[Steven]

I think anti-Black racism is still a problem because we too often see racism as being “active” (I haven’t done/thought/said something that is racist), when in fact there is racism in doing/thinking/saying nothing. Racism moves from generation to generation if there is no sense that those who have been privileged by the racist actions of their ancestors, fail to move beyond the “nothing” stage and start the work of taking concrete action to effect change in their communities.

[Danielle]

I agree with a lot of the comments listed in this thread. Systemic racism, microaggressions, institutionalized policies, lack of cultural awareness, White supremacy are all major problems that perpetuate Anti-Black Racism. The only thing I would add is that another reason Anti-Black Racism is still a problem is because of the lack of connection to ancestors for both Black, (BIPOC) and White people. I don’t think racial divides can ever be healed without addressing the wounds of our ancestors, in a spiritual practice that mirrors the practices of your ancestors. See Resmaa Menakem’s work on Youtube Breakfast Club. I have worked with Black youth who found much healing by connecting to their ancestors through ritual with African elders. Also, I think in general, White peoples’ disconnection and lack of healing for their ancestors perpetuates unconscious karmic cycles of racism, especially against Black people. Whatever is unresolved karmically for our ancestors, we inherit. Most White people I know are not willing to engage in deep personal karmic healing work for their own racism, let alone healing work that addresses the racism of their ancestors.

[Briar Rose]

Anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because our social structure was specifically created to uphold colonization, capitalism, and white supremacy (in the sense that white people are considered the “norm” and white culture is considered superior to others). While some efforts have been made to shift legislation and policy, the truth is that the overall system was created to privilege white folks at the expense of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Colour, and this has not shifted in a general sense. Because we have been taught in mainstream spaces that anti-Black racism only consists of using anti-Black language, we often do not see the way that “hidden” social structures on an instituational and cultural level continue to keep Black folks in socioeconomic precarity while also exploiting them for physical, emotional, intellectual, and cultural labour. Racist policing and criminal justice systems serve the purpose of entrapping and endangering Black communities.

While non-Black People of Colour like myself (I am Chinese) experience some similar (and some different) forms of systemic racism, we also often contribute to anti-Black racism because of the way that racism in Ontario leverages non-Black People of Colour as “model minorities.” In my own lived experience, Asian communities often promulgate and benefit from anti-Black stereotyping and prejudice.

We have a lot of work to do to end anti-Black racism in this province, and I believe that the change must take place on multiple levels: Economic (there must be shifts in the flow of capital towards Black communities), Institutional (there must be changes in policy and legislation that exploit Black communities), and Interpersonal (we must investigate our internalized biases and challenge them from the root)

[Tiffany]

Anti-black racism is through generational learning. Black people are targeted daily due to historical stigma. Each generation parents are teaching young children the dangers around black people as they are in the news all the time versus the white population even though white people do the same things more than the black population. Although there is research, studies and new statistics coming into the light, it is hard to change the racial lens people have if they were raised to think a certain way.

The work that I do, there is little racial profiling, etc. but I have seen it when shopping in store. These individuals are the ones followed to make sure they aren’t trying to steal product, etc. Although we would like the racism to be gone it is still a very big issue in Ontario as well as across the world.

[Sarah]

Anti-Black racism is rooted in ideologies and ideas about blackness (deviant and subhuman) and whiteness (innocent and pure) that are rarely acknowledged, let alone dismantled. These ideas supported the construction of a Canadian national identity, infrastructure, economy and institutions on the back of Black enslavement and Black labour, all while denying the rights of Black people to lay a claim to belonging or having a history in this place. These ideas continue to ‘naturalize’ the gross inequities and discrimination in education, health, employment, the carceral system, child welfare and other institutions. Anti-Black racism exists because it remains invisible within the discourse of a ‘just and multicultural Canada’; inequality is framed through the lens of meritocracy and individuality rather than structural and systemic racism and injustice; and it is not in the interests of holders of power to address it because it is foundational to the way power is held and distributed in our society.

[Catherine]

A denial that black racism is historic and systemic. It is not enough to personally as a white person not be racist. Many people believe is they themselves are not racist than that is the end of racism. We need to challenge the structures built to harm black folks.

