“Wokeness” in Canada and elsewhere…

[petros]

Toronto school principal Richard Bilkszto was bullied by an anti-racism trainer over “his whiteness” — his questioning of her assertion that Canada is a more racist place than the United States. In July, he took his own life. The victim here is easy to spot. It’s the dead man….you’d think?

Jamie Sarkonak: DEI trainers can’t play victim after building careers on race shaming — National Post

Their abrasive approach to education made public outcry only a matter of time

apple.news

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) enthusiasts and anti-racism advocates, however, disagree. DEI advocates now argue that the “true” victim of Bilkszto’s ordeal is their industry and the demographic groups it claims to uplift. To the DEI camp, the dead man is just collateral damage. Seriously.

Instead of reflecting on the harsh, struggle-session-like methodology of anti-racism and DEI training that can harm the mental health of students, activists and advocacy organizations have demanded officials in public education to re-affirm their commitment to DEI.

In media, DEI enthusiasts have downplayed documentary evidence of bullying (namely, The Star, which received training from the firm that bullied Bilkszto). Industry publication J-Source contended that the story of Bilkszto’s death “arguably shouldn’t have been published.”

How Bill C-11 of them!! Very Woke!!

“It’s evident that the publication and proliferation of this story cements support for politically motivated discourse against foundational equity work and provides fodder for those who are opposed to challenging the status quo when it comes to racism and injustice,” wrote three Carleton journalism school professors.

Overall, the response from progressive media: This story shouldn’t have been told, the document-supported instance of bullying is questionable and journalists shouldn’t question the church of DEI. The rest at the above link.

Crazy people with an iota of power are savages.

 

[Serryah]

Toronto school principal Richard Bilkszto was bullied by an anti-racism trainer over “his whiteness” — his questioning of her assertion that Canada is a more racist place than the United States. In July, he took his own life. The victim here is easy to spot. It’s the dead man….you’d think?

Jamie Sarkonak: DEI trainers can’t play victim after building careers on race shaming — National Post

Their abrasive approach to education made public outcry only a matter of time

apple.news

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) enthusiasts and anti-racism advocates, however, disagree. DEI advocates now argue that the “true” victim of Bilkszto’s ordeal is their industry and the demographic groups it claims to uplift. To the DEI camp, the dead man is just collateral damage. Seriously.

Instead of reflecting on the harsh, struggle-session-like methodology of anti-racism and DEI training that can harm the mental health of students, activists and advocacy organizations have demanded officials in public education to re-affirm their commitment to DEI.

In media, DEI enthusiasts have downplayed documentary evidence of bullying (namely, The Star, which received training from the firm that bullied Bilkszto). Industry publication J-Source contended that the story of Bilkszto’s death “arguably shouldn’t have been published.”

How Bill C-11 of them!! Very Woke!!

“It’s evident that the publication and proliferation of this story cements support for politically motivated discourse against foundational equity work and provides fodder for those who are opposed to challenging the status quo when it comes to racism and injustice,” wrote three Carleton journalism school professors.

Overall, the response from progressive media: This story shouldn’t have been told, the document-supported instance of bullying is questionable and journalists shouldn’t question the church of DEI. The rest at the above link.

In this case, I agree.

Richard WAS the victim here.

The story DOES need to be pushed to the forefront more because that's only how things will change with how racism training is done.

The woman who was the source of the issue needs to be looked at for the bullying she did.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

In this case, I agree.

Richard WAS the victim here.

The story DOES need to be pushed to the forefront more because that's only how things will change with how racism training is done.

The woman who was the source of the issue needs to be looked at for the bullying she did.

Or, y'all (and we) could just fold our tents and let racism run any ol' way it wants to.

Call it "freedom of speech" and "freedom of association."

 

[petros]

Or, y'all (and we) could just fold our tents and let racism run any ol' way it wants to.

Call it "freedom of speech" and "freedom of association."

Racism WAS dropping in leaps an bounds. Why did go in reverse? Assholes like you need to be victims?

 

[Serryah]

Or, y'all (and we) could just fold our tents and let racism run any ol' way it wants to.

Call it "freedom of speech" and "freedom of association."

Don't get me wrong, TB, there is racism and racism education is needed for some people. Even if it's just for how to approach people of different races.

But this woman in this case (if in fact it's as bad as was reported), went WAY overboard into bullying in her own right.

That is NOT okay.

