Editor:
Re: Embracing Our Country of Change, April 27 letters.
Sandhya Wagner’s letter to the editor was responding to Patricia Kroeker’s letter (Christians more than accepting, April 20) that was responding to Taslim Jaffer’s column (Tolerance is beneath us, April 1 column).
The reason I have read all three of these was to try to understand why there was such a level of derision and hostility expressed against Kroeker.
Wagner’s letter accuses Kroeker of “being so very angry” and that “Jaffer’s article brought something out in you that just won’t be tolerated – a very unCanadian attitude.” It said: “What is dangerous about a kind of intolerance is that those who have it appear not to know that they do. Their aversion, distaste and uneasiness with change… is like a disease…. It’s how hatred and bigotry are spread.”
Next I read Jaffer’s column, in which she implied that Canadians’ biases are still problematic. She writes that “cultural sensitivity requires one to first examine their own biases and acknowledge that they exist…. Cultural biases are subtle…. Unless we are willing to admit that they are there, we can’t evaluate them.”
Jaffer immigrated to Canada in 1979 when she was almost one year old, so she is fully immersed in both cultures. Surely she must understand that the Western world has been a beacon of freedom and hope for a better life for millions of immigrants and refugees from around the world. Tolerance, acceptance, accommodation and generosity are characteristic of Canadian culture.
Yet she lectures us, her readers, about the meaning and difference between tolerance and acceptance.
It seems that she thinks we could do more or be better by admitting that we are “biased,” which is a softer way to ask us to admit that we are prejudiced, racist, intolerant or bigoted. This is not the way to build the bridges she speaks of.
It seems Kroeker was somewhat offended by Jaffer’s article and expressed this in her letter. I can understand her frustration. Many Canadians are offended when cultural activists demand more and more accommodation and change, especially when that change and accommodation is always demanded from one side only.
Kroeker’s letter was not unCanadian, bigoted or dangerous. Nor did her letter indicate she was any less supportive of varying cultures than other Canadians.
Those who express opinion that is deemed politically incorrect will be bullied and vilified with impunity.
Except for the fearless, fewer people are prepared to voice their opinion if it challenges PC dictate.
M. Trevelyan, White Rock
• • •
Re: Cultural clashes, May 4 letters.
I am an Ismaili by religion. I came to Canada 40 years ago from Kenya.
We invested in Canada and never were a financial burden to Canada. Canada is my beautiful country.
We accept and embrace all religions, and we also did celebrate Christmas in Kenya. I always wish my friends and neighbours “Merry Christmas” and will be very happy that we all start wishing different cultures their religious greetings.
We are all God’s creation and everybody is valuable.
We Ismailis owe a lot to Canada and we respect Canada. We will never forget how kind Canada was when it graciously accepted Ismailis from Uganda. We Ismailis have pledged our allegiance to Canada and fully adopted Canadian values. We will never try to change Canadian values.
Thank you, Canada. Thank you.
Salim Mohamed, White Rock
