Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Trying Being An Indo Canadian For A Day..
Try walking for a day in my skin
By KenHerar
Apr 20 2007
For the last few months in my regular column, I have been writing about diversity.
Today, let's try something new. How about a human transformation, and you become an Indo-Canadian for a day.
That's right. You are going to be me.
Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
You'll experience firsthand some of the challenges minorities still face in Canada. Here it goes.
Close your eyes and count to three. Zap. You look in the mirror and say “Ken, I am you.
You grab a cup of coffee and read the paper. The front-page headline reads, "Indo-Canadian Man Shot Dead."
You realize that's your community for the day. You read the article with interest.
The first thing work colleagues ask when you arrive is: Did you read the paper? Another shooting involving your community.
You're shocked by these comments. You decide to leave work early.
It's time for lunch you head to your favorite sandwich store. You're in line when a Caucasian male approaches from behind. He asks: "How do you say thank you in Punjabi?"
You looked puzzled for a moment. You want to tell him I am actually a white dude locked up in a brown body.You find his interest encouraging.
You get in your car and put on the radio to hear more details about the shooting incident. You go to the mall to pick up a few things. You get this feeling that people are labelling you in silence, as a result of the news of the shooting.
You decide to visit the Sikh Temple to escape the outside world and meet your new community for the day. You are impressed with their generosity. The talk at the temple seems to be on the shooting death, which you find the Indo-Canadian community is quite concerned about. You realize how one incident can disrupt the lives of many.
You told many people you enjoyed the dal and roti it was fantastic. You went up for three helpings. You wanted to do the bhangra. People replied in the evening.You also wanted a big bowl of hot curry. Unfortunately, meat and liquor cannot be served on temple premises.
Later you go for a walk, and a Caucasian person greets you saying Sat Sri Akal, which means hello in Punjabi.
It uplifts your spirits and establishes hope. You've had enough and ask me to transform you back. I am not ready yet.
While driving home, a car dangerously passes you on the shoulder side of the road. It is wet and dark. You both stop a few miles down the hill at the red light.
You look at him in disgust. He looks at you shaking his head, saying, Wha'ts your problem?
You reply: Your driving.
He replies: Go back to India and get out of my country. You people are ruining it.
He says a few more nasty things, which you can't repeat.
A few seconds later, the light turns green. You decide to speed up and leave him in the dust. He wasn't finished and wanted to say a few more racial slurs.
You've had enough and put the pedal to the metal, letting your V6 engine speak for itself.
At the next light, he turns off giving you his big middle finger. Your blood is boiling. For someone who was born and raised in Canada, you are deeply insulted by his comments.
This fool doesn't know I am actually a brown guy for a day.
You realize that racism is still a reality.
You make it home and the day comes to the close. You beg me to transform you back to yourself. I decide to bring you back to the conscious world.
Wow, that was challenging walking in your shoes for a day, Ken.
Your post-transformation reactions are Indo-Canadians still face many challenges.
There are two things you request from me.
Can I keep the tan and explore India?
I reply, India is yours, but the tan is mine.
Who's next in line for the great Canadian makeover?
Ken Herar is a columnist with The Abbotsford News, He can be contacted at KenHerar@gmail.com
© Copyright 2007 Langley Times
Moe Sihota and BC Politics...
