Diversifying Society: The Global Backlash

In an increasingly unified society, diversity is often greeted as a strength. Working to enhance innovation, embracing new traditions and fighting to ensure equity are some values brought through diversity efforts. Yet, for many, it has become a source of deep anxiety, viewed not as an opportunity but as a “global pandemic” threatening the very fabric of society. For me, however, it's something that has deeply impacted not only my own life but also the lives of those I care about. It is often claimed in today's culture that racism threatens social order. Those who make this argument might also think that racism is more than just a reality. I write this to highlight how deeply "simple" or "traditional" beliefs can influence and even threaten the very existence of individuals.

As a double major student in Public Administration and Political Science at the University of Ottawa, I frequently find myself in situations that leave me astonished by the widespread lack of education and awareness surrounding diversity and racism. I am continually surprised by how often the term "diversity" itself becomes a point of challenge and debate in these encounters. Growing up in an immigrant household, I was always taught the difference between “right” and “wrong”. I heard stories about the challenges my parents experienced through their careers and everyday life as people of colour, which later influenced me to understand just how important fighting for these rights were. For those who grew up in circumstances similar to mine, it's often understood as a given that racism has deep, harmful impacts. However, as I got older, I realized that this understanding is not universally shared.

I often encounter the argument, "Racism only affects people of colour, so I don't care because I’m not a person of colour." While it’s true, people of colour are disproportionately impacted by racism. The reality is that fighting against racism is not just about personal experience. For individuals who don’t identify with or visibly express a particular cultural background, advocating for these issues is fundamentally a matter of morality and respect for all people. Recently, I've heard the claim that “white people advocating for racism are just doing it to look good.” This made me reflect. While it’s possible that some non-BIPOC individuals may engage in advocacy initiatives for approval or recognition, I believe this is not the predominant motivation. As such, it shouldn't be treated as a central counterargument in discussions about social change.

Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees equality rights and protection against discrimination. However, some have used this provision as a counterargument to defend political leaders who express racist views, claiming that both public figures and ordinary citizens are incapable of changing their biases. They argue that, since such views are protected under the Charter, racism is not something to be concerned about. What they fail to understand, however, is that while legal protection against discrimination towards minority groups is essential, political leaders and public voices play a critical role in shaping societal norms. Supporting such political ideologies not only validate the negative views that stem from racism, but also lead to a larger influence for such views in the future.