The Ethnic Vote The Ethnic Vote / Le Vote Ethnique

In this last episode of season 1, Shazma and Karan discuss how COVID-19 is affecting our lives now and what kind of new reality we might face in the future. They also talk about the latest developments in Quebec, a turning point in the government’s coronavirus response and the impact on healthcare and migrant workers on the frontlines of the crisis. Instead of book and movie recommendations, Shazma and Karan share their thoughts on Mindy Kaling’s new Netflix series “Never Have I Ever”.

This is our last episode for this season, but we’ll be back in the fall with new episodes!

We would love to hear how you’ve been living through these unprecedented times. Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @EthnicVoteMTL. Rate, review and subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Credits:
Hosted and created by: Shazma Abdulla and Karan Singh
Produced by: Alexandra Jurecko
Music: Rewind by Jay Someday

In this episode, Shazma and Karan again shift their focus from Quebec politics to discuss the federal (and provincial) government’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The current situation lays bare the pre-existing inequalities and inadequacies in our system that disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized communities.

What does the government’s response to battle the spread of COVD-19 mean in terms of government overreach and the rights to citizens? We talk about the eroding trust in our institutions and the debate between individual freedom vs. public good.

Karan’s picks: "Schitt’s Creek" (2015, CBC) and "Kabhi Khushi Khabie Gham", a 2001 film by Karan Johar

Shazma’s picks: “Girl, Woman, Other” by Bernadine Evaristo

We would love to hear how you’ve been living through these unprecedented times. Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @EthnicVoteMTL. Rate, review and subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted and created by: Shazma Abdulla and Karan Singh
Produced by: Alexandra Jurecko
Music: Rewind by Jay Someday

Our next episode airs on May 12, 2020!

In this episode of the Ethnic Vote, Shazma and Karan talk about the spread of misinformation in wake of the coronavirus. They discuss the uneven media response to the outbreak and the impact felt by Asian communities.
For more information on COVID-19, start here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Later in this episode, Shazma and Karan also touch on the rail protests held by Indigenous communities across Canada and the recent violence in India.
Is India still the world’s largest democracy, where minorities are being targeted? An interesting read is this former Indian Prime Minister’s piece on the current situation in India: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/manmohan-singh-column-an-unrest-a-slowdown-and-a-health-epidemic/article30993765.ece

Shazma’s picks: "Naturally Tan" by Tan France

Karan’s movie picks:
"Shubh Mangal Zyaada Savdhaan", Bollywood’s first gay love story. Two leading actors push the boundaries of what is acceptable to the Indian audience. Kudos to actor Ayushmaan Khurana and Jeetendra Kumar for leading the charge.

"Beanpole" by Kantemir Balagov, a Russian drama set in World War II.

We would love to hear what you think! Rate, review and subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @EthnicVoteMTL

Credits:
Hosted and created by: Shazma Abdulla and Karan Singh
Produced by: Alexandra Jurecko
Music: Rewind by Jay Someday (https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday)

Shazma and Karan talk about the new Values Test legislation (implemented through the Act to increase Quebec’s socio-economic prosperity and adequately meet labour market needs through successful immigrant integration, Bill 9) that was finally introduced by the Quebec Government. This was one of the principal electoral promises of the CAQ. Will the law withstand a Charter challenge and what does this mean for the larger discussion around systemic racism? We also talk about the proposed changes being made to the education system in Quebec, particularly the teaching of Religious History and Ethics in schools.

For more information:
Bill 9 (http://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/travaux-parlementaires/projets-loi/projet-loi-9-42-1.html?appelant=MC)
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/check/art2a.html)
Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms (http://legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/C-12)
Check out our earlier episode “Episode 3: The Problem with Secularism” for more information on Secularism in the context of Quebec.

Karan’s film pick: “A Hidden Life” (2009) film by Terrence Malick

Shazma’s reading pick: “The Circle” (2013) novel by Dave Eggers

We would love to hear what you think! Rate, review and subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @EthnicVoteMTL

Credits:
Hosted and created by: Shazma Abdulla and Karan Singh
Produced by: Alexandra Jurecko
Music: Rewind by Jay Someday (https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday)

The next episode of the Ethnic Vote will be released on March 10, 2020!

Karan and Shazma discuss the “controversy” surrounding the Liberal Party of Quebec’s leadership candidate Dominique Anglad, and questions around race and belonging abound as a result. We problematize the LPQ leadership race, discuss “pulling the race card”, what it means to be Quebecois/Quebecoise, belonging as a person of colour in Quebec,

For more information:
Information on the 2020 PLQ Leadership Race
Public Consultations on Systemic Racism in Quebec

Karan’s picks:
Find Me by Andre Aciman
Knives Out
Parasite

Shazma’s picks:
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin Banaji and Anthony Greenwald
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

We would love to hear what you think! Rate, review and subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @EthnicVoteMTL

Credits:
Hosted and created by: Shazma Abdulla and Karan Singh
Produced by: Alexandra Jurecko
Music: Rewind by Jay Someday (https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday)

Karan and Shazma get into their one-sided beef with Jacques Parizeau and discuss the upcoming season of The Ethnic Vote. Also, we introduce our new mascot (and his sidekick(s) :D).

Karan is a filmmaker, community organizer and podcaster. He has made short films and is working on his first feature film project that explores the immigrant identity through the prism of race and sexual orientation.
Shazma is a writer and recovering urban planner. Her work centers around race, society and culture.

You can reach us on:
Facebook
Instagram: @EthnicVoteMTL
Twitter: @EthnicVoteMTL

We release podcasts on the second Tuesday of each month.