[Liz]

I think a big part of it is cognitive dissonance. People are aware racism exists at a structural level but they choose to ignore it rather than protest it. People prefer to believe that Ontario being multicultural is enough. I think it’s difficult for people to challenge authority so if those in positions of power are not leading change at an organizational level these necessary changes will never happen. It’s important for everyone to work towards changing this culture where we are “comfortable” with how things are and challenge the status quo but people are afraid of seeming difficult.

[Rosananthi]

Anti-Black racism in Ontario continues because of implicit biases, and a lack of representation. We need better education and rules to make things more fair and equal.

[Oksana]

Anti-Black racism persists in Ontario due to historical legacies and systemic discrimination, institutional biases, cultural stereotypes, and inadequate representation. In few posts, it was mentioned, that it is usually associated with US, rather Ontario (Canada), and treated as this issue does not exists here.

Addressing this issue requires many efforts, including community engagement, and challenging stereotypes, promoting dialog, and increasing awareness.

[Oksana]

Anti-Black racism persists in Ontario due to historical legacies and systemic discrimination, institutional biases, cultural stereotypes, and inadequate representation. In few posts, it was mentioned, that it is usually associated with US, rather Ontario (Canada); hence, it is treated as this issue does not exists here.

Addressing this issue requires many efforts, including community engagement, and challenging stereotypes, promoting dialog, and increasing awareness.

[Paulette]

Taken from the Ontario Human Rights Website:

“The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) recognizes the struggles stemming from systemic anti-Black racism in education, which impedes and stifles progress for many Black communities across Ontario for generations.

The recent rise and increased visibility of anti-Black racism in Ontario has sparked and renewed persistent calls to combat these issues.

Systemic anti-Black racism in Ontario’s publicly-funded education system is a crisis.

Thirty-plus years of reports, studies and grassroots work has proved that anti-Black racism exists in education. The OHRC has studied, investigated, and litigated matters involving systemic anti-Black racism in education for decades, and recent studies show the problems still exist. It is deeply embedded in our institutions, policies, and practices, including in the education system.

The OHRC is heartened by the rise in community activism and engagement concerning anti-Black racism in the public education system. As it looks ahead at future possibilities, it is important to collaborate with communities, schools, educators, and duty-holders to bring about the change needed for Black students. Community voices and voices of Black professionals in the education system must be heard to address anti-Black racism in education and to identify and develop solutions focused on Black students’ well-being, achievement, and belonging.”

The problem of anti-Black racism is far reaching, and multiple studies have been done at all levels of Government; Federal, Provincial and Municipal. Therefore, the institutions must make changes to policies and practices to ensure basic Human Rights are upheld and until those changes are made; the practice of anti-Black racism will continue to be an issue.

[Derrick]

Great point Paulette. As a parent and an educator who has taught at both the secondary and post-secondary levels, it is very disappointing that the findings of the Ontario Human Rights Commission about Anti-Black racism currently being in a “crisis” situation. There has to be an intentional dismantling of the educational curriculum that perpetuates the invisibility of African Canadians within the fabric of Canadian history and highlights the contributions of figures such as Viola Desmond, Josiah Henson, and Mary Ann Shadd (just to name a few). I had the privilege of going to Dresden, Ontario to tour the Josiah Henson Museum of African Canadian History to learn more about the life of this extraordinary abolitionist and leader of the Dawn Settlement. One of the things that we learned from the operators of the Josiah Henson Museum is that the local school system had not taken their students to visit the site in several years, and I could not help but express my disbelief and disappointment. How can we dismantle Anti-Black racism if there is no action being taken to do so by those in power and leadership, particularly in our provincial school system? That is why the Youth Rex program is so important and should be required for all educators and staff. It will also help to address the issues that have been raised here in some of the other posts that Canadians simply don’t know anything about Anti-Black Racism or how to become an ally.

[Marc]

This is a very complex and multi-level question. It is still a problem due to the majority of folks in power that are predominantly white, where the distribution of power is skewed and granted (in some cases) based on nepotism and in many cases through generational wealth. These folks (whether by complexion or/and generational wealth) are surprisingly oblivious to the privileges they inherit and so if you have these same folks that are incumbents of powerful positions, making decisions that influence and impact a large population of people, it only serves as a feedback loop that perpetuates racism and disenfranchisement.

Now, think about this happening for decades, or centuries, it becomes ingrained into society’s consciousness, nurtured and reinforced at every angle and medium, cascading throughout generations. It becomes not so difficult to see now why racism still exists. The important thing is that we all should recognise our privileges and accept objectively that this is an unequivocal problem that still exists and that we need to work together to progress forward.

