I am very glad that you were able to do this podcast. You should be very proud of yourself. Racism is everywhere in every country. It is a propaganda issue as racism is learnt by people at every age, economic level, etc. Someone or something plants the seed and the hate will grow. I am feeling a sense of betrayal and loss as no high powered companies, celebrities even craft organizations have not taken the stand against racism on a consistently basis. People of colour have always been marginalized in the US; the same as aboriginal and immigrants populations in Canada. Someone dies, there is an enormous backlash and then nothing else happens. It is up to everyone who is in a position of authority to start the change and have people “unlearn” racist thoughts. It is very hard for people in authority to denounce any type of racism because of the negative effects that may arise and impact their influence or cash flow. I have not seen as many people standing up and calling other organizations out this time and I am afraid that it will become the norm. There is absolutely no negative element for a racist as they have learned to hate and hurt others. I have studied racism and it is really really easy to grow it and spread it. Until others, who are influential in our society, consistently demand that we all be treated the same way, this cycle will continue. Governments have come a long way with the enforcement of their anti racism policies but it is a social issue now. How does one convert a racist into an anti racist? That is the question. I believe that society and those with influence must pick up the gauntlet and lead the change effectively as they can. So far we have only seen band aid solutions that are not working. It is a very great shame that we all bear.