[Elizabeth]

Despite the beliefs and the construction of our mindset that we live in an inclusive society, there is a blatant lack of equity and access to recourses for Black people – not just in Ontario, but across Canada. The harsh realities of Black people experiencing racism go back to the colonialism and slavery, which resulted in discrimination, unfair treatment, and low expectations of Black communities and created the racial inequalities and the negative effects that impact Black people today. We see the marginalization of Black populations in our criminal systems, educational system, as well as housing and employment. Despite this, systemic racism, intersecting oppression and intrinsic barriers, are not acknowledged. Hence, anti-Black racism is still a problem in our society because institutions and policies lack awareness of the negative effects racism has on Black people and reduce potential opportunities that limit success.

[Melissa]

Hi Elizabeth,

Your comment is very powerful. I feel like you have acknowledged so many issues facing Black folks in Ontario (and in Canada). One of the things that stood out the most to me about your post is the awareness component. I think that there is a general lack of an awareness around racism in general. There are far too many people who view racism as simply an attitude or acts towards Black people. If that is the perspective of many people, how can we expect them to question our policies, systems, and institutions. We want people to ask the questions the don’t know how to ask. I feel that on my anti-racism journey I am constantly learning new things, and learning how to put an anti-racism/anti-oppressive lens on my work and my life. I think racism still exists in Ontario is because there is embedded bias and oppression all of our institutions – school, health care, politics, etc. We need more awareness and more education. We need more people to challenge what we know, and not to accept everything at face value.

[Opal Adriana]

Not only in Ontario it is a problem. Anti Black racism still is a problem in all the colonized territories of the Americas, and its because the identity of our societies is build by the aspiration of whiteness, also is build by a lack of empathy and social justice, and a false idea that racism is something of many many years behind us, something old and that it disappeared when slavery was abolished, when in reality there is contemporary and new anti black racism in our environments.

[Jackie]

From my personal experience, the historical denial and systemic racism exhibited by Canadians is evident. From my lens, the apparent commitment to maintain the status quo is beneficial to the people who benefit from their privilege. From their perspective, it is not worthwhile to change the current system because Canada is a wonderful, diverse, and open society. The current treatment of the indigenous and blacks are a clear indication that the institutions will remain in administering the systemic racism and classism.

[Megan]

I think anti-Black racism continues to exist as it is built into many systems, structures, and policies in Ontario, and Canada as a whole. It is more comfortable for white people to take the evidence from research, knowledge, or data, and apply it to people they see as “outside” themselves (eg. “other white people are racist, but not me”). Similarly, for policy makers and leaders, targeting anti-Black racism at only the personal bias/prejudice level means they can avoid the more difficult, complex and often painful process of looking at how embedded racism is in our structures and histories.

The section on White Fragility and Emotionalities had a line stating that “there is a dangerous presumption that in owning one’s shame or naming one’s Whiteness, one has overcome the thing one feels shame about or has named” – to me, this represents an important barrier in dismantling anti-Black racism in Ontario. When we (as white people) stay within the personal and interpersonal levels of racism, it can become a self-congratulatory process of box-checking that we have done, said, or believed the “right” things. What is more difficult and necessary, is to challenge the systems we have relied on, or succeeded because of, and accept that they also contribute to anti-Black racism.

[Yasmein]

It will be naive of us to think that politics and political rhetoric that frames Black identity as dangerous or unacceptable in public spaces has nothing to do with anti-Black racism still being a problem in Ontario.

It stems from white supremacy and what the ‘ideal’ Canadian should look like and how they ought to think, act, behave & present themselves in public. It’s because of the notion that whiteness is default and anything outside of that is not the norm that sustains anti-Black sentiment.

Now, is it then surprising to know that there are people across the country that share this belief?

That is something we have to grapple with or we will continue to see tragedies against Black people.

It is our collective responsibility to stand against hate.

[Allison]

Anti-black racism is very prominent in Ontario as the invisibility of white supremacy and anti-black racism is powerful and difficult to dismantle. The learning journey is necessary to find ways to change society as we know it. Being able to identify your own biases and racist habits is extremely important and difficult in a society that encourages “keeping the peace” or keeping the status quo.