[Stefanie Lamonaca]

I think anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because it’s a complex issue with deep historical roots. While progress has been made in addressing racism, it persists in various forms and several factors still contribute to the continued existence of anti-Black racism. Historical legacy is one factor. Ontario, like many other regions, has a history of slavery and discrimination against Black individuals. Historical injustices have long-lasting effects on communities and contribute to systemic issues. Another factor is systemic racism. Institutional structures, policies, and practices can perpetuate racial disparities and Black individuals face systemic barriers in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and criminal justice. The lack of representation also plays a big role in why anti-Black racism still exists. The underrepresentation of Black individuals in positions of power and decision-making roles can limit their influence on policies that directly affect their communities. Economic disparities create inequalities that disproportionately impact Black communities. These also include limited access to opportunities and resources, which in turn can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and hinder social mobility. Media influence daily and how they negatively portray Black individuals can contribute to stereotypes and perpetuate harmful biases which influence public perception. The education gaps and disparities in educational opportunities and resources can affect the long-term prospects of Black individuals, limiting access to higher-paying jobs and other opportunities. Efforts to address anti-Black racism in Ontario involve a combination of policy changes, community engagement, education, and fostering inclusive environments. The first step is to recognize the issues and commit to actively combating these systemic issues, which is crucial for creating a more equitable society.

[Jacquie]

Yes, anti-black racism is still a problem in <wt-ignore uuid=”17b5cabb-55d4-4a1a-9be9-5471e231fa7e” source=”wt-feature-dismissed”>Ontario</wt-ignore>. These are ongoing issues, because of historical and systemic discrimination, stereotypes, and biases that continue to perpetuate racial inequalities and contribute to the persistence of <wt-ignore uuid=”46148d2a-5afd-4190-9dab-3c2d1be430b1″ source=”wt-feature-dismissed”>anti-black</wt-ignore> racism. <wt-ignore uuid=”db889c27-5f01-4141-9f6c-963877a29dd4″ source=”wt-feature-result”>In order to create a more inclusive and equitable society, collective action, education, and policy changes must be undertaken.</wt-ignore>

[Alda]

I am sad to say it is still an issue, part of it I think Ontario is a melting pot of so many cultures and immigrants. In many instances I believe there is no tolerance of understanding each other’s cultures and it also gives way of prejudgment of people’s cultural ways and the lack of wanting to understand each other. Unfortunately, the wrong perception then is further propagated by not only people, but the media who equates all bad is equal to race, color, or creed. Therefore, creating a prejudgment by society. This has created a very difficult environment for youth to navigate, creating fears, stigmas and self-doubts by those who inflict this on them. This difficulty has created many emotional scars which have been passed down in families due to their serious experiences with those who discriminate them. Knowledge of what these discriminatory practices are doing to the Youth and services for the Youth to give them coping mechanisms I feel must be available for them.

[Eric]

The history of colonization and slavery has left a lasting impact on societies, including Canada. Historical injustices and systemic discrimination have created a foundation for the persistence of racism

[Judith]

Addressing anti-Black racism requires a comprehensive and sustained effort at various levels, including legislative, institutional, and societal. It involves promoting education, fostering inclusivity, challenging systemic inequalities, and actively working to dismantle discriminatory practices. Community engagement, allyship, and ongoing dialogue are essential components of creating lasting change.

[Mohamedfayaz]

Anti-black racism still exists in Ontario and the rest of Canada because of historical factors and institutional racism. Black communities have faced a lot of discrimination and unequal treatment in various sectors ie. schools, and workplaces.

[Alexandra]

It exists because it is woven into the fabric of our culture and institutions. What a complex question. It’s odd, but the world even one or two hours outside of Major Cities in Canada is a completely different landscape and country in terms of demographics and lived experience. I think in most small towns and Cities across Ontario and in other parts of the country, blackness is still see and felt as ‘otherness’, strange, different, dangerous, and all of the other explicit and implicit biases that media and pop-culture have associated with Black youth and persons. Ignorance is rampant, racism and bigotry hardly veiled… We can call them “Hicks”, but it doesn’t change the fact that by and large, most places in Canada are not very inviting to black people and a lot of other minorities and ethnicities. Until our laws, social justice systems, education curriculum and media reflect the needs and issues of black persons equally and organically, there will always be anti-black racism present. When citizens, voting public, lobbyists, banks and investors let policy makers and law enforcement know that they will not turn a blind eye and tolerate inequality and racist behavior, there is little that can be done to change institutional biases. When it becomes less profitable to continue to marginalize and discriminate against BIPOC, policies and laws will change. I also think that education really is the root of democracy and the more access to education and opportunities BIPOC have, the more access to money and influence will follow. Politics and policies follow money and invested interests. This is my two cents and a small bite of a hugely complex issue. Education = less ignorance = less complicity.

