The Toronto Star's 2010 investigative series on racial profiling proved the black community right. It is not often that disputes about perspective are conclusively settled with one side clearly right. However, the difference of opinion between the black community and the police force over whether the Toronto police engage in the practice of racial profiling may finally be settled.
Tricia Hylton
Tricia Hylton is a freelance writer living in Toronto, Ontario. Through her writing, Tricia hopes to provide insights to create conversation and understanding on the impact of Canada’s social, economic and political policies and cultural norms on the many multi-ethnic communities in Canada. Tricia is the recipient of the 2006 Ethnic Media of Canada Award. To send you comments to Tricia, contact her @ palpitations@rogers.com.It's official: Blacks are three times more likely to be stopped by Toronto police
The Toronto Star's 2010 investigative series on racial profiling proved the black community right. It is not often that disputes about perspective are conclusively settled with one side clearly right. However, the difference of opinion between the black community and the police force over whether the police engage in the practice of racial profiling may finally be settled.
Hollywood's banner year for black stereotypes
You would think that the election of a black president would have put a dent in one or two of the more negative black stereotypes, but the more things change, the more they stay the same. In 2009, Hollywood movies portrayed blacks as violent criminals; sexually depraved and promiscuous females; dimwitted drug dealers; fat, illiterate young people; uncaring, insensitive mothers; and observers of voodoo and black magic. Indeed, 2009 was a banner year for negative black stereotypes.
What have the Liberals done for you lately?
It's no secret: Black Canadians vote primarily Liberal in federal elections.
On January 23, before we instinctively mark an “x” beside the Liberal candidate, let's look at the effects of some Liberal policies on Black Canadians over the last 12 years.
The 'Hustle and Flow' of Black male stereotypes
The film Hustle and Flow garnered international acclaim in 2005. This is unfortunate. What millions saw and millions more will see are stereotypical images of the aggressive, uneducated, sexually immoral Black male in the character played by Terrence Howard. Despite its acclaim, Hustle and Flow is a microcosm of numerous negative stereotypes.
Terrence Howard, was nominated for an Oscar for his role as a violent and aggressive pimp.
Minority officers and community policing
With Stephen Harper's commitment to get tough on crime, and police forces across Canada demanding new officers, the time has never been better to hire more minority officers.
The 2002 report, Strategic Human Resources Analysis of Public Policing in Canada notes, the police force is one of Canada's least diverse workforces, both at the rank and file level and at the executive level.
This is problematic on many levels, but particularly to the implementation of one strategy proven to crack down on crime: community policing.
A practical solution to gun violence
It's generally accepted that Prime Minister Stephen Harper is a pretty smart guy. So why is his government's plan to reduce gun crimes so misguided?
All the experts say the legislation to impose stiffer sentences for gun crimes will not have the desired effect of reducing crime and removing criminals from our midst.
Appeal to their minds, not their behinds
“You're stupid.”
“No, you're stupid.”
“No, I'm not stupid, you're stupid.”
This is a typical exchange on the popular kids' program SpongeBob SquarePants between SpongeBob and his best friend, Patrick. There is not one place I know, where this dialogue would be acceptable between children.
Yet such language is typical in television programs targeted at children over five.
In past generations, teaching values and virtues to children only required parents to set a good example. This is not the case today.
The case for Black marriage
We just don't marry. Out of every ethnic group in Canada, Black Canadians marry the least. If marriage remains the foundation of a strong and stable family and community then clearly, this foundation is missing from our culture.
Now you may think the resistance of Blacks — primarily Black men — to marry is just part of a 21st century social condition, and yes, that is partially true. But, it may surprise you to learn our resistance to marriage also has roots in slavery.
Before we look at the reasons why we do not marry, let's first look at the overall situation.
The search for Black collective consciousness
Kenyan biologist Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Prize for Peace in November 2004 for her contribution to sustainable development,democracy and peace. Oprah Winfrey, arguably the most famous andloved black woman in the world, presented her with the Prize.
Wangari and Oprah are but two notable people of African descentamong millions. I could easily fill this page and numerous others withnames of accomplished, respected, brilliant, rich, famous BlackCanadians, Black Americans, Caribbean and Africans.