children and help them deal with instances of racism toward others.
Beyond dealing with instances of racism and exclusion, we can provide opportunities to foster diversity and welcome marginalized groups into our community.
A diverse and inclusive community doesn’t just happen. It is a reflection of all of our efforts to ensure that it is.
Harvey Thomson
Fergus