That said, I found this today:

The TDSB anti-racism training controversy, explained: Listen to audio from the DEI sessions

Former principal Richard Bilkszto sued the TDSB after allegedly being harassed during anti-racism training sessions. Here's what was said

nationalpost.com

So I listened to the recording.

Without the context of what the discussion was before, it's hard to get a real sense of what Bilkszto was referring.

However.

I guess to me he was stating that you can't compare the US and Canada, that the US is worse when it comes to instances of racism. He admits even that yes there are issues in Canada but it's not like the US.

The problem with racism is that - in my opinion - everyone is racist. It's just how you deal with that racism, whether you express it or actually work to keep yourself from being overtly so, that is the proof of how racist a person someone can be. I came to that opinion because of some pretty shitty ass racist things I've seen non-whites say. And I do not personally buy into the idea that non-whites get a pass on their racism, because they're being racist against whites and since whites didn't suffer *systemic* racism, that it's somehow okay.

Racism is racism and it's not okay to act on that racism. Ever.

That I don't think Bilkszto was pointing out that the US is not the same as Canada when it comes to racism, isn't racist. Point of fact, I do think - even know - Canada has a racism problem and depending on where you live it's freakin' horrible. Is it as bad as the US? Also depends but I think overall, maybe not. And maybe it seems that way because socially we're different than the US, maybe it's because we're "polite" or maybe a whole bunch of other reasons.

I know I was listening to the radio yesterday and got pissed off because there was a discussion about Native Queerness and one of the participants of the talk basically called anyone non-Native "Colonizers". Sure, I get what he meant, but at the same time while my ancestors may not have been here as long as his, I was born here, my parents were, my grandparents; we aren't "Colonizers". If I wanted to nitpick, yeah that could'a been suggestive of racism.

Again, I get why he said it, what he meant, but it doesn't make it acceptable to say.


Racism is a touchy subject because it quickly turns into a shitshow; people get offended, pissed off and then shut down and then the conversation, such as it becomes, ends. I'm not sure it's possible to discuss racism in an honest manner with anyone and while training should be a thing, I'm not sure that THIS program is the kind of program that's needed. Because at the very least the woman here was condescending AF.

 

[petros]

Don't get me wrong, TB, there is racism and racism education is needed for some people. Even if it's just for how to approach people of different races.

But this woman in this case (if in fact it's as bad as was reported), went WAY overboard into bullying in her own right.

That is NOT okay.

That said, I found this today:

The TDSB anti-racism training controversy, explained: Listen to audio from the DEI sessions

Former principal Richard Bilkszto sued the TDSB after allegedly being harassed during anti-racism training sessions. Here's what was said

nationalpost.com

So I listened to the recording.

Without the context of what the discussion was before, it's hard to get a real sense of what Bilkszto was referring.

However.

I guess to me he was stating that you can't compare the US and Canada, that the US is worse when it comes to instances of racism. He admits even that yes there are issues in Canada but it's not like the US.

The problem with racism is that - in my opinion - everyone is racist. It's just how you deal with that racism, whether you express it or actually work to keep yourself from being overtly so, that is the proof of how racist a person someone can be. I came to that opinion because of some pretty shitty ass racist things I've seen non-whites say. And I do not personally buy into the idea that non-whites get a pass on their racism, because they're being racist against whites and since whites didn't suffer *systemic* racism, that it's somehow okay.

Racism is racism and it's not okay to act on that racism. Ever.

That I don't think Bilkszto was pointing out that the US is not the same as Canada when it comes to racism, isn't racist. Point of fact, I do think - even know - Canada has a racism problem and depending on where you live it's freakin' horrible. Is it as bad as the US? Also depends but I think overall, maybe not. And maybe it seems that way because socially we're different than the US, maybe it's because we're "polite" or maybe a whole bunch of other reasons.

I know I was listening to the radio yesterday and got pissed off because there was a discussion about Native Queerness and one of the participants of the talk basically called anyone non-Native "Colonizers". Sure, I get what he meant, but at the same time while my ancestors may not have been here as long as his, I was born here, my parents were, my grandparents; we aren't "Colonizers". If I wanted to nitpick, yeah that could'a been suggestive of racism.

Again, I get why he said it, what he meant, but it doesn't make it acceptable to say.


Racism is a touchy subject because it quickly turns into a shitshow; people get offended, pissed off and then shut down and then the conversation, such as it becomes, ends. I'm not sure it's possible to discuss racism in an honest manner with anyone and while training should be a thing, I'm not sure that THIS program is the kind of program that's needed. Because at the very least the woman here was condescending AF.

