Don’t believe that it’s not there. Because it is. Even if we don’t see it every day, the hideous face of racism reveals itself in the cracks. It’s there always, lurking under the surface.
Two weeks ago, I traveled to Ottawa for a wedding and got detained by Air Canada, both ways, simply for being a Muslim. For this reason, I even missed my flight home and missed the morning feed for my nursing baby. I’m angry. It’s not the first time it’s happened and I doubt seriously that it will be the last. I’m thinking about what to do. I’ve had enough of Air Canada’s heinous, racist policies and this time I’m mad enough that I will do something.
We all have to do something, and the Peel Police are giving us an opportunity to express ourselves and implement change in a positive way. They are hosting a race to protest racism in our own province and cities. It looks like a great event. Here are the details, posted in a letter to the community:
The Peel Regional Police Diversity Relations Unit and Citizenship and Immigration Canada are proud to be hosting our ninth annual “Race Against Racism“, on Saturday September 12, 2009. This event is a 5 km race/walk which will start and end at Mississauga Valley Community Centre, (Park Areas A to E), located in the core of Mississauga. The race/walk will start at 10:00 a.m. (registration begins at 8:45 a.m.) There will also be an awards presentation for participants, FREE diverse cultural foods, multi-cultural entertainment and a draw for FREE door prizes.
The Race Against Racism was created to provide a positive environment for members of diverse cultures, religions, and ethnic backgrounds to gather for a day which promotes a healthy body and a climate that strongly encourages the positive values of inclusiveness. This event provides an opportunity for the competitive runner to strengthen their skills, as well as providing for people of all ages to enjoy a leisurely, healthy walk in a family oriented setting. In support of the family friendly environment, this year we are introducing the “Stroller Roll”: a special opportunity for runners and walkers with strollers to participate in the Race Against Racism.
We invite you to gather your friends, family, colleagues and community members, and participate with us on Saturday, September 12th, 2009 for the Race Against Racism (Pre-registration is required, full details available at www.peelpolice.ca ). The first 500 participants to register will receive a T-Shirt, and a Race Kit. Register early for your chance to win a prize, donated by Sunquest (valued at $500).
We look forward to hosting this run/walk to showcase Peel’s wonderful diversity and to encourage more positive relations amongst our diverse citizens and with Peel Regional Police. Please feel free to contact us at 905-453-2121, extension 3612 or 3639 for further details or to make arrangements for your involvement. We look forward to seeing you at the Start Line!
I am going to be curious to read about your experience with Air Canada.
You know my Dad is regularly detained. His name is John Francis Ryan. He is Irish Catholic, age 70 now. It seems there is a John Francis Ryan on the terrorist watch list. So every time he had to go through security they would have to call the state police who would send a trooper out to check him out and clear him. Now he carries a special letter from a government agency with a phone number for the security screener to call so it is a bit faster. He just makes sure he gets to the airport and hour before they tell us “regular folk” to get to the airport.
Sadly September 11 changed the world and it will probably never be the same again.
Maybe you should consider filing a human rights Application against them.
That is so crap. Not only should you post the letter to this blog, I’d send it to your favorite media. It’s all “procedure and an unavoidable inconvenience” until they start getting bad publicity. The other problem is the AC virtual monopoly — you can’t even fly another airline in protest.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that — especially with baby in tow….
Amreen, I was stunned when I read this: I cannot believe they detained you again! Unbelievable. I agree, $400 is not enough.
Thanks for the info about the run: what a great cause and it’s nice to see that it’s the Police who are sponsoring it.
i know, Jen. it’s so infuriating. i actually got really really mad (screaming and yelling in front of the entire waiting area) and they got scared. they tried to appease me with a $400 gift certificate, which didn’t work. i’m in the process of a writing a letter to the CEO of Air Canada and I’m thinking of posting it on my blog when I do.
I can NOT believe it happened again, Amreen! That just makes me livid. The Race Against Racism sounds like a great event. Thanks for the information.
Have you ever had an explanation or apology from Air Canada?!