[Dennis]

I believe anti-black racism still exists in Ontario because of historical factors like the long-lasting impact of colonialism, which contributes to ongoing issues such as racial profiling, economic disparities, and a lack of representation in positions of influence.

[Yushu]

One of the reasons that anti-black racism is still a problem in Ontario and the rest of Canada is that institutional racism and history legacy still impacts black community. When talking about racism, people might often think about anti-black racism in the United States. They might not consider it as an issue in Canada. There is limited research data on anti-black racism and it needs to inform the public.

[Salma]

Anti-Black Racism continues to be a huge problem in Ontario as Black communities in Ontario, as well as the rest of Canada have faced racial inequalities. The black community faces a lot of unequal treatment and discrimination due to the colour of their skin. For example, they have faced an enormous amount of unequal treatment in their school, as well as their place of employment.

[Sarah]

As mentioned in the module lectures, Canadians tend to assume that they live in a “tolerant, multicultural society” which is incompatible with the reality that Anti-Black racism still occurs in Ontario as well as the rest of Canada. Global and country-wide events can highlight the presence of ABR in Canada, such as how the Black community was the most disproportionately affected by the pandemic, but these temporary bursts of awareness are up against systemic lack of education regarding Anti-Black Racism in schools as well as downplaying or erasing Black contributions to Canadian history.

Learning about racism and slavery in school is framed through more of an
American lens, where Canadian contributions to slavery or racism are
downplayed. An example is how the educational system highlights how Canada was the final
destination of the Underground Railroad, representing freedom, yet no one teaches students about how conditions were so dire for Black people
upon reaching Canada that many returned to the States.

Constant comparisons of the Canadian cultural climate to the United States, where Anti-Black Racism is more openly displayed, can also lead Canadians to believe that racism is not present in Ontario or the rest of Canada because it is not displayed as openly or discussed as often as in the States, not realizing that Anti-Black Racism shows up in Ontario in different and sometimes more subtle (yet still systemic) ways. This helps to perpetuate the idea that racism could not possibly exist in a country that claims to be tolerant of all cultures, because “at least we aren’t as bad as the States.”

[Alison]

There are two sides to this. Those who have been affected might feel so traumatized that it is hard for them to talk about it and raise awareness. When global events occur like the unfortunate turn of events for George Floyd, then it gives the space and the opportunity for those who tend to shy away from speaking up (but also the opportunity for those who are vocal). Rightfully so, it is important to hear stories to help educate ourselves on what is going on around the world. The other side is those who have never been affected by racism, or not to the same extend as black racism. For this group of people, the lack of education doesn’t help the situation. It is also important to keep in mind that this group of people may not be intentionally choosing to ignore anything, but that they perhaps don’t understand the seriousness and effects it can have. Therefore, while there isn’t one answer, these are some reasons why. It is important for all of us to take a part in moving forward together. It is important to connect in communities like this to learn about what things we didn’t know we needed to know.

[Diana]

I think one of the contributing factors that we see racial inequities and anti-Black racism is due to the attempt to erase Black spaces in not just Ontario, but the rest of Canada. We see this in our education systems where students are not taught the history of anti-Black racism, colonialism, and slavery. We also see the myth that anti-Black racism only exists in the US. If there is “no anti-Black racism” here in Canada, we do not need to address it. If it is out of sight, it is out of mind.

[Lauren]

Anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because there is a lack of accountability and action to recognize, address, educate about and reconcile the barriers and challenges experienced by the Black community. This is perpetuated by the silencing and invalidation of Black experiences and the continuation of socio-economic factors that oppress Black people and prevent them from thriving. Acknowledging that the socio-political inequities seen in the justice and political system in the USA, are also prevalent in the Canadian systems is an integral first step to breaking a harmful system and rebuilding one that is equitable and supports the success of all citizens. Furthermore, we also must call attention to the gaslighting that occurs in sectors like education and social services where equity-based work seems prevalent, with minimal actionable items in place. Finally, we as individuals must remain reflective, to ensure we are in a place to continuously learn from those at the center of oppression and inequity and be willing to leverage our privilege and make changes to our ways of living to ensure we can actively support members of the Black community to heal and thrive, as dictated by members of the Black community themselves.