This is the CRT you want in schools and the ESG you insist businesses and institutions follow or else.

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

That's why I don't care about racism. I believe in everybody's right to hold dear whatever fucked-up shit makes them feel all warm and cuddly.

I care about discrimination.

 

[Dixie Cup]

Toronto school principal Richard Bilkszto was bullied by an anti-racism trainer over “his whiteness” — his questioning of her assertion that Canada is a more racist place than the United States. In July, he took his own life. The victim here is easy to spot. It’s the dead man….you’d think?

Jamie Sarkonak: DEI trainers can’t play victim after building careers on race shaming — National Post

Their abrasive approach to education made public outcry only a matter of time

apple.news

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) enthusiasts and anti-racism advocates, however, disagree. DEI advocates now argue that the “true” victim of Bilkszto’s ordeal is their industry and the demographic groups it claims to uplift. To the DEI camp, the dead man is just collateral damage. Seriously.

Instead of reflecting on the harsh, struggle-session-like methodology of anti-racism and DEI training that can harm the mental health of students, activists and advocacy organizations have demanded officials in public education to re-affirm their commitment to DEI.

In media, DEI enthusiasts have downplayed documentary evidence of bullying (namely, The Star, which received training from the firm that bullied Bilkszto). Industry publication J-Source contended that the story of Bilkszto’s death “arguably shouldn’t have been published.”

How Bill C-11 of them!! Very Woke!!

“It’s evident that the publication and proliferation of this story cements support for politically motivated discourse against foundational equity work and provides fodder for those who are opposed to challenging the status quo when it comes to racism and injustice,” wrote three Carleton journalism school professors.

Overall, the response from progressive media: This story shouldn’t have been told, the document-supported instance of bullying is questionable and journalists shouldn’t question the church of DEI. The rest at the above link.

The whole situation should never have happened & is quite disgusting.

Having said that, DEI, CRT, LGBT... etc., etc. are all made up crap that it's usage should be eliminated. Then everyone will be happy both Left & Right!

 

[Ron in Regina]

Read through most of Serryah’s link in post #105. That’s messed up. I’ll skim through the rest of it tonight when time permits.

 

[Serryah]

That's why I don't care about racism. I believe in everybody's right to hold dear whatever fucked-up shit makes them feel all warm and cuddly.

I care about discrimination.

Actually, that's probably the best way to look at it and I may start doing that myself from now on.

 

[petros]

 

[Ron in Regina]

That's why I don't care about racism. I believe in everybody's right to hold dear whatever fucked-up shit makes them feel all warm and cuddly.

I care about discrimination.

Actually, that's probably the best way to look at it and I may start doing that myself from now on.

In April, Bilkszto filed a lawsuit against TDSB for bad faith contractual performance (including failing to investigate his harassment claim), revoking work contracts, and defaming him, including by uninviting him to the graduation for a program he helped create.

In a statement released after his death, the Toronto School Administrators’ Association – an organization that represents principals working with the TDSB – said that Bilkszto reported the case to them, and that although they supported an investigation, it never happened.

“We have communicated on many occasions our concern about the lack of meaningful response from the employer when a Principal or Vice Principal experiences bullying, intimidation or harassment in the course of their professional practice,” they wrote in the statement.

Ontario’s education minister, Stephen Lecce, has now ordered a review of Bulkszto’s case, saying his “allegationsare “serious and disturbing.”

According to him, his staff will review what happened and come up with “options to reform professional training and strengthen accountability on school boards so this never happens again.”

Ojo-Thompson then said she welcomes the investigation and that the events have been used to discredit KOJO Institute’s work.

“While the coverage by right-wing media of this controversy is disappointing and led to our organization and team members receiving threats and vitriol online, we will not be deterred from our work in building a better society for everyone,” she said???

After an investigation, Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board concluded that Ojo-Thompson had been abusive and granted Bilkszto seven weeks of lost pay, as he wasn’t working while dealing with the emotional distress caused by the situation. So the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board must also be a Right-Wing Institution by extension in need of Oho-Thompson’s brand of training then?

I can’t even call this shit-show a goat rodeo as it’s too mild of a term.

 

[petros]

In April, Bilkszto filed a lawsuit against TDSB for bad faith contractual performance (including failing to investigate his harassment claim), revoking work contracts, and defaming him, including by uninviting him to the graduation for a program he helped create.

In a statement released after his death, the Toronto School Administrators’ Association – an organization that represents principals working with the TDSB – said that Bilkszto reported the case to them, and that although they supported an investigation, it never happened.

