A Christmas Message: Inspired by and for the mean-spirited and judgemental christians among us

Traditionally, the Christmas season brings out the best in people… or it’s supposed to at least. This is the one time of year that differences should be put aside, between individuals and within families, between and within communities… regardless of religious and political beliefs, despite one’s social standing. Whether you are a Christian or not, whether you have any religious beliefs or not, the hope of “peace on earth and good will towards all men, women and children”, if not something you care about during the year, it should at least be at the forefront of our minds (if not hearts) this time of year.

However, today we live in a society where being callous, cold-hearted, judgemental, mean-spirited and self-righteous is celebrated and revered… AND nowhere are these attitudes celebrated and revered more than among those who claim to be politically “conservative” and profess themselves to be “christian”.

The comments of Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson in the January GQ magazine about homosexuals (here) is one case in point. He and his supporters claim that his comments are based on biblical principles. I’m a Christian, but Robertson’s Christianity isn’t my Christianity. The Jesus I worship and who is the example of how I should treat others is shown in the biblical story of the woman accused of adultery and brought before Jesus by the religious leaders of his day. By the law of Moses, which was the religious law of the day, her punishment was to be stoned to death. Jesus who knew the law, didn’t dispute what her punishment should be. He simply told the religious leaders that whichever of them where “without sin among you”, they should cast the first stone. After they had departed and He was left alone with the woman, Jesus… who was without sin… stated to her: “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more”. (here)

Phil Robertson and those professed christians who think like him, are much like those religious leaders in that story. What they have failed to comprehend, due to their self-righteous arrogance, is that the Law or Word of God is not to be used to condemn or judge others, but to be used as a blueprint for our lives to be a testimony of the compassion and love of God.

Canada isn’t immune to these callous, mean-spirited “conservative christian” types either. Recently federal Conservative minister James Moore was asked what the government planned to do about the high rate of child poverty in his home province of British Columbia. He answered: “Well, obviously nobody wants kids to go to school hungry. Certainly we want to make sure that kids go to school full bellied, but is that always the government’s job to be there to serve people their breakfast? Empowering families with more power and resources so that they can feed their own children is, I think, a good thing. Is it my job to feed my neighbour’s child? I don’t think so.” (emphasis mine)

Canadian conservatives are proud to profess their unapologetic and unashamed Christian beliefs. Moore obviously missed this message of Jesus when He was asked by the religious leaders what was the most important commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (here) Would Moore allow his own child to go hungry? I would say, “not!” Then why does he feel no obligation, as a government leader, or as a Christian, or even just as a human being, to ensure that his neighbor’s child doesn’t go hungry!?

I believe if Jesus was around today, he would be demonized and accused by so-called “conservatives” of being a liberal, progressive, socialist radical. If todays so-called “christians” like Robertson and Moore were around in Jesus’ day, they would be among the religious leaders leading the people in their chants for Pontius Pilate to “Crucify Him!” Jesus constantly referred to the religious leaders, not the sinners, as hypocrites, vipers and the children of the Satan. This was due to their callousness, mean-spiritedness and judgemental attitudes towards those they considered “sinners”, which included the poor and the sick. Jesus stated clearly that His ministry was not for those who considered themselves religious, nor was it to judge or condemn sinners: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (here).

In the GQ article Robertson paraphrases 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, in which he lists those who will not inherit the kingdom of heaven: “the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers…” More importantly, both Robertson and Moore… and other professed christians of their ilk… should study in their Bible Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus himself identified those who will inherit the kingdom of heaven… the compassionate: those who feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, give shelter to the stranger, cloth the naked, care for the sick and visit those in prison. Hopefully during their bible study, they will also be enlightened that Jesus doesn’t mention any rewards for those who condemn homosexuals or are so callous that they feel no responsibility to feed a hungry child.

During this season, we hear those who profess to be Christians say this phrase: “Remember the reason for the season”. I always wonder what this truly means to them. Speaking for myself, the purpose of the birth of Jesus was to bring all people into a relationship with a compassionate, loving and merciful God. We Christians are suppose to be an example, a “light to the world”, of this compassion, love and mercy. Robertson would be more an example of this light, if his biblical beliefs led him to spend his time and money supporting a hospice for people suffering from AIDS, instead of making disgusting comments condemning homosexuals.

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Mahatma Ghandi.

Guess who’s coming to dinner with a poisoned helping of racial discrimination?