Seeing democracy up close
By TimelyOpinions Ken Herar May 29 2005
Being a part of the voting process is exciting and you learn a lot about how the democratic process works. Last week, I decided to help out in a different way, working with Elections BC. This was a new experience for me, dealing with voters face to face at the polls. A lot of work goes into an election and I applaud all the officials across the province who worked for their efforts. Being a voting official is like sitting at a coffee shop all day and just watching people going around and around. Maybe that's not it exactly, but it sure felt like it.The day lasted approximately 13 hours and I must have seen 1,000 people at the school where I worked. I rarely get the opportunity to actually sit all day and just watch people. I enjoyed it enormously and learned a lot from people watching.What I gathered from my observations is the strong diversity that participates in an election process throughout communities in this province. Officials must be trained and prepared. Voting officials were equipped in many languages to assist those who were unable to understand the process in English.I was impressed with Elections BC's efforts to make sure that every voter who enters the building gets an opportunity to vote, leaving no one behind. The voting system in Canada is second to none in the world.Seeing no "hanging chads" like our neighbors down south was a blessing at the end of the day.I thought I would speak to some of the pundits and see how this diversity in the electorate is shaping our political landscape now, and for the future.R. Paul Dhillon, editor of the South Asian Link in Surrey said, "especially in the last five years, the Canadian society and various institutions have taken to diversity. They see the landscape changing. The rise of diversity is bringing profound changes to the way we live and relate to each other in Canada."Dhillon further adds, "historically, the Indo-Canadian vote has always been with the NDP, going back to the CCF days which pushed for voting rights for immigrants."The Indo-Canadian community played a critical role in the late 1940s in lobbying the Canadian government to award the granting of the extension of the franchise to minorities and natives, giving them the right to vote.As the ethnic vote grows in this province, it is far past where it was since the days when former Mission City Mayor Naranjan Grewall became the first minority person to hold political office in Canada in 1950, and became the first Indo-Canadian to run as a candidate for the CCF party in 1956.That era helped shape our political involvement in Canada. When Grewall entered the public fray, the Indo-Canadian community was small. Now, 55 years later, the story is different.The days have come where in certain Lower Mainland ridings, the ethnic vote holds the balance of power and politicians know that. Dhillon said, "Immigrants and ethnic communities take voting seriously. They feel they can be part of a process for change. That's why historically, the turnout is significantly higher for the Indo-Canadian community than the mainstream."When you compare the Chinese and the Indo-Canadian community, the Chinese have not been seeking public office as aggressively as the Indo-Canadians. In the last few elections, we have slowly seen more Chinese candidates running and they are being successful.Former NDP MLA Moe Sihota, who was the first Indo-Canadian elected to the B.C. Legislature in 1986, said "It is apparent that the work we did as a party (saw) 75 percent of the Indo-Canadian vote go to the NDP."The evidence lies in the four Surrey seats and some of the Vancouver seats. Sihota says an effective advertising campaign that took place highlights the strong roots between the NDP and the Indo-Canadian community in B.C. "The right to vote, citizenship and Punjabi in schools highlight some of the accomplishments of the NDP. When we were in power, we accomplished more for the Indo-Canadian community than the six Indo-Canadian Liberal MLAs that sat at the table in the Campbell government for the past four years."As we mature as a society, the diversity strengthens us and directs us so that we must all work together to provide the best public service for all communities and citizens. Participation from all communities can only strengthen the democratic process, establishing a better tomorrow.
Ken Herar is a Mission writer. Reach him at Kenherar@yahoo.ca
© Copyright 2005 Langley Times
By TimelyOpinions Ken Herar May 29 2005
Being a part of the voting process is exciting and you learn a lot about how the democratic process works. Last week, I decided to help out in a different way, working with Elections BC. This was a new experience for me, dealing with voters face to face at the polls. A lot of work goes into an election and I applaud all the officials across the province who worked for their efforts. Being a voting official is like sitting at a coffee shop all day and just watching people going around and around. Maybe that's not it exactly, but it sure felt like it.The day lasted approximately 13 hours and I must have seen 1,000 people at the school where I worked. I rarely get the opportunity to actually sit all day and just watch people. I enjoyed it enormously and learned a lot from people watching.What I gathered from my observations is the strong diversity that participates in an election process throughout communities in this province. Officials must be trained and prepared. Voting officials were equipped in many languages to assist those who were unable to understand the process in English.I was impressed with Elections BC's efforts to make sure that every voter who enters the building gets an opportunity to vote, leaving no one behind. The voting system in Canada is second to none in the world.Seeing no "hanging chads" like our neighbors down south was a blessing at the end of the day.I thought I would speak to some of the pundits and see how this diversity in the electorate is shaping our political landscape now, and for the future.R. Paul Dhillon, editor of