[Nicole]

I think the point made in the lecture about cognitive dissonance plays heavily into why anti-black racism is still an issue-Canadians have a very strong self (and international) perception of being peaceful, tolerant and progressive-how could we be anti-black racists? Add on the layer of comparison to racism in the US and it can be very hard for Canadians to see themselves as actually supporting the same ideologies and harmful outcomes.

[Marie-Eve]

As many others on this thread, I also feel that Canadians’ lack of both awareness and/or accountability is one of the root causes of Anti-Black racism in Ontario (and across Canada). As per the lecture given by Dr. Andrea A. Davis, there is a challenge for many Canadians to face that the illusion of a multicultural democratic nation they’ve been fed since they were a child is actually a system that perpetuates racism and inequalities.

I also think many Canadians refuse to review their understanding of allyship. I personally found the definitions of white
saviors, white apologists, white allies, and white folks in solidarity with anti-racism extremely insightful. It’s normal that many individuals approach allyship from the lens of their own experiences, but a willingness to understand what allyship looks, sounds, and feels like from the perspective of Black youth is a necessary shift to dismantle White supremacy.

Lastly, the deafening silence from many Canadians is definitely a contributing factor to Anti-Black racism in Ontario. The following statement struck a chord with me: “White people
committed to racial justice need to be willing to give up the very thing that whiteness has promised them, connection
and kinship, whether to white people or to Black, Indigenous, and racially-oppressed populations.” I am able to recognize and take accountability for instances where I chose silence for the sake of connection and kinship in the past. This is simply unacceptable moving forward – for myself and all Canadian citizens.

[Alejandra]

I believe that Anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because most people does not identify the issue. A high percentage of the population does not believe that racism hasn’t been overcome .

[Sanja]

Yes, I agree with this. But even in such a multicultural environment that we live in, to date many communities are still left without a voice.

[Alison]

Yes, without knowing there is the issue or without knowing the extent of the issue, people may not be inclined to educate themselves or do anything about it. One may also feel that they are only one person and can’t change the world. But imagine if nobody had this mindset? When more people believe in the same thing i.e. equality, equity and justice for all, we can move faster towards a world where racism doesn’t exist.

[Jewelle]

Anti-Black Racism infuses and upholds many instructions and structures that Canadians rely on to be successful. Giving up access to or hopes for that success, the security and acceptance that comes with it, is unlikely. You are more likely to reject that pathway if you feel that it has already rejected you. Canadians want to be comfortable. People in Western nations really want to be comfortable, but Canadians in particular. It’s uncomfortable to come out with their racism like in the States, but also very uncomfortable to give it up. Certainly, there are some people who specifically hate blacks. But I think most don’t want to recognize or challenge anti-Black racism because it’s inconvenient, unsettling and threatening, psychologically, emotionally, and socially.

[Kathleen]

I agree with this 100%. Speaking specifically from an education perspective, it’ is easy to look around a number of schools in my area and wonder where/why there are not more BIPOC educators. However, how can we expect someone directly oppressed by a system to grow up and want to engage or feel they can have meaningful participation within that system.

[David]

I believe one reason anti-Black racism still exists in Ontario is the lack of proper education about the historical roots of racism in Canada. The history of slavery, discrimination, and broken promises that were taught in these modules were never taught, at least to me, in high school. We learned about racism and slavery from an American perspective so it becomes less relevant in our minds. I think with proper education, more people would start considering things such as intersectionality because it helps puts our current world in the proper context. I think this would help more young people realize that racism exists in Canada and would push them to work towards dismantling the systems that keep it around.

[Annie]

Indeed, black history was and is still for the most part not taught in our schools other than slavery. Unfortunately, up until the video of the brutal killing of George Floyd, many people where still very unaware of the injustices and iniqueties that exist in our society. As though if we don’t talk about it, there is no problem. People are afraid to offend and have to live uncomfortable situations, whether with colleagues, family members or parents of students, so they would rather turn a blind eye to the situation. And, if confronted, the priviliged become defensive and listen to respond rather than listen to understand. I think it’s important to create safe spaces in our work places to be able to address issues and learn from each other in order to benefit from what diversity and inclusion has to offer.

