It's A Shame That Stupidity Isn't Painful.
If stupidity caused pain, the former Leader of the Assembly of First Nations would need a morphine drip.
David Ahenakew, who faces judgment at his hate trial on Friday, is the mental midget who called Jews "a disease" in a speech he made in 2002. One might think a member of a group that has been a victim of systemic racism for centuries might have a little more understanding, might be more aware of the horrific affect blind hatred has on society, might be capable of a little more sensitivity.
One would obviously be mistaken.
It's terribly unfortunate that many victims turn into abusers, people who were mistreated as children will visit the same cruelty on their children, people who were bullied will go on to bully others, that people who have been the targets of racism will become racists. It's an ugly fact that what goes around, comes around.
It does not have to be this way. People have the opportunity to learn, change and grow, if they choose to do so. David Ahenakew is a racist because he has made the choice to fill his life with hatred. He is an adult, in control of his faculties, he has nobody to blame but himself for the problems he now faces.
The Office of the Governor General is removing this man from The Order of Canada. He's looking at a "lengthy" prison term (maximum 6 months, what a travesty) due to his promotion of hatred. Will Ahenakew see this as an epiphany? A wake-up call telling him that he must change his way of thinking? Probably not, he will more likely come out of this chapter of his life bearing more hatred for Jews, blaming them for his problems.
We all carry prejudices, some large, some small. We all have preconceived ideas about certain groups, buy into some stereotypes, like some people and dislike others. Most of us recognize this bigotry as a problem, a character flaw, and work to correct it. Then there are the David Ahenekews of the world. They embrace their intolerance, and then wear it like a badge of honour.
For shame.
David Ahenakew, who faces judgment at his hate trial on Friday, is the mental midget who called Jews "a disease" in a speech he made in 2002. One might think a member of a group that has been a victim of systemic racism for centuries might have a little more understanding, might be more aware of the horrific affect blind hatred has on society, might be capable of a little more sensitivity.
One would obviously be mistaken.
It's terribly unfortunate that many victims turn into abusers, people who were mistreated as children will visit the same cruelty on their children, people who were bullied will go on to bully others, that people who have been the targets of racism will become racists. It's an ugly fact that what goes around, comes around.
It does not have to be this way. People have the opportunity to learn, change and grow, if they choose to do so. David Ahenakew is a racist because he has made the choice to fill his life with hatred. He is an adult, in control of his faculties, he has nobody to blame but himself for the problems he now faces.
The Office of the Governor General is removing this man from The Order of Canada. He's looking at a "lengthy" prison term (maximum 6 months, what a travesty) due to his promotion of hatred. Will Ahenakew see this as an epiphany? A wake-up call telling him that he must change his way of thinking? Probably not, he will more likely come out of this chapter of his life bearing more hatred for Jews, blaming them for his problems.
We all carry prejudices, some large, some small. We all have preconceived ideas about certain groups, buy into some stereotypes, like some people and dislike others. Most of us recognize this bigotry as a problem, a character flaw, and work to correct it. Then there are the David Ahenekews of the world. They embrace their intolerance, and then wear it like a badge of honour.
For shame.
posted by Alphamutt at 11:56 AM
1 Comments:
He truly is an idiot. I saw him on tv last night basically stating that he was a victim because he is first nations. He did not in anyway try to link his racist statements with being aboriginal. It really was a non sequitir. It was almost like he was saying because he is aboriginal he can say whatever he wants about any other group of people. He clearly does not 'get it' on any level.
Chris
Post a Comment
<< Home