Tags

Discrimination, Humiliating Black People, Public Discrimination, racial Discrimination, Racial Profiling, Racism

Last night at ap. 8pm, we were asked to leave the Lone Star Texas Grill at 930 Dixon Road, Etobicoke because our baby was “too loud”. We were seated on the main floor in a booth and there were quite a few babies in the restaurant who were making the noises that children normally do. Nothing excessive, certainly nothing offensive and yet, the assistant manager waited until just after we were served our meal to approach the table and inform us that about 12 patrons had complained that our baby was too loud and that he would pay for my meal if I would leave with my son. My son is 1 year old.

Seated at the table were myself, two of my best friends and my oldest daughter who is sixteen. We were having a farewell dinner for our friend, Pte. Georgina N. Hamilton who had just graduated that morning after completing an 8 week Level Three Qualification Course at Base Camp Borden. She is a new Supply Technician with the Canadian Armed Forces and was leaving for Nova Scotia following our meal.

At first, the assistant manager who shall remain nameless for now approached us, stood at the end of our table and proceeded to communicate that he simply couldn’t have my son disturb the other patrons in his establishment as they are “…running a business.” He claimed that people were getting up and leaving the restaurant leaving their unpaid bills behind.

Yes, he claimed that my 1 year old baby, was making enough racket in a family restaurant during dinner hours that it was best if I left with him. He didn’t offer to reseat us. He didn’t offer to come down to my level at the table and speak to me quietly or privately. He didn’t smile in that “I know how kids are but, I just have to let you know what other people are saying” kind of way. He calmly informed me that it would be best if I left with my son and that he would gladly pay for it.

He avoided eye contact with the other guests at the table, he avoided speaking directly to them. He also made it clear that he would only be paying for MY meal and no one else’ as though he expected me to leave and my dinner party would carry on eating as if nothing had happened. One of my friends had already pre-paid for her meal so that to ensure she wouldn’t be late making her airplane departure.

The entire time the gentleman was at our table, my son didn’t make a sound. In fact, the restaurant was eerily quiet. We didn’t get loud. Nobody overreacted, we simply advised that if one of was being asked to leave, we are all being asked to leave and that all bills would be covered and for obvious reasons. When I mentioned to him that social media outlets can tell a good story, he then agreed to pay for all of our meals. Just as we’re gathering our things to leave, we heard a baby on the level just above us squeal loudly. He ignored this until we pointed it out and asked if he would be approaching their table too to ask them to leave the restaurant; He calmly said, “If I get complaints about that baby, then I’ll approach them too.” and he walked off as we ushered ourselves toward the front of the building where we then collected the business card of the general manager.

The only difference between my squealing baby and the other squealing baby was that my son, and the people seated around him are Black.

I am not naïve, yet although I am completely wide awake and understand how the world operates, I can’t help but be sickened that things like this still happen in 2013 and in my beloved Canada of all places.

I am waiting to hear back from the General Manager for that restaurant. After explaining to him this morning what happened, he explained that he would “investigate” and get back to me. I have spoken to the Human Rights Commission Tribunal for their advice in the meanwhile as we wait to see how this unfolds.
I had to share. I had to write about it; It’s what I do.

Tell me dear reader, do you think it’s fair to demand justice in the form of an apology. Demand the employee receive Sexual Harassment And Racial Prejudice training (S.H.A.R.P) as it pertains the code of the Canadian Human Rights Commission AND a monetary donation to Blacklit101 Education program fund? Doing nothing IS NOT AN OPTION.

What are your thoughts about this very un-curious incident?
I’m really interested to know your opinions on this. What are some of your stories? How did you feel? What did you do?

Light reflected is enlightenment infinite.

~Rachelle

Racism in a place called “heaven”

In the 19th century, when black American slaves were escaping north along the underground railroad, they would refer to their final destination Canada as “heaven” or “the promise land”. Although slavery had been abolished in the British colonies since 1834, upon arrival these newly freed black men and women faced the reality of legislative, systemic and overt racism.