Powerful institutions, even on a local level are difficult to change. The over-policing of people of colour is awful, violent and unjust. Due to the “brotherhood” of police officers bad behaviours are protected and encouraged. To not comply brings on ostricization and mistreatment amongst colleagues. Therefore the individuals climbing the ladder to obtain positions of power are more times than not doing this for their own self interests. Institutions become saturated with people of this behaviour creating a continuous cycle of nepatism and a culture of favours. In this case, you will see, individuals aligning themselves with anti-racist learning experiences and messaging, to help them in their career.

[Brianna]

Racial microaggressions, in my opinion, are one way that racism and prejudice are committed. Microaggressions are everyday insults, humiliations, and humiliating messages sent by white people toward Black, Indigenous, or coloured individuals. The latter may be uninformed or oblivious to the damaging consequences of these verbal assaults. Saying things such as, “You’re pretty for someone who is dark skin” or “You don’t act like a normal Black person” illustrates how others perceive coloured people. Racial microaggressions can make people feel depressed and isolated from society

[Catherine]

I think it is clear that the myth of Canada being a welcoming and open society and the erasure of Black people from our history play an important role in the denying of systemic racism. People who are benefiting from White Supremacy can claim to be committed in diversity, equity and inclusion practices, but it’s often a way to erase anti-Blackness and racism, and make them feel better about themselves.

[Andrew]

Anti-Black racism in Ontario is the direct product of anti-Black policies, attitudes, and beliefs that were present at the onset of colonial settlement, and which have contributed to the development of its institutions – from the education system, to the medical system, to the legal system, workforces, and so on. ABR has been perpetuated, in part, through the erasure of Black folks in Canadian history, the stereotypes and power dynamics conveyed through media, and exceptionalist attitudes (for example, how we tend to view ourselves as ‘better’ than Americans), and ABR denial. White supremacy is reinforced when White folks act on, ignore, or fail to acknowledge and confront their biases, or when they project their fears (internal or external) onto Black folks. The operation of White supremacy through non-White bodies – for example, in how some folks align themselves with Whiteness for social and economic gain or survival, or when anti-Blackness is internalized – has further supported ABR.

Rigorous and honest action is needed to undermine ABR at a systemic level. I believe that a significant barrier to this is a lack of general education about the construction of race, racism, and ultimately, White supremacy. “White supremacy”, for Canadians, can drum up images of specific, nameable, assumed-as-foreign actors, rather than a system of power dynamics that drives racial disparities. This is both an example of Canadian exceptionalism and an incomplete understanding of White supremacy. <font face=”inherit”>White folks, when confronted with evidence of racism, can experience discomfort on multiple levels, including challenges to this exceptionalism and the cognitive dissonance associated with democratic racism. To shift some of these ideas into a more psychological understanding: while white supremacy teaches us schemes of racial purity and division, it is also generally understood that racism = bad. The shame of seeing oneself as “bad” can trigger cognitive barriers to a deeper exploration of Ontario’s racial hierarchy, and ultimately, to what actions might meaningfully challenge it. Further to that, this</font><font face=”inherit”> exploration requires the recognition of ABR as both a systemic issue – that is, an issue that is beyond the individual – and as something that operates through biases, schemes, and relational power dynamics – that is, in ways for which we are personally responsible. These hurdles to the recognition of both individual and systemic factors contribute to ABR / ABR denial. </font>

[Caitlin]

I agree and you make a lot of great points here. I’d like to add that understanding how White Supremacy embeds itself in innocence, particularly among white women is essential to unpack within any helping profession. The welfare state in Canada was constructed by white women to uphold the project of colonialism. Whiteness in this instance constructs the innocent white woman that upholds the violent white supremacist state that protects her and her interests. This is not to discount the influence of the patriarchy because we are relegated to this domain by patriarchal oppression.

[Lauren]

I believe that anti-black racism is still a serious problem in Ontario for a number of reasons that are all underpinned by the fact that the people who hold power are not willing to make real and impactful changes. Our systems are still based in whiteness and problematic perspectives that harm BIPOC individuals. Politicians, large organizations, school systems, corporations, etc. are not willing to do what would need to be done, including altering hiring practices, prioritizing ABR training, questioning their policies and practices, rebuilding from an ARAO perspective, etc. This is because the status quo benefits them and it would take money, time and difficult conversations to make these changes. I expect it is also due to the fact that many people are not willing to face anti-black racism personally or on a larger scale and understand how pervasive it is in our systems, our people and our organizations.