the South Asian Link in Surrey said, "especially in the last five years, the Canadian society and various institutions have taken to diversity. They see the landscape changing. The rise of diversity is bringing profound changes to the way we live and relate to each other in Canada."Dhillon further adds, "historically, the Indo-Canadian vote has always been with the NDP, going back to the CCF days which pushed for voting rights for immigrants."The Indo-Canadian community played a critical role in the late 1940s in lobbying the Canadian government to award the granting of the extension of the franchise to minorities and natives, giving them the right to vote.As the ethnic vote grows in this province, it is far past where it was since the days when former Mission City Mayor Naranjan Grewall became the first minority person to hold political office in Canada in 1950, and became the first Indo-Canadian to run as a candidate for the CCF party in 1956.That era helped shape our political involvement in Canada. When Grewall entered the public fray, the Indo-Canadian community was small. Now, 55 years later, the story is different.The days have come where in certain Lower Mainland ridings, the ethnic vote holds the balance of power and politicians know that. Dhillon said, "Immigrants and ethnic communities take voting seriously. They feel they can be part of a process for change. That's why historically, the turnout is significantly higher for the Indo-Canadian community than the mainstream."When you compare the Chinese and the Indo-Canadian community, the Chinese have not been seeking public office as aggressively as the Indo-Canadians. In the last few elections, we have slowly seen more Chinese candidates running and they are being successful.Former NDP MLA Moe Sihota, who was the first Indo-Canadian elected to the B.C. Legislature in 1986, said "It is apparent that the work we did as a party (saw) 75 percent of the Indo-Canadian vote go to the NDP."The evidence lies in the four Surrey seats and some of the Vancouver seats. Sihota says an effective advertising campaign that took place highlights the strong roots between the NDP and the Indo-Canadian community in B.C. "The right to vote, citizenship and Punjabi in schools highlight some of the accomplishments of the NDP. When we were in power, we accomplished more for the Indo-Canadian community than the six Indo-Canadian Liberal MLAs that sat at the table in the Campbell government for the past four years."As we mature as a society, the diversity strengthens us and directs us so that we must all work together to provide the best public service for all communities and citizens. Participation from all communities can only strengthen the democratic process, establishing a better tomorrow.
Ken Herar is a Mission writer. Reach him at Kenherar@yahoo.ca
© Copyright 2005 Langley Times
Kash Heed an Amazing Top Cop..
Kamloops native may become top cop
By KEN HERAR
May 25 2007
One of Canada's most-decorated police officers and possibly Vancouver's next top cop will teach at the University College of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford this summer.
And his is a name that will be recognized in Kamloops.
Kash Heed, a 28-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) lived in Kamloops until he was 11.
His grandfather, Sher Singh, owned Punjab Lumber and BC Packing House in Kamloops.
Singh donated the land where the current Sikh Temple sits on the North Shore, and Singh Street is named after him.
Heed, who holds a masters degree in criminology from Simon Fraser University, has always wanted to be an educator, which is a natural fit for a man who has served in almost every capacity with the VPD and is known for his leadership and problem-solving abilities.
When he graduated from Richmond secondary, Heed's plan was to become a teacher. His mother, Jinda, who was an inspirational figure throughout his life did not want her son to pursue policing.
But with a little arm-twisting by the VPD’s recruiting unit, his mother was convinced her son had special talents and should join the department.
In 1979, Heed finished top of his class and was hired by the VPD as a recruit at a time when only a few visible minorities were in policing.
Heed, who was born and raised in a Punjabi family, recalls many incidents of discrimination within the department and on the streets.
I was not readily accepted and had to work a lot harder, he said.
With his strong work ethic and sharp mind, Heed has received many public acknowledgements for his service.
In 1981, he caught a bank robber following a foot chase and was given the highest honour by the Canadian Bankers Association.
In 1989, he was named Vancouver Police Officer of the Year for his many arrests in major investigations.
Heed was promoted to corporal in 1992 and sergeant in 1994 while working on the city's Downtown Eastside.
During his tenure there, Heed implemented three community-policing offices for the area. He faced opposition from traditionalists within the VPD, who, Heed acknowledged, still hold a large role in policing.
In 2000, he was promoted to inspector and became the commanding officer of the vice/drug section.
Heed realized the drug laws needed to be revisited and spoke in front of the Canadian Senate Committee on Drug Reform. As part of his masters degree thesis, he interviewed 600 street-level drug traffickers and came to the conclusion a new approach was needed for habitual users.
The injection-site model was recommended and Heed was one of the pioneers who favoured this approach in trial harm reduction, which has proven to be a success in Vancouver.
In 2005, Heed was instrumental in convincing the provincial government to set up the Integrated Gang Task Force. He saw a trend occurring in gang-related crimes and met with various police leaders, community members and government officials and received provincial funding.
We cannot arrest our way out of the problem, he said. We can work our way out of the problem. The biggest challenge police face in the future is continual crime reduction. The fear of crime and crime.