When my parents came to Canada in the early 1960’s, it was at a time of a large migration of West Indians, mainly professionals who had been educated and were living in England. Canada was again considered “the promise land”, especially due to the perception at the time, that it was a more favourable society for blacks when compared to the racial turmoil occurring in America. Listening to some of the experiences of my parents and their peers who had lived in England, things there weren’t that rosy for black people either. So emigrating, living, working and raising a family in Canada was desirable.
Blacks in Canada: A Long History

My parents took me to Jamaica to stay with my maternal grandparents while working to establish themselves in Toronto. By the time I came to Canada at 5 yrs. old, I had a sister and the country became my home. Although we returned to Jamaica for a while to live, now with 2 sisters, I consider myself a Canadian. I love and appreciate the country, although in no way is it “heaven” or “the promised land” for some immigrants. Despite perception and reputation, Canada has it’s problems and issues regarding racism and discrimination: NIGGER!

I have had white people in Canada tell me there is no racism here. They sincerely believe this, particularly since they are comparing Canadian society with race relations in America. It’s a lot more overt and in your face there for sure, but racism in Canada is more systemic and covert. It’s finely interwoven within our society, starting with legislative policies regarding Aboriginals, immigration and multiculturism, straight through our education, justice and social services, ending within our interpersonal relationships. Canada appeared to be such a heavenly place, that when the apartheid government of South Africa was planning to set up their Bantustans, they came here in the 1940’s to examine our “Indian Reserve System” and later modeled elements of apartheid after the Canadian system.

However contained and suppressed the overt racist impulses are here, every so often they bubble over. Recently I posted this news article about a KKK costume winning first prize at a Halloween party in Campbellford, Ontario. 2 brothers in Nova Scotia were also recently convicted of inciting racial hatred and criminal harassment after a cross was burned on an interracial couple’s lawn, while they and their 5 children were at home (read here).

There are those who will say these are just isolated incidents and don’t represent true Canadian society. On the flip side, I’m not saying that these incidents prove that Canada is without doubt a racist country. What I am saying is that depending on which side of the colour line you’re on, heaven is a place where nothing ever happens:

KKK costume wins first prize at Halloween Party: Yes… this is Canada too!

From CBC news:

The Royal Canadian Legion ordered its Campbellford, Ontario chapter to close while police are investigating a complaint that a person in Ku Klux Klan robes led a man in blackface with a rope around his neck and won first prize at its Halloween party.

Edward Pigeau, president of the legion’s Ontario branch, also said Wednesday he is closing the legion after it received threats.

“It’s utter stupidity. First of all they should not have permitted them to come into the legion. And I’m outraged that they would give them first prize,” Pigeau said. “Could you be more insensitive? I’m absolutely outraged by it. We will do our best that something repulsive like this won’t happen again. This will go out across the legions in Canada.”

Const. Chris Dewsbury of the OPP’s Northumberland detachment said police are investigating. They’ve talked to the two people in costume and a person who made a complaint.

“At the present time, it would appear this is simply just a case of poor judgment involving the selection of a Halloween costume, and there is no basis to suggest a criminal offence has taken place,” Dewsbury said.

Dewsbury said police have no knowledge of any threats against the legion.

Mark Andrade, a resident in the small Ontario town says he has never experienced anything as disgusting as what he saw that night. Andrade says he arrived at the hall in southeastern Ontario for a beer at about 11:30 p.m. — just as Halloween costumes were being judged.

Andrade, who is black, says the person dressed as a Klansman and the man in blackface won first prize and he left in disgust. He says what angered him even more was that it was a Royal Canadian Legion party and legion members awarded the prize. Andrade says when he called the legion Monday to complain, he was told hundreds of others had also called in protest.

More news on this here.

Campbellford is about 3 hours from Ottawa, the capital of Canada, which is where I live.

It’s a nice place to visit but…..

I love America! Well… let me qualify that statement and say that I love “visiting” America. I have travelled extensively throughout the U.S. and last week the family visited Florida (Orlando, Hollywood and Miami). I have always found the people to be friendly and accommodating if need be. The infrastructure and other necessities for an acceptable quality of life is comparable enough to Canada to make vacationing there comfortable. However, I am always glad when I return home. Crossing the border on Saturday back into Canada I saw a bumper sticker which read: “Proud to be Canadian!” Canada is no paradise and we have our issues here to contend with, but I wholeheartedly agreed with the sentiment on that bumper sticker.