[Trai Patrick]

I feel as if anti-black racism remains a significant and troubling reality in Toronto because the various different groups within society don’t take the time to educate themselves and run with social media or news headlines. I also feel Ontario or Canada in general doesn’t take the time to have individuality, in the sense of being our own culture. I feel as if most things are mimicked from the states and that gets us nowhere. With the emulation of what is happening in the states, I feel as if people don’t know exactly what they are fighting for or why they are protesting. After taking this first module and hearing the history and actual definition of terminology, I feel as If I am more equipped to make stand-by statements. During the module, it mentions how the wrong groups (ex. White people) bring up issues that someone who is black has been speaking on and white people tend to follow the leader with a white leader to get on board with discussing issues and “trying to make change”. I think these modules need to be taught within the school system to help educate staff and students on what is actually happening and broken down into languages they can understand. I think adding this type of content would allow black students to recognize their stake and how they can overcome the stigma.

[Julissa]

I believe anti-Black racism still being a problem in Ontario can be owed to individuals in privileged groups. It is evident that society’s dominant class thrives on the privilege they possess, having easy access to high income jobs and overall better treatment in social institutions. For people outside of the dominant class, society has this preconceived notion that they are to blame for the society’s downfalls, such as, high crime rates and high unemployment rates. This is an unfair depiction of folks in minority groups, for it is clear that they are being exploited by the dominant class. Individuals in dominant classes depend on the downfall of people in minority groups to ensure that they remain in a high socio-economic position in society. The answer to this question is an upsetting overview of the reality of Ontario’s systemic abuses.

[Elizabeth]

I agree with you Julissa, white supremacy and the individuals who benefit from it need anti-black racism to persist in order to uphold the benefits and privileges it affords them. The reality is even those who acknowledge that ABR is real are often unwilling to give up these privileges and make meaningful change that is felt by Black children, youth and families.

[Julissa]

It is clear that the systemic interlocking of oppression and privilege contributes to why anti-black racism is an ever-present aspect in Ontario. I believe that individuals in more privileged/dominant groups are exploiting minority groups to advance in society. There are people in the “dominant class” who will work diligently to retain their privilege as it gives them access to high-income jobs and social institutions. In my opinion, when there are dominant groups such as these, it makes it easier to glorify them, at the expense of people in minority groups, further demonizing them in society. While people in privileged groups are seen as the model citizen, society has a preconceived notion towards minority groups, associating them with high crime rates, unemployment rates, and other disparities. The answer to this question is an upsetting overview of the reality of systemic abuses within Ontario.

[Tracey-Ann]

Despite decades of research and escalating evidence of racial inequities anti-Black racism remains a significant and troubling reality in Ontario because the laws that governs are rooted in whiteness. Additionally, Black People continues to be disproportionately marginalized systemically.

[Meighan]

I do agree with you. I also believe the intergenerational trauma has a huge effect on our current youth as well, therefore continuing the cycle.

[Julissa]

I agree, systemic violence towards Black individuals are leading to the disparities they face in society.

[Justin]

I believe it has a lot to do with the stories that were told about blackness, which were then used to form the institutions and systems in which we all work and live. These stories of blackness can be traced back to slavery and colonization, which were often used to create racialized narratives that divide, marginalize, and oppress Black people. This further leads to a lack of opportunity for Black people to have equitable access to resources, financial stability, education, and employment opportunities in a society that rewards the idea of whiteness as the dominant narrative. That is why anti-black racism is so prevalent in our world today, and why we must make the conscious effort to recognize and challenge the oppressive systems that have built upon those stories of blackness.

@RyanField Love your illustration and analysis!