“We have communicated on many occasions our concern about the lack of meaningful response from the employer when a Principal or Vice Principal experiences bullying, intimidation or harassment in the course of their professional practice,” they wrote in the statement.

Ontario’s education minister, Stephen Lecce, has now ordered a review of Bulkszto’s case, saying his “allegationsare “serious and disturbing.”

According to him, his staff will review what happened and come up with “options to reform professional training and strengthen accountability on school boards so this never happens again.”

Ojo-Thompson then said she welcomes the investigation and that the events have been used to discredit KOJO Institute’s work.

“While the coverage by right-wing media of this controversy is disappointing and led to our organization and team members receiving threats and vitriol online, we will not be deterred from our work in building a better society for everyone,” she said???

After an investigation, Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board concluded that Ojo-Thompson had been abusive and granted Bilkszto seven weeks of lost pay, as he wasn’t working while dealing with the emotional distress caused by the situation. So the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board must also be a Right-Wing Institution by extension in need of Oho-Thompson’s brand of training then?

I can’t even call this shit-show a goat rodeo as it’s too mild of a term.

This shit is going to blow up good. Real good.

They really don't want to piss off Gen X. We have the power. Mmmmhahahaha. We can un-invent tolerance and bring back the backhand.

 

[Taxslave2]

Why is it that people always blame right wing media when facts they don't like get out?

 

[Serryah]

Why is it that people always blame right wing media when facts they don't like get out?

Because most times it's either flat out a lie, littered with biased information that makes it pretty much inaccurate/wrong or just plain conspiracy theory BS.

You know, the "Fake news" that they're usually the ones crying that the "Left" only puts out.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Why is it that people always blame right wing media when facts they don't like get out?

Why is it that the right came up with the term "FAKE NEWS?"

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Actually, that's probably the best way to look at it and I may start doing that myself from now on.

I see it as kinda like religion. The rule, enforced by courts of law, not "tribunals," in the U.S. was (freely interpreted by me) "You can do whatever you want, discriminate against whomever you want, exclude and abuse whomever you want. . . in your church. When you exit your church, and particularly when you enter the stream of commerce, you will live by the rules of the wider world or suffer the consequences." Which meant that if you didn't like non-White people, or thought it was a sin to dispense birth control, or whatever, your employer could fire you. Not for your religion or beliefs, for the fact that you weren't doing your job. If you refused to rent an apartment to an LGBTQRSTUVWXYZ couple (or trio), you were liable for civil damages. And if you arsonized a synagogue or a mosque, you went to prison just like you'd arsonized a home or a shop. Cuz arson's a felony, not cuz you hate Jews or Muzzies.

Then, of course, all sides started thinking how much better a place the world would be if everybody had to not only act acceptably, but think "acceptably."

And here we are.

 

[Serryah]

I see it as kinda like religion. The rule, enforced by courts of law, not "tribunals," in the U.S. was (freely interpreted by me) "You can do whatever you want, discriminate against whomever you want, exclude and abuse whomever you want. . . in your church. When you exit your church, and particularly when you enter the stream of commerce, you will live by the rules of the wider world or suffer the consequences." Which meant that if you didn't like non-White people, or thought it was a sin to dispense birth control, or whatever, your employer could fire you. Not for your religion or beliefs, for the fact that you weren't doing your job. If you refused to rent an apartment to an LGBTQRSTUVWXYZ couple (or trio), you were liable for civil damages. And if you arsonized a synagogue or a mosque, you went to prison just like you'd arsonized a home or a shop. Cuz arson's a felony, not cuz you hate Jews or Muzzies.

Then, of course, all sides started thinking how much better a place the world would be if everybody had to not only act acceptably, but think "acceptably."

And here we are.

Good points overall.

And we're fucking humans, "acting" and "thinking" acceptably is all a matter of opinion/personal experience. And generation when you think about it. It's always going to change.

 

[petros]

So what do you two luddites think of racism that has nothing to do with white people? Give you heads a shake but try not let anything fall out of your "open minds". White's are lightweight in the racism game. Wake up! Is there no racism outside the white, black, red world of 40 years ago that you're stuck in?

So what do you two luddites think of racism that has nothing to do with white people? Give your heads a shake but try not let anything fall out of your "open minds". White's are lightweight in the racism game. Wake up!

 

[pgs]

So what do you two luddites think of racism that has nothing to do with white people? Give you heads a shake but try not let anything fall out of your "open minds". White's are lightweight in the racism game. Wake up!

But whites have all the good shit .