Hate is a cancer for Humanity and it is sad to see how far it has grown and metastasized in the last few decades. The cure exists but it requires humans to act.
The events of this week have been upsetting and literally left me speechless.
“He had a bad day” was the last straw for me, I have no time to waste with this nonsense or to empathize with anyone who has a racist behaviour.
Anti Asian racism literally exploded since Covid-19, it was rampant until then: the rhetoric of some and the lack of reactions of others just let it spread.
Our asian parents taught us to work hard, to avoid troubles, to not complain, and to stay quiet, most of them have sacrificed everything so we can have a better life wherever we live. And “if we do not talk about a problem, it does not exist”.
Collectively and individually, we must draw a line in the sand. Hate has gone already too far, and I personally do not believe that this is sustainable, even for those living in a privilege bubble.
Hate will kill Humanity. But I am hopeful that we can change that.
Dear Humans: what can YOU do?
- EDUCATE yourself about anti asian racism: you will find plenty of posts: #stopasianhate, some articles and Google is still a great tool!
- ACT. SPEAK UP, STAND UP. When you see something, say something! Hate spreads among silent and complacent bystanders. Not everyone, especially racialized persons, has the strength to react when attacked. When I am attacked, I am shocked and speechless. When elders are attacked, their complaints (if they decide to file a complaint) are unfortunately overlooked
- INFLUENCE, ASK FOR CHANGES: this means calling out your boss, your MP, any organization when witnessing racist policies, actions or events and ask for real changes.
WHY does it matter? and why am I sharing it on LinkedIn?
Because it matters, for Humanity and for businesses. The same way ESG topics are gaining attention, so do hate and racism.
Clients, employees, partners care about hate and racism.
When they were alternatives, I avoided businesses, or moved my business and money from organizations letting racism behaviours occur. I have resigned when I saw racist HR policies led by the top level being enforced with no hope to change them.
This is hard to see in the numbers, because, following my parents’ advice, we stay quiet (it does not mean that we do not act)
INVITATION
Below are a few links to other humans sharing more than me about that:
Daniel Dae Kim call for action to the US Senate (5 min)
“Covid and who I am now”(CBC Short Docs, 12min) The experience of a Canadian Med student in Toronto
En Français, pour mes contacts au Québec
Support group / Groupe d’entraide
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2537319439854894/
Summary of Diversity and Inclusion Conference and discussion with comments and actions (Report with summary of discussions and recommended actions)
https://www.ryerson.ca/diversity/reports/diversity-inclusion-now-conference-summary/
CLOSING
I don’t forget the hate faced by friends from other racialized communities, black, brown, persons of colour, the Indigenous who suffered for centuries.
I am married to a talented black woman born in Canada, and sadly, when we consider a trip in a new place, the second question that comes in our mind is: “Is it safe enough for both of us to walk or drive there?”
I sincerely hope that this will no longer be a question for future generations sharing the same skin colours than us (or other nuances). I don’t know if I will see that with my own eyes, but I will try everyday until I die.
#stopasianhate #jenesuispasunvirus
