On the Spot by Ken Herar
I was recently told by someone after a brief discussion that I am an East Indian sympathizer in reference to my columns.
I
don’t mind criticism as long as it’s accurate. The only thing that is
correct about this statement is, yes, I am East Indian – actually South
Asian is the proper term to use.
For me being a South Asian sympathizer is the furthest from the truth.
Over
the past two decades, I worked tirelessly with many community members
to create dialogue and find ways where we can encourage diverse
activities and relationships.
It’s not about favouring one cultural group over another, but rather looking at our community as one diverse city.
Readers
might sometimes automatically assume that when they see my South Asian
face on this page that I am voicing something on East Indian topics or
criticizing the mainstream
community on racism issues. Get your facts correct on what is actually
being discussed and the foundation that is being created.
In
order for us to move forward, I discovered a formula that has assisted
me on how we can be more interconnected. It is called: (GEB) Gentle,
Equal and Balances. By being Gentle,
we actually get to listen and respect each other. When it comes to the
diversity family, everyone is Equal despite our obvious differences. In
order to discover diversity we need to have Balances in terms of our
friendships and activities.
Diversity
can be a difficult term for some to understand, yet they claim to
practice it. Then there are those who think it is just a word and never
publicly admit they don’t believe
in it. Whatever side of the fence you’re on, these three terms will
provide an important self-guide, and it’s more than just about
differences. Actually, we have more in common than you may believe.
My
mother Kuldip shared a story with me that captures these three terms
all in one package. When my mom came to Canada in the mid 1960s, her
English was limited and it was the
kind people of Mission and members from the Mission Rotary Club who
stepped up and took her out to get groceries and assisted her with daily
activities.
Mom always says: “I will never forget those people who welcomed me with open arms.”
