[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.

[Shauna]

Agreed. I also think there is an indifference about systems of racial advantage and at times a denial that these systems exist at all.

[Maxime]

I agree! And it’s easier for privileged groups to denounce anti-black racism than it is to implement policies and procedures that actually bring about change.

[Melinda]

I agree- people do not want to lose their power and privilege. The people who benefit from white supremacy and ideology do not want to step out of the comfortability that affords them.

When challenged, it’s easier to become defensive for many people instead of taking a critical and reflective look into their own role in perpetuating racism.

[Evelyn]

Anti-black racism still exists in Ontario and throughout Canada due to the colonizers’ hierarchical capitalist system we live under, which is based on a white supremacist culture and most of all, this system needs to continue to promote these white supremacist values and beliefs through systemic and institutional opression, in order to maintain power and control and make profits at the top of the chain. Race is a man-made concept which was developed and promoted by colonizers in order to maintain power and control over those who are not white and profit through slavery at that time. In Canada, there’s not even an acceptance and acknowledgement that slavery existed here in Ontario and other parts of Canada. A capitalist system also promotes individualism, productivity, competitiveness and most of all profits versus people, shared power, relationships and community. A white supremacist culture is threatened with change, speaking truth to power and uprisings as white supremacy is the underpinning of a colonial hierarchical capitalist system. Systems and Institutions have not embraced an anti-racist stance and have not yet fully made a commitment to change.

[Stephanie]

anti-Black racism still exists because of the ways that white supremacy exerts power, influence, and control over the overt and covert policies that our systems and laws are built on. It also assumes barriers in that many of us feel too powerless to fight back and are too busy, stressed, or worried about finances to think that we are willing and able to make a difference, take a risk, and are scared that we or our families may in fact be ‘punished’ in some way. Anti-Black racism still exists because systems in our country are generally run by people for whom the ‘rules’ worked well for, people continue to be rewarded over and over again for compliance with the status quo and for ‘following the rules of whiteness’ (covert and overt). Anti-Black racism still exists because people internalize the messages that white supremacy sends out about whiteness and it exists because white people can run away to places where conversations about equity are theoretical in nature and aren’t about life and death. Until most people believe that unless the system changes they will be destroyed too, ‘change’ will center on talking and hoping that people will do the right thing, when maybe the laws and policies upstream (leadership) that can change the balance of power need to be changed.

[Nancy]

The status quo doesn’t believe it exists and fails to acknowledge white supremacy.

[Laura]

Absolutely agree with this.

[Alyssa]

Anti-Black racism is still a problem in Ontario because a lot of white folks and/or administration in schools for example, believe that acts of racism are “isolated incidents”. Black folks know, however, that anti-Black racism is embedded in the fabric of Canadian society, and anti-Black racism in schools is not “isolated incidents” but rather the consequence of the normalization of anti-black racism in schools. If we (educators) looked at anti-Black racism like how we look at bullying, we would mobilize and find the roots of the issues with hate crimes at schools, or outdated / inaccurate curriculum that is racist and change that. But folks just do not see anti-Black racism as something that impacts entire systems such as education.

[Joanne]

Not enough people who are unaffected are engaged. One time I heard Dave Chapelle describe that we have not yet arrived at critical mass. It will take people making a full time life commitment to “leveling the playing field” in order to achieve the shifts that are needed. To truly be the change and affect change it’s a risk taking lifestyle change that’s needed. Too many people are able to see the problems (or walk around in a bubble protected from them not having to notice) but they just participate in the life they’ve always lived upholding and benefiting from the status quo/whiteness that perpetuates the cycle.

[Adrienne]

For me, it almost always comes down to the system of racial capitalism that we operate within. This system makes it challenging to prioritize community needs as each individual is tasked with supporting themselves. This system also dehumanizes and oppresses people as their contributions and existence are commodified, and those who cannot contribute are further excluded from society. This system must be uprooted! It’s overwhelming and exhausting to consider how long we have pursued this myth of meritocracy and how consistently throughout history anti-Black racism has reared its ugly head through individual and systemic action. This course has given me some hope in how I can challenge anti-Black racism in both my personal and professional life to work towards a better world for Black youth.

[Unsoo]

I was shocked that the population of teachers in schools I’ve experienced were almost all white people despite the diverse population of students in Ontario. I heard that there were like only two Black teachers working in the school board. This is a big problem as students can’t see themselves in teachers, so they can less connect to their learning and learn less from the teachers’ modelling. There will be also a gap of understanding between the students’ and teachers’ cultures even if the teachers try hard to be responsive and inclusive. Racism isn’t just explicit discrimination, it can manifest in this structure of education. That’s why we need a more inclusive hiring process if we want to support Black youth thriving.

[Jenny]

I also agree that there needs to be a more inclusive hiring process and the importance of students seeing themselves in their educators. I don’t think that hiring more black educators will solve the issue of anti-black racism within the education system. I think it’s a bigger problem that needs to be addressed by revisiting the structure on which our education system was built. I think it would be a benefit for everyone in the education system to be held accountable in terms of educating themselves with the history of Canada and how complex and ingrained anti-black racism is. It’s not enough for school boards to say that they have hired more black educators. The presence of more black educators is important but it doesn’t make the issues of anti-black racism now become” isolated incidents”.

[MARINELLY]

I agree with you, Unsoo. I believe that black representation in the education system must be considered to increase the number of teachers in schools.