[Christina]

I just completed the course work and have so many ideas floating around in my mind. I feel as though anti-Black racism is still prevalent in Ontario due to a variety of reasons (many already listed in this discussion board). Overall I feel society does not want to change or challenge status quo, power structures in place, racist systems and policies and so on. At times it can feel as though we are taking steps forward in progress but then at the same time feel as though nothing has really changed. A lot of times even when you work for an agency with anti-Black racism policies and practices in place that is not always the case with other agencies you refer to or are connected with, this can put large barriers in place for both staff and the service users we support. There is still a lot of work left to be done in Ontario and Canada has a whole to dismantle oppressive systems and practices.

[Teja]

I believe that Anti-Black Racism is still prevalent in Ontario because most efforts used to dismantle Anti-Black Racism negate addressing the root causes of this issue. For example, students may be taught that marginalized communities are often subjected to mistreatment systemically, such as within the employment sector, and academic sector which is a great start, but without addressing that white supremacy and white privilege are key factors that affect the maltreatment of Black Individuals, it will be hard to effectively make positive changes in mitigating Anti-Black Racism. Therefore, I think to decrease the prevalence of Anti-Black Racism I strongly believe that there needs to be teachings surrounding how white people benefit from Anti-Black Racism and how these narratives surrounding black individuals being labelled as subordinate inadvertently affect white individuals positively. Additionally, I also think there is a lack of resources available to black individuals that would help them navigate society cohesively by acknowledging the issues that are prevalent in Black communities.

[Elah]

Anti-Black racism is deeply entrenched in the institutions and policies in Canada and Ontario which are meant to reflect and reinforce harmful beliefs, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination of people of African descent. These policies are meant to both maintain Whiteness as a dominant worldview and also continue to further subjugate and marginalize BIPOC communities. Social welfare programs that are rooted in Western ideologies do not adequately address the structural barriers that are produced by racism and White supremacy. These ideologies place the individual person as the cause of their problem rather than viewing it as a symptom of a much larger and societal imbalance. What’s more, individual experiences are embedded within these larger systems that hold individuals responsible for unjust experiences and the root cause of the issue (racism and Whiteness) is left unchecked. Whiteness is seen as the norm but because it is embedded in every kind of institution it will never meet the needs of those who don’t benefit from it. White supremacy and Western Eurocentric worldviews need to be interrupted in order for racial oppression to be ameliorated.

[Justin]

I agree with your assessment that anti-Black racism is deeply entrenched in the institutions and policies in Canada and Ontario. It is a systemic issue that has been perpetuated for centuries, and it continues to have a devastating impact on the lives of Black people. The fact that social welfare programs rooted in Western ideologies do not adequately address the structural barriers produced by racism and White supremacy is a testament to the depth of the problem. These programs often place the blame on individuals for their own circumstances, rather than acknowledging the role that systemic racism plays in creating and maintaining those circumstances. When Black people are disproportionately impacted by poverty, unemployment, and incarceration, it is not because they are inherently inferior or lazy. It is because they face systemic barriers to success and over time these systems can take a toll on the individual psyche which impacts their worldview.

Hopefully, we will get this sorted out so as to create a more just and equitable society for all, though it will take a sustained effort from everyone involved.

[Samuel]

Because many people refuse to check their behaviors. If they do, they can easily find blind spots where microaggressions and unconscious biases hide. So they don’t see the need to change. they don’t even know they need to change harmful behaviors.

[Kiranjyot]

Anti-Black racism in Ontario endures because of a legacy of colonialism, slavery, and discrimination that has left lasting imprints on the province’s institutions and society. Systemic biases in education, employment, and criminal justice continue to disadvantage Black communities. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive anti-racism policies and persistent stereotypes contribute to the ongoing problem, necessitating continued efforts to dismantle racism and promote equity.

[Justin]

I agree with you that anti-Black racism in Ontario endures because of a legacy of colonialism, slavery, and discrimination. You know, systemic biases in education, employment, and criminal justice continue to disadvantage Black communities. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive anti-racism policies and persistent stereotypes contribute to the ongoing problem.

It is important to remember that anti-Black racism is not just a problem that affects Black people. It is a problem that affects all of us. When Black people are denied opportunities and treated unfairly, it undermines our entire society. In terms of education, this systemic bias can lead to lower graduation rates and limited access to quality schools for Black students. In employment, it has resulted in higher unemployment rates and limited career advancement opportunities for Black individuals. Additionally, within the criminal justice system, we have seen how it leads to disproportionate arrests, harsher sentencing, and a lack of trust between law enforcement and Black communities. These issues highlight the urgent need for comprehensive anti-racism policies that address these systemic biases and work towards creating a more equitable society for all.