Ken Herar is a Mission resident who writes a cultural column for the Abbotsford News, a sister paper to KTW. He can be reached at KenHerar@gmail.com
By KEN HERAR
May 25 2007
One of Canada's most-decorated police officers and possibly Vancouver's next top cop will teach at the University College of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford this summer.
And his is a name that will be recognized in Kamloops.
Kash Heed, a 28-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) lived in Kamloops until he was 11.
His grandfather, Sher Singh, owned Punjab Lumber and BC Packing House in Kamloops.
Singh donated the land where the current Sikh Temple sits on the North Shore, and Singh Street is named after him.
Heed, who holds a masters degree in criminology from Simon Fraser University, has always wanted to be an educator, which is a natural fit for a man who has served in almost every capacity with the VPD and is known for his leadership and problem-solving abilities.
When he graduated from Richmond secondary, Heed's plan was to become a teacher. His mother, Jinda, who was an inspirational figure throughout his life did not want her son to pursue policing.
But with a little arm-twisting by the VPD’s recruiting unit, his mother was convinced her son had special talents and should join the department.
In 1979, Heed finished top of his class and was hired by the VPD as a recruit at a time when only a few visible minorities were in policing.
Heed, who was born and raised in a Punjabi family, recalls many incidents of discrimination within the department and on the streets.
I was not readily accepted and had to work a lot harder, he said.
With his strong work ethic and sharp mind, Heed has received many public acknowledgements for his service.
In 1981, he caught a bank robber following a foot chase and was given the highest honour by the Canadian Bankers Association.
In 1989, he was named Vancouver Police Officer of the Year for his many arrests in major investigations.
Heed was promoted to corporal in 1992 and sergeant in 1994 while working on the city's Downtown Eastside.
During his tenure there, Heed implemented three community-policing offices for the area. He faced opposition from traditionalists within the VPD, who, Heed acknowledged, still hold a large role in policing.
In 2000, he was promoted to inspector and became the commanding officer of the vice/drug section.
Heed realized the drug laws needed to be revisited and spoke in front of the Canadian Senate Committee on Drug Reform. As part of his masters degree thesis, he interviewed 600 street-level drug traffickers and came to the conclusion a new approach was needed for habitual users.
The injection-site model was recommended and Heed was one of the pioneers who favoured this approach in trial harm reduction, which has proven to be a success in Vancouver.
In 2005, Heed was instrumental in convincing the provincial government to set up the Integrated Gang Task Force. He saw a trend occurring in gang-related crimes and met with various police leaders, community members and government officials and received provincial funding.
We cannot arrest our way out of the problem, he said. We can work our way out of the problem. The biggest challenge police face in the future is continual crime reduction. The fear of crime and crime.
Ken Herar is a Mission resident who writes a cultural column for the Abbotsford News, a sister paper to KTW. He can be reached at KenHerar@gmail.com
Are Sikh's Fighting a Tarnished Image..
Sikhs singled out in media stories
By Ken Herar,
A couple of days ago, I met an old friend who I haven't seen in a long time. It was nice to see an old high school friend who now lives in Vancouver. It has been a few years since we last met.During our lunch meeting we talked about some of the different issues that have made headlines. Our discussion circled around the topic of Indo-Canadian violence in the past year. Whether it was a drive-by shooting or the Air India trial or the revelations last week of two senior aides to Ministers in the B.C. Liberal government, more and more Sikhs are in the news than ever before.Is the BC Sikh community fighting a tarnished image in the news media? This was the question proposed by my friend. I couldn't answer it at that time.I have the answer now! I agree some Sikhs are involved in high profile crimes that have made major news in this province and this is very unfortunate and as a community we must reverse this trend. What we have to make clear is that these people involved in these horrible acts are individuals who represent themselves not the community.It is very easy in these circumstances to blame the Sikh community due to the style of reporting by some media. I don't want to shift the blame to the media but how they report some these stories they should change. Some of these stories create a stereotypical image in readers minds of Indo Canadians. The working relationship between the various visible minorities in B.C. and the different media networks need to improve. Many different people read the paper or watch the news and viewers have to see through the smoke screen and see people as individuals not as nationalities.The Indo-Canadians who commit these crimes have to think about the community they belong too and the image it creates for everyone. They don't seem to foresee the future for every action there is a reaction. On some occasions it has been difficult to go into public without someone mentioning these horrible headlines. The majority of Sikhs come to Canada for a better life and are not involved in crimes and these acts include only a small percentage of people. So my answer to the question above is is not all Sikhs are not fighting a tarnished image in B.C. but should be concerned as a community by this trend.Proactive steps are being taken within the Sikh community to address this concern. I had the opportunity to speak with editor Paul Dhillon of the South Asian Link newspaper in Surrey about this issue.Dhillon explains, "In the early '90s the Indo Canadian community has been struggling with the rise in youth violence which has lend to gang violence. Second or third generation Indo Canadians as youths often struggle with some aspect of their cultural or social surroundings. As the violence has grown the community has taken a strong stance there has been at least four community forums in the last year to address gang violence in the Indo Canadian community."Precautionary measures and outlets are being put in place so professionals in the field can closely monitor any violence risk, Dhillon said.Over the last decade the Sikh community has gone through some growing pains due to the constant changing of its population in the Lower Mainland. I am proud of being from the Sikh heritage and as Canadians working together will make us stronger.