I have also been fortunate to travel to a few “third world” countries, both as a tourist and a visitor. As well, I had spent much of my formative years growing up in Jamaica. I have therefore seen and experienced to an extent, what are considered some of the characteristics which define a “third world” country. The widening gap between not just the rich and the poor, but more importantly, between “the have and the have-nots”. The segregation of communities, based on color and/or economic status, by imaginary and real gates, now fashionably referred to as “gated communities”, to keep out those who don’t belong. The lack of affordable basic health care for the poor. The shrinking resources allocated to education, so that more and more, it’s only the rich who can afford to educate their children. The function of law enforcement, including the armed forces (sometimes referred to as a sort of “national guard”), as well as the judicial system, whose primary objective is not to serve and protect their citizens, but to maintain the status quo by terrorizing, oppressing, incarcerating and indiscriminately killing the poor. Enormous national debt which has no negative impact on the rich… in fact the worse it is, the more money they seem to make. The corruption of government officials, especially those in the highest seats of power, who willingly sell their souls to corporate interests to achieve their personal ambitions, while manipulating the emotions and hopes of the masses with empty promises and slogans such as: “Change You Can Believe In” and “Yes We Can!”.        

All that being said, if I couldn’t live in Canada anymore and was forced to move to one of these “third world” countries, America would be one of my choices… certainly in my top five.

Ann Coulter’s Canadian Adventure

American conservative, so-called “right-wing”, political commentator Ann Coulter is on a speaking tour of Canadian universities this week. Known for her controversial, sound bite type comments, she didn’t fail to live up to her billing when asked by a Muslim student about her previous statements that Muslims who feel unfairly profiled in regards to air travel, can take “flying carpets” instead. The student asked that since she doesn’t own a flying carpet, what mode of transportation would Coulter recommend… and she answered: “take a camel” (OUCH! now that’s some inappropriate… but funny sh*t!). Coulter’s event last night at Ottawa University, in our nation’s capital, was subsequently cancelled amid fears of violence from protesters (come on.. this is Canada), who pulled a fire alarm and caused the venue to be evacuated as it was about to begin (which is a perfect example of how violent Canadians get lol!). Read story here and watch her interview on Power Play. 

As I followed the story, a David Bowie song came to mind: “This is not America“.

Canadians pride themselves on being a “tolerant” society. However, there is an underlying current of dislike for Americans in general and a fervent hate for conservative Americans in particular. Our Conservative Party here is not a carbon copy of the Republican Party in the USA. They are more like the centrist conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats. 

As a society, in comparison to the USA, free speech is more controlled and curtailed here, especially via the media. It is more censored, officially (through legislation) and unoffically. The state media vehicle, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), is very influential in how information… “news”… is packaged to shape public opinion. We would never have a canadian version of a “FoxNews” here. Too opinionated and controversial. It would do what Canadians fear most, enflame passions! Plus we already have “Hockey Night in Canada” (on CBC)… and Don Cherry… for that! 

This is the reason why the administration of the University of Ottawa felt it was necessary to send Coulter a warning that the content of the speech could lead to criminal charges if it is seen as promoting hatred:  

“I hereby encourage you to educate yourself, if need be, as to what is acceptable in Canada and to do so before your planned visit here,” University of Ottawa academic vice-president François Houle wrote. “Promoting hatred against any identifiable group would not only be considered inappropriate, but could in fact lead to criminal charges.”

I find this interesting as I wondered if so-called “left-wing” pundits would be given the same warnings. I doubt it. Last month there were speakers at “Israeli Apartheid Week” events, hosted and sponsored by universities throughout Canada, who questioned not only the legitimacy of the Jewish state, but in not so many words, advocated it’s destruction. I didn’t hear of any warnings or reprecussions regarding the speakers. Canadian universities are bastions of the so-called “left-wing” intelligensia. The illusion that they are the centers of free exchange, discussion and debate of varying ideas or points of view is just that, an illusion, as Ann Coulter found out. Good or bad, they are indeed a reflection of Canadian society, where certain ideas are accepted while others are tolerated to exist… but muzzled.

“A little piece of you
The little peace in me
Will die (This is not a miracle)
For this is not America”

Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean appeal for Haiti

Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean, who was born in Haiti, makes an emotional statement in support of the victims of the devastating earthquake. She still has family and friends there, as well as her concern for the Canadian diplomats, missionaries and other aid workers on the island.

You can make donations online for the victims of the Haitian earthquake at the International Committee of the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, the World Food Programme, or the Wyclef Jean sponsored charity: Yele Haiti.

God bless Haiti through all our efforts!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!!!

I thank God today and everyday for that matter, for the health of my family, for peace of mind, for the Queen in my life, for my little soldier and those people HE has brought into my life who make me a better human being!

Blessings!