O Canada! We stand on guard for thee, but do you stand on guard for us?
As Canadians grieve about the devastating attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario, I can’t stop thinking about what it means to be an ally to the BIPOC community. As a person of colour and a Muslim, I’m grateful to all the peace-loving Canadians who’ve spoken against islamophobia and shown their support to the community during this difficult time. However, is speaking against racism enough? Is it enough to retweet a post condemning islamophobia? The answer is, No — it’s not enough. We need consistent action against all forms of bigotry. Here is what a true ally means from a person of colour.
To me, a true ally is one who embodies equality and actively fights against racism and xenophobia of all kinds in every aspect of their life. To me, a true ally is someone who respects, shows love, and befriends those who look different than them. To me, a true ally is a politician that votes for Motion-103 condemning islamophobia and openly addresses those that vote against it. To me, a true ally is that university student who defends their Sikh friend when others make fun of his turban. To me, a true ally is that school kid who stands up for his black friend being harassed because of their skin colour. To me, a true ally is that co-worker who calls out others who make fun of the Muslim women wearing hijab. To me, a true ally is that manager who allows their employees to take a day-off due to a religious or cultural event. To me, a true ally is that neighbor who visits their Muslim or Hindu friends on Eid or Diwali with a basket full of sweets. To me, a true ally are those people that join the Black Lives Matter protest across the country. To me, a true ally are those elected officials who speak up against the xenophobic Bill-21 in Quebec. To me, a true ally is that HR specialist who goes above and beyond to ensure that BIPOC employees feel safe to speak about microaggressions. To me, a true ally is that police officer who is empathetic to the fear that the BIPOC community feels. To me, a true ally is that family physician who actively fights against the racist misconceptions about the indigenous people which exists within the healthcare system. To me, a true ally does more than just tweet or post online — a true ally actively shows up and embodies true love and understanding for all irrespective of their race, faith, gender, or ethnicity.
O Canada! Are we ready to be true allies and uproot systemic racism?