KenHerar@gmail.com
© Copyright 2003 Maple Ridge News
By Ken Herar,
A couple of days ago, I met an old friend who I haven't seen in a long time. It was nice to see an old high school friend who now lives in Vancouver. It has been a few years since we last met.During our lunch meeting we talked about some of the different issues that have made headlines. Our discussion circled around the topic of Indo-Canadian violence in the past year. Whether it was a drive-by shooting or the Air India trial or the revelations last week of two senior aides to Ministers in the B.C. Liberal government, more and more Sikhs are in the news than ever before.Is the BC Sikh community fighting a tarnished image in the news media? This was the question proposed by my friend. I couldn't answer it at that time.I have the answer now! I agree some Sikhs are involved in high profile crimes that have made major news in this province and this is very unfortunate and as a community we must reverse this trend. What we have to make clear is that these people involved in these horrible acts are individuals who represent themselves not the community.It is very easy in these circumstances to blame the Sikh community due to the style of reporting by some media. I don't want to shift the blame to the media but how they report some these stories they should change. Some of these stories create a stereotypical image in readers minds of Indo Canadians. The working relationship between the various visible minorities in B.C. and the different media networks need to improve. Many different people read the paper or watch the news and viewers have to see through the smoke screen and see people as individuals not as nationalities.The Indo-Canadians who commit these crimes have to think about the community they belong too and the image it creates for everyone. They don't seem to foresee the future for every action there is a reaction. On some occasions it has been difficult to go into public without someone mentioning these horrible headlines. The majority of Sikhs come to Canada for a better life and are not involved in crimes and these acts include only a small percentage of people. So my answer to the question above is is not all Sikhs are not fighting a tarnished image in B.C. but should be concerned as a community by this trend.Proactive steps are being taken within the Sikh community to address this concern. I had the opportunity to speak with editor Paul Dhillon of the South Asian Link newspaper in Surrey about this issue.Dhillon explains, "In the early '90s the Indo Canadian community has been struggling with the rise in youth violence which has lend to gang violence. Second or third generation Indo Canadians as youths often struggle with some aspect of their cultural or social surroundings. As the violence has grown the community has taken a strong stance there has been at least four community forums in the last year to address gang violence in the Indo Canadian community."Precautionary measures and outlets are being put in place so professionals in the field can closely monitor any violence risk, Dhillon said.Over the last decade the Sikh community has gone through some growing pains due to the constant changing of its population in the Lower Mainland. I am proud of being from the Sikh heritage and as Canadians working together will make us stronger.
KenHerar@gmail.com
© Copyright 2003 Maple Ridge News
Are Indo Canadians Cheaters?
Are Chinese people 'more objective'?
