Today is the day designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
It’s a day observed all around the world to focus attention on the problems of racism and the need to promote racial harmony.
The UN made this designation in 1966 to mark a tragic event that took place on March 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa when 69 peaceful demonstrators were killed during a protest against apartheld. Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN initiative and launched its first annual campaign against racial discrimination in 1989, explained Darlene Stakiw a member with the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS), in making a presentation to the most recent regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
During the month of March, MCoS is running a provincial campaign featuring the theme ‘Show Racism the Door.’
The March 21 campaign was introduced to heighten awareness of the harmful effects of racism on a national scale, explained Stakiw to Council on the night the day was proclaimed locally as well. The proclamation notes “the City of Yorkton is committed to the belief that equal opportunity and treatment should exist for all people.”
It also states; “Racial discrimination is a universal issue that divides communities and threatens the political, social, economic and cultural foundation on which cities are built,” adding “the elimination of racism and racial discrimination can be accomplished through understanding and respect for the dignity of all people, and is the social and moral responsibility of each person.”
There are times we might want to live under the illusion that we have grown past discrimination in Canada, but sadly that is not the case.
All too often people still feel the pressure of being discriminated against based on the colour of the skin, the country they were born in, their sexuality, their religion, all things we should be able to look past to see the individual person. Sadly, not all can.
Too often people come up with preconceived views about others based not on a personal understanding of that person but on dislikes, prejudices and out right hatreds taught by others. Such emotions are not natural, but become ingrained as teachings from people we are told to trust, parents, relatives, people within a circle of friends.
That is why a day such as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is so important. It shines light into the dark corners of our society to illuminate the continuing situation. Once in the light we have a chance to start the dialogue which can lead to the acceptance and understanding of all peoples.
