Eliminating Discrimination and Hate Crime

Discrimination is often a "hidden thing" in the workplace[1], in schools[2] and in the media[3]. By acknowledging that forms of bigotry - such as sexism, racism and homophobia - exist, individuals and communities work toward change. A 1998 Environics Study found that 94% of youth felt that "racism was bad and that we should get rid of it." In order to get rid of racism and discrimination we need to understand the ways that hate and discrimination are supported by our society. We need to recognize and challenge the beliefs, values and assumptions that sustain negative stereotypes. Learning about hate groups and how to report racist and violent incidences to school authorities and law enforcement agencies, empowers people to react to racism and discrimination and to try to stop it.

Suggested Activities

Cultural sharing - We often think that our belief-systems and knowledge of history are universally valid and true. Actually, beliefs about our world and its history exist from many different points of view. Take it upon yourself to learn what they are. Ask people or organizations involved in anti-racism or cross-cultural education to host an event that supports learning about discrimination and privilege. A Native elder may be interested in hosting a sharing circle or a sweatlodge ceremony.
Video or film screenings - Generate discussion about violence and racism, especially among young people, through viewing movies. Some suggestions include: The Outsiders, Mississippi Burning, A Time to Kill, Schindler's List, Boys don't Cry, or For Angela. Be sure to preview the movie for content beforehand. The National Film Board also has a variety of documentaries and short films that address these types of issues. They are available in some public libraries. Contact the NFB at www.nfb.ca or call (514) 283-9000 or toll-free 1(800) 267-7710.
Performances Against Racism - Invite an inspirational speaker, poet, singer or band to teach about racism through their art. Artists Against Racism has tips on organizing against racism. Find them at (416) 410-5631 or here.

A Youth Volunteer Story

YWCA of Edmonton

Vivian Giang first joined the Youth Committee of the YWCA Stop Racism Youth Challenge when she was in high school. Two years later, she volunteered as a peer educator/ mentor for a project (then called "Taking Action on Violence") now known as "Youth 4 Youth Take Action on the Issues." The goal of the project is to empower youth to take action on issues that are important in their lives. In her own words, Vivian feels "the YWCA is an organization designed to empower youth." Vivian now also volunteers for Student Volunteer Campus Community at the University of Alberta (where she is currently a student) and with YouCAN! Edmonton.

Facts

Women who are Aboriginal, a member of a visible minority or disabled, are among the most disadvantaged groups of people in Canadian society[4].
Depending on the community in which they live, 48% to 90% of Aboriginal women are assaulted by their partners[5].
Refugee and immigrant girls experience higher rates violence because of dislocation, racism and sexism from both within their own communities and the external society[6].
The degree of risk of sexual abuse of persons with disabilities is "at least 150% of that for individuals of the same sex and similar age without disabilities[7].
By 2006, it is estimated that one in six Canadians - approximately five million people - will be members of visible minority groups.

Resources

Peggy McIntosh's article entitled White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack is essential reading. A longer version is available for .00 (U.S.) from the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women, Wellesley MA 02181.
The Westcoast Coalition for Human Dignity is a Vancouver-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting research and education on white supremacist movements. Contact them to receive the Choose Dignity, A Kit for Fighting Hate Guide. Tel: (604) 681-9050. Find an excerpt of the Kit at www.crr.ca
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation has a number of online resources, including a province-by-province referral guide and E-race IT! A Youth and Racism Fact Sheet. Tel: 1-888-240-4936 (toll free) or (416) 952-3500.
CAVEAT (Canadians Against Violence Everywhere Advocating Its Termination) also produce many educational resources. Tel: (905) 632-1733 or 1-800-622-8328.
International Center for the Prevention of Crime offers many ideas for programs on crime prevention.
Food Not Bombs are committed to non-violence and the elimination of war and poverty. They organize free food at protests and at other events they feel are for a good cause. Find the chapter near you at www.foodnotbombs.net
The DisAbled Women's Network provides a checklist for event organizers to help you ensure your event is accessible. Tel: (204) 726-1406.

1 Canadian Race Relations Foundation (2001). News Release: "Hidden discrimination" and "polite racism" prevents Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities from gaining equal access to jobs, study finds." <source link>

2 Canadian Race Relations Foundation (2000). Racism in Our Schools: What to Know About It; How to Fight It. <source link (PDF)>

3 Fleras, A. (1995). "Please Adjust Your Set": Media and Minorities in a Multi-Cultural Setting". In Communications in Canadian Society,4th Edition. Nelson, Canada. <source link>

4 Bakan, A.B. and Kobayashi, A. (2000). Employment Equity Policy in Canada: An Interprovincial Comparision. Status of Women Canada. <source link (PDF)>

5 Morris, M. (1998). CRIAW Factsheet on violence against women 2000. <source link>

6 Jiwani, Yasmin, et al. "Violence Prevention and the Girl Child." London, ON: The Alliance of Five Research Centres on Violence, 1999.

7 Sobsey, Dick. "Sexual Offences and Disabled Victims: Research and Practical Implications. Vis-à-vis, 6, 4.

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