By Ken Herar NEWS columnist
While many candidates prepare for a federal election this year, the excitement builds. The blood sport of politics can create interesting moments. The nomination battle in Richmond between current Liberal MP Joe Peschisolido and former Liberal MP Raymond Chan will be interesting to watch.The heat was really turned on when Chan was quoted by a Vancouver daily newspaper, saying "the Chinese community is quite different from the Indo-Canadian community. The Chinese are much more objective. No one can force them or lure them or cheat them into signing a membership form.''Some members of the Indo-Canadian community responded, saying the comments are purely racist by Chan. As a member of the Indo-Canadian community, I think many are taking Chan's comments out of context and adding fuel to the fire. I don't believe Chan was being racist through his comments. He was simply stating his personal view on the matter.Chan does raise a valid point. There are many concerns regarding Liberal memberships. Currently, both the Liberal party and the Indo-Canadian community are working very hard to clear this matter and bring validity back into the process. I applaud all the people who are involved fixing this membership mess and bringing honesty and dignity back to democracy. We can't ignore or hide the fact that there has been concerns in the past regarding some members of the Indo-Canadian community signing Liberal members. People and candidates need to re-focus their energies on social issues that are important to our country. Side tracking and bringing racism into a political campaign is not a beneficial cause for no one.I believe Chan's comments have no racial intentions and should be viewed as honourable advice how we can correct some of the irregularities within the Liberal membership. Candidates who clearly can't identify with this should judge their integrity before entering into politics. A similar incident where two individuals from Victoria used the media to cry racism over the media coverage of the legislative raid raised some eyebrows. Again, this is another case where people are trying to use racial leverage to gain political points. In the modern day of political democracy, racism has no room in the political forum These tactics are not good because the real cries of racism get lost or drowned out by fabricated headlines.Half-way around the world a real issue of racism is happening and receiving little publicity. The announcement by French President Chirac banning all conspicuous religious symbols from government schools has created quite a stir. This is all being done in the name of separating religion from the state. Religious groups are concerned. It is a direct invasion on their religious rights.France is poised to pass a law banning religious symbols such as Muslim veils, scarf, Jewish yarmulkes and large Christian crosses from public schools and work places. This is likely to include the Sikh turban and scarf or shawls worn by Sikh women. The proposed law will tantamount to banning Sikhs from wearing turbans and therefore infringing on their religious rights. This is a true case of racism where the government is taking away the freedoms of the people and their dignity. Since we live in a global community, we must be careful with our remarks and show sensitivity for the people around us, regardless of race or religion.Ken Herar is a Mission resident of Sikh ancestry.
© Copyright 2004 Maple Ridge News
By Ken Herar NEWS columnist
While many candidates prepare for a federal election this year, the excitement builds. The blood sport of politics can create interesting moments. The nomination battle in Richmond between current Liberal MP Joe Peschisolido and former Liberal MP Raymond Chan will be interesting to watch.The heat was really turned on when Chan was quoted by a Vancouver daily newspaper, saying "the Chinese community is quite different from the Indo-Canadian community. The Chinese are much more objective. No one can force them or lure them or cheat them into signing a membership form.''Some members of the Indo-Canadian community responded, saying the comments are purely racist by Chan. As a member of the Indo-Canadian community, I think many are taking Chan's comments out of context and adding fuel to the fire. I don't believe Chan was being racist through his comments. He was simply stating his personal view on the matter.Chan does raise a valid point. There are many concerns regarding Liberal memberships. Currently, both the Liberal party and the Indo-Canadian community are working very hard to clear this matter and bring validity back into the process. I applaud all the people who are involved fixing this membership mess and bringing honesty and dignity back to democracy. We can't ignore or hide the fact that there has been concerns in the past regarding some members of the Indo-Canadian community signing Liberal members. People and candidates need to re-focus their energies on social issues that are important to our country. Side tracking and bringing racism into a political campaign is not a beneficial cause for no one.I believe Chan's comments have no racial intentions and should be viewed as honourable advice how we can correct some of the irregularities within the Liberal membership. Candidates who clearly can't identify with this should judge their integrity before entering into politics. A similar incident where two individuals from Victoria used the media to cry racism over the media coverage of the legislative raid raised some eyebrows. Again, this is another case where people are trying to use racial leverage to gain political points. In the modern day of political democracy, racism has no room in the political forum These tactics are not good because the real cries of racism get lost or drowned out by fabricated headlines.Half-way around the world a real issue of racism is happening and receiving little publicity. The announcement by French President Chirac banning all conspicuous religious symbols from government schools has created quite a stir. This is all being done in the name of separating religion from the state. Religious groups are concerned. It is a direct invasion on their religious rights.France is poised to pass a law banning religious symbols such as Muslim veils, scarf, Jewish yarmulkes and large Christian crosses from public schools and work places. This is likely to include the Sikh turban and scarf or shawls worn by Sikh women. The proposed law will tantamount to banning Sikhs from wearing turbans and therefore infringing on their religious rights. This is a true case of racism where the government is taking away the freedoms of the people and their dignity. Since we live in a global community, we must be careful with our remarks and show sensitivity for the people around us, regardless of race or religion.Ken Herar is a Mission resident of Sikh ancestry.
