Comments on: Tough critique or hate speech?

By: Aurora2011

Aurora2011 — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:30:56 +0000

I wonder how long we would survive in those conditions….crap; we get upset when milk goes up a penny.

By: TEK For Life

TEK For Life — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:30:29 +0000

This not academic writing, this is just the same racist kkk rhetoric you would expect from Gary Mchael or any of his goons. Anyhow your victimizing yourself which is (Pathetic.) OH your rights are being violated now? Look at the Indigenous issues and how long have they been ignored? You are a disgust to Academic's and by the way Karl Marx was influenced by the Iroquois and so was the United States, :O

By: yuni

yuni — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 02:33:40 +0000

This is not hate speech. Nor is it a tough critique. It is terrible terrible scholarship. Any serious Marxist can see, reading this book, that the authors are not well versed in the political theory they ascribe to and rely on heavily for their arguments. Moreover, take a scan through the footnotes, and look into the sheer volume of SELF citation (and in some cases, citations of papers that were presented at conferences, as opposed to properly peer reviewed), and also reliance on non-academic sources such as media, etc. The questions they pose are legitimate – no academic would argue that – the manner in which they are dealt with – just bad scholarship. Nothing more.

By: Two Feathers

Two Feathers — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:43:40 +0000

Is there a dysfunctional Aboriginal industry preventing self determination? Yes some lawyers, consultants, academics etc who bleed communities of their resources and traditional knowledge and do not have responsibilities to the communities. Some don't even realize they are part of this industry that keeps many in a state of dependency.

Is the reserve system working? No its akin to concentration camps and is a left over attempt to segregate a population that wont assimilate like "good little Indians". Traditional lands -that is a different story.

Is spirituality ignorance and archaic – no Professor Widdowson, its ingrained in EVERY society in the world – you just have to see it or believe in it. Ask an Anthropologist