[Ryan]

Anti-black racism is still unfortunately very present within our world and educational system. Although we are now discussing it more than ever, it is important for us to learn, educate and create systems of equality within our everyday spheres and institutions. The youth need to feel heard and safe in terms of the issues they encounter. (I am a graphic artist and attached an illustration)

[mandaxrosa]

What an amazing illustration, you are very talented. I agree, as growing up in the educational catholic school system, this was not something talked about at all. When it came to visual arts, we still did not have crayons that represented all of us students, therefore showing that from a young age it was difficult was everyone to feel embraced and loved as representation for all cultures and races was non existent.

[Justine]

This is such a cool illustration Ryan! I see it as the complexity and importance of the roots of Black people in history and how those roots are still alive today and will continue to grow into the future. I couldn’t agree more that youth, Black youth in particular, need to feel heard and safe. A big part of that is schools, educators, and admin needing to develop an awareness and acceptance of the reality of anti-Black racism and engaging Black parent and youth voices in their responses to addressing the issues these students/families face and ways in which to make curricula and responsive to their needs and inclusive of their stories.

[Petra]

Hi Ryan! I agree with you in the sense that although discussions are important, action is what’s necessary to dismantle anti-Black racism. Your illustration is beautiful!

[Chantele]

ABR will continue to be an issue in Ontario until it is addressed and not ignored. No where in school is the history of Black people in Canada taught, when I reflect back on my school days I do not remember learning anything about Black people or how they came to Canada. Also socialization by whiteness, runs so deep that ABR and micro aggressions go unnoticed.

[Madina]

In addition, some of the modules (such as the historical roots of ABR) are such an important topic. I work in education and I have not seen topics like that addressed in the curriculum. I believe that those topics should be compulsory in the curriculum.

[Danica]

I agree with Chantele and Madina that the historical roots of ABR must be taught in schools to create the context necessary to address the current state of ABR. While some schools and some boards do teach some elements of this history, especially during Black History Month, it should not be relegated to one-off “theme” lessons. Rather, it should be interwoven into the various relevant curricula. We must be careful to avoid teaching this history in a paternalistic manner. Rather, the goal is to create the empathy and understanding needed to then tackle current issues of ABR in our schools and communities, empower our Black students and their families, and highlight their import contributions.

[Madina]

I couldn’t agree more. Denial of ABR is such a problem given that there is so much evidence. I feel like the responsibility has been placed on Black folks to educate and address this.

[Traci]

Denial that anti-black racism exists remains a problem. It must be acknowledged to lead to meaningful change.

[Mark Roberts –]

I agree with Traci that denial is big part of the anti-black racism, I would also add that ignorance is also a significant factor.

[Danielle]

I agree with both sentiments that the continued denial of anti-black racism in Canada, combined with individual ignorance and complacency, allow this type of racism to keep its stronghold on our minds. Yes, the education system doesn’t support learning these histories–but based on the module, why would it? I think that there is an element of complacency among dominant races because they live in the privilege and freedom of ignorance. It does not even occur to them to look for these histories. When they learn the history, they say “I choose to believe…” So now there is no objective truth that we all share? TL;DR: white supremacy and colonization

[Nicole]

Totally agree with this! There is not enough happening within the education system overall and there is so much work that can still be done to ensure voices are heard.

[Ann]

I agree! the beginning to solving any problem, is first acknowledging that there is a problem.

[Anastasia]

In addition to the structural oppression that has been intentional built to maintain white privilege, I also feel that the onus has been placed on Black folx to be the ones to address anti-Black racism in Ontario. Until as a community we acknowledge and commit to addressing this, the systems will maintain the outcomes they were designed to achieve.

[Michaelene]

Additionally, stereotypes abound due to social media and these narratives become deeply, embedded, unrecognized and not disrupted — it’s like a closed loop system. Dr. Ayonrinde’s message of ‘listen’ ‘listen’ and ‘listen’ can’t be overemphasized as it provides folks an opportunity to be more open minded, to humanize black people and hopefully to reflect on their own part in contributing to continued anti-black racism.

[Natalie]

I agree, Anti-Black Racism needs to be acknowledged on all greater scales in order for effective systemic changes to be implemented in order to create meaningful changes

[Rochelle]

I think for Anti-Black racism to no longer be a problem you would have to publicly acknowledge it Nationally, Regionally and at all levels. If you acknowledge it, then you have to do something about it. The doing is the challange.