© Copyright 2004 Maple Ridge News
Auctioning myself off for Charity..
Bachelor bidding wars at charity auction
By KenherarMay 04 2007
You tried speed dating, Internet or matrimonial ads in the paper. How about something new and exciting?
Last weekend at the Ocean Beach Club & Grill in White Rock, 13 eligible bachelors were auctioned off raising money for the South Fraser Women's Services Society.
When I was asked to participate in this event I had my doubts. When the organizers told me it was for a charity helping victims of domestic violence, I agreed to put my body on the line.
I've done some crazy things but this tops the list. The event was organized by Kismet Connections, a Vancouver-based singles networking agency.
Weeks prior to the event I hit the gym toning any muscle that may appear through my shirt, hopefully skyrocketing my value.
Last Saturday, I entered the club to witness a small crowd gathered inside and I thought, Hey, I can do this.
The fellow bachelors and members from the audience were encouraging, knowing this event was for a worthy cause.
Some bachelors had the jitters before the event. I asked myself how much is my life really worth? I was hoping more than 20 bucks and some change.
The bachelors came from a multicultural mix and from all walks of life. Every bachelor bought a plastic wrist band remembering the women who were killed in domestic violence incidents.
Shortly after 7 p.m. the club started to fill up with curious onlookers and people who bought tickets to see these 13 worthy men do a little shake, rattle and roll. Every bachelor was given a date package from a horse ride through Stanley Park to a river cruise on the Fraser.
Let the bidding begin.
The role call came and it was time to do the catwalk dance. The first bachelor was called up and the crowd was screaming.
The bids were going high and after a few minutes he was sold. Every bachelor was being bought at a high price. I was praying the market wouldn't crash for me.
Some of the bachelors showed their special talents singing and dancing for the bidders. After an hour my name was called – the last bachelor (hopefully) to be sold.
It was time to show the pipes. I was surprised the crowd still had a lot of energy and enthusiasm. The bids started high and got even higher when host JD Dhaliwal announced to the audience that I once met former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Thanks to Bubba my value went up considerably.
Maybe bidders thought Bill was part of the package.
After a few minutes, I was sold for a price that surprised me. You couldn’t have bought hockey playoff ticket for that price. I was humbled.
Altogether we raised $3,400 for the South Fraser Women's Services Society. (Related story, Page B6)
This program allows women to access legal information and advocacy in the area of family law separation, divorce, custody, access and child support. Last year 588 women accessed the program.
I was honored to be part of this worthy event. I hope the organizers and supporter continue their efforts in building a better society.
To learn more about the South Fraser Women’s Services Society, go to their website at www.sfwomensservices.com
Ken Herar is a columnist for the Abbotsford News. He lives in Mission.
© Copyright 2007 Peace Arch News
Bruce Allen's Controversy..
Is our society diverse?
By KenHerar
Oct 05 2007
All this public controversy over Bruce Allen's so called racist comments on radio a few weeks ago comes at a pivotal point in our discussion on building an inclusive diverse community. Allen a popular controversial media personality in Vancouver is someone who I have occasionally listened to over the years. Like him or not he does makes sense on some issues that need a straightforward solution.
Maybe his approach isn't so tactful, but he does deserve credit for speaking his mind. This incident draws similar comparisons to the incident in a Los Angles comedy club where Micheal Richards insulted blacks while on stage and attracted national attention, eventually apologizing for his behavior.
The controversy came on CKNW on September 13 when Allen stated, â few unhappy immigrants should shut up and fit in or leave the country. There's the door. If you don't like the rules, hit it. We don't need you here. You have another place to go: its called home. See ya! These remarks along with a few others brought protest from many communities asking him to apologize. I never had the opportunity to listen to his program that day, but his choice of wording appear to be harsh and insensitive.
To put it simply this is Bruce Allen at his finest hour and doing what he does extremely well. His rant and rave sessions are designed to get audiences fuming. His audiences are often not the sharpest tools in the shed. Do I believe Allen was being racist in his remarks? I would say he is on the cutting edge and could have used better judgment and wording to deliver his radio message.
