As often happens on Facebook, the conversation has been very loud. In other venues the conversation has been notably hushed. I would rather be writing about anchovies in Howe Sound, because let’s face it that is way easier. However, I feel that this is a conversation I can’t avoid. If as the editor of this paper I cannot clarify all the relevant details (there are so many), it is my job at the very least to acknowledge the situation.
To be clear, what I’m talking about is the human rights complaint launched against the Bowen Island Montessori School (BIMS) and the numerous Facebook conversations on race/racism on Bowen Island pages. It seems that the fomer situation has sparked the conversation on race, even if those commenting are not aware that it exists.
On a personal level I feel my blood pressure rise as I read through these conversations. On display is my community: angry, divided, defensive. If racism exists to divide people, well, it’s been effective.
I’ve heard it said that racism is like smog: it’s everywhere. We’re all breathing it in. Many of us, even those of us with darker skins don’t notice, we’ve always breathed this air and we are just fine. Others are choking.
In one angry Facebook conversation, someone commented, “If you’re looking for the worst in people, you’re sure to find it.” Too true, I thought. From another perspective, I wonder what we consider an appropriate manner for people to bring up issues of this nature.
The tones of this conversation indicate, to me at least, that we’ve hit upon something important here. Bowen Island, you’re full of good, thoughtful, kind people. Let’s work on this.
Meribeth Deen
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