No excuse for racism: reader

Page 4

Editor's Note: This reader sent Sage a copy of a letter she wrote in response to two letters written to the Saskatoon Star Pheonix last month. Those letters criticized FSIN leaders for complaining about racism in the community.

Dear Editor:

I am of Aboriginal descent and I continue to be offended by the lack of knowledge in society that is based on assumptions.

I am not suprised at the backlashing and blaming that our Native leaders receive. When our Native leaders are striving for justice and equality for their people in a dysfunctional society, ignorant people misinterpret this as doing nothing.

Opinions like those of Alice Farness and Georgina Hanson only foster a breeding ground for racism to continue. Since they have done research and are obviously educated about Aboriginal people, I would like to invite them to be guest speakers in a Native Studies class at the University of Saskatchewan. Alice Farness stated that the courts are full of Native people who have beaten, stabbed or who killed other Native people. May society be reminded that there are non-Aboriginal or Caucasian people who commit the same crimes and stand before the courts. It is quite a bold attempt to elevate one's self at the expense of another group of people. What makes it my business to condemn or blame anyone who I see falling down drunk? It's not my right to judge and display ignorance about how they to choose to live their lives.

And who are these letter writers to criticize our children? Before a person can talk about protectiveness they must practice it themselves. Why are Native women and girls running away from sex and rape? The same reason why those Caucasian girls that are working on the streets are. Why does their society pimp them as well through pornography, porn videos, ads in the paper, phone sex, as well as prostitution. Same difference by my research. Caucasian girls are not so immune to dysfunctional families as well. Opinions that lack knowledge only misinform the general public. It is a pitiful attempt to justify racism.

Some people could do the world a favor by keeping their opinions to themselves.

Lorraine Thomas

University of Saskatchewan

Education Student