If I said, follow the rules of this country would I consider myself to be racist? Hopefully not, and I don't consider myself to be a redneck. This could also have a variety of different connotations, how one talks or dresses in public. B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal also thought he could have used, a couple of words were inappropriate.
What I believe Allen should do is clarify what is intentions were in his remarks, which I believe he already has publicly in the Vancouver Sun with no formal apology yet. This situation is a reminder that we all need to be sensitive in our remarks living in multicultural country. What and how we say things can be misinterpreted by those around us. People should refrain themselves from making racial jokes or being religiously and culturally intolerant.
An important step in building an inclusive diverse community is we need to show respect how we communicate with each other. He may not of offended me, but obviously offended many others in his remarks.
What I believe Allen is trying to demonstrate through his blasting volcanic language is building that inclusive diverse community in Canada. What should be learned here is that nations are not built on arrogance and intimidation, but on a belief that there is a mutual understanding between common people. Canada has been built on diversity from citizens from all over the world and it is our responsibility as Canadians to be inclusive even through our differences.
We all need to make an effort to become better Canadians. In a couple of weeks the Abbotsford News Diversity Challenge participants will demonstrate this very cause through their writings, how to build that inclusive, diverse community. Allen could take a few tips from these young writers how inclusiveness can be discussed civilly and respectfully. I hope this issue gets resolved as quickly as possible before any further damage is inflicted so we can discuss the real issues in our communities.
As a good friend told me, âlways consider the source and you' ll find the answers.
Ken Herar is a Black Press reporter based in Abbotsford.
By KenHerar
Oct 05 2007
All this public controversy over Bruce Allen's so called racist comments on radio a few weeks ago comes at a pivotal point in our discussion on building an inclusive diverse community. Allen a popular controversial media personality in Vancouver is someone who I have occasionally listened to over the years. Like him or not he does makes sense on some issues that need a straightforward solution.
Maybe his approach isn't so tactful, but he does deserve credit for speaking his mind. This incident draws similar comparisons to the incident in a Los Angles comedy club where Micheal Richards insulted blacks while on stage and attracted national attention, eventually apologizing for his behavior.
The controversy came on CKNW on September 13 when Allen stated, â few unhappy immigrants should shut up and fit in or leave the country. There's the door. If you don't like the rules, hit it. We don't need you here. You have another place to go: its called home. See ya! These remarks along with a few others brought protest from many communities asking him to apologize. I never had the opportunity to listen to his program that day, but his choice of wording appear to be harsh and insensitive.
To put it simply this is Bruce Allen at his finest hour and doing what he does extremely well. His rant and rave sessions are designed to get audiences fuming. His audiences are often not the sharpest tools in the shed. Do I believe Allen was being racist in his remarks? I would say he is on the cutting edge and could have used better judgment and wording to deliver his radio message.
If I said, follow the rules of this country would I consider myself to be racist? Hopefully not, and I don't consider myself to be a redneck. This could also have a variety of different connotations, how one talks or dresses in public. B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal also thought he could have used, a couple of words were inappropriate.
What I believe Allen should do is clarify what is intentions were in his remarks, which I believe he already has publicly in the Vancouver Sun with no formal apology yet. This situation is a reminder that we all need to be sensitive in our remarks living in multicultural country. What and how we say things can be misinterpreted by those around us. People should refrain themselves from making racial jokes or being religiously and culturally intolerant.
An important step in building an inclusive diverse community is we need to show respect how we communicate with each other. He may not of offended me, but obviously offended many others in his remarks.
What I believe Allen is trying to demonstrate through his blasting volcanic language is building that inclusive diverse community in Canada. What should be learned here is that nations are not built on arrogance and intimidation, but on a belief that there is a mutual understanding between common people. Canada has been built on diversity from citizens from all over the world and it is our responsibility as Canadians to be inclusive even through our differences.
We all need to make an effort to become better Canadians. In a couple of weeks the Abbotsford News Diversity Challenge participants will demonstrate this very cause through their writings, how to build that inclusive, diverse community. Allen could take a few tips from these young writers how inclusiveness can be discussed civilly and respectfully. I hope this issue gets resolved as quickly as possible before any further damage is inflicted so we can discuss the real issues in our communities.
As a good friend told me, âlways consider the source and you' ll find the answers.
Ken Herar is a Black Press reporter based in Abbotsford.
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