The year 2020 is a year that will be remembered and taught to future generations. It seems as though the start of every month brings another chaotic twist that we just aren’t ready for.
The latest was the inevitable tipping point when it comes to police brutality and racial inequality. The death of George Floyd while in police custody has sparked riots and protests not only across North America, but the world.
I think most can agree the act of rioting is not the answer. Like Ghandi taught us, there is a way out without violence and mayhem. The act of the peaceful protest is something Canada and the U.S. have taken to show their frustrations for racial inequality.
Just the mere thought of hundreds or thousands getting together to have their voices heard is one of the delights of democracy. The straw that broke the camel’s back was the death of Floyd. Now, the public can no longer look away at the injustices placed on minorities in certain parts of North America.
It is unfortunate that it takes such sad circumstances to get people to pay attention and understand that people are hurting. We seem to look past certain things until it impacts us directly, or until we have no choice but to face the problem. That is where we find ourselves today.
Hundreds of people from all different walks of life gathered outside of the Saskatchewan Legislature on June 2 for one reason, and that was to confront and discuss an issue that has plagued us for generations, racism.
It was the way it should be. Leaders from the community who fight daily for equality sharing their stories. People gathering to look each other and say “I am with you,” a powerful statement.
Canada is not innocent when it comes to racism. We are generally looked at as a multicultural hotspot who will take all-comers, but that doesn’t mean we are anywhere near where we should be in terms of equality.
These protests aren’t going to end racism or inequality overnight, but it is a start. As younger generations begin to learn that the colour of the skin means nothing in terms of content of character, hopefully it means as we progress racial issues will be less of a problem.
People will always find a reason to hate someone. I am not sure if I can sit here and say in my lifetime I will see a universe ridded of racism, but the more it becomes popular to disgrace those that hate, the better chance we have.
The more people peacefully protest everything that is wrong with the current state of systemic racism, the more it becomes an issue no one can look away from.
When approaching with peace, there isn’t much opposition can do to combat the cause. It is when the riots and violence come, when you give them the fuel they need to burn the fire of hatred another day longer.
The gathering at the Saskatchewan Legislature was a beautiful showing of how it should be. People in attendance, young and old come together for one reason, understanding.
It unfortunately does not mean the problem is solved. But it means that there are steps being taking that are guided in the right direction.
As Premier Scott Moe said, “there is no place for racism in Saskatchewan.”
There is no place for racism anywhere in the world. It is not only up to us to protest and voice our issues with inequality, it is up to our leaders to shadow the same message.
If there was one silver lining to the death of Floyd, it is that it woke up the masses. The people are angry and it is understood on a high level that something needs to be done.
When the people are angry, things change. You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.
Racism and inequality need to be dealt with. Future generations should not have to worry about the colour of their skin and how it could hinder their existence, for no good reason.
In the words of Martin Luther King: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Continuing to use your voice through the medium of a peaceful protest is a step in the right direction. Something has got to give, and these issues need to be dealt with.
There was absolutely no reason for Floyd to die on May 25, whether he was the perfect citizen or not. None of us are perfect. Hopefully, his death will serve as the spark that changed the world. That starts with the protests of the people, and it starts with you.
Jordan Stricker is the Local Journalism Initiatve Reporter for the Prairie Newspaper Group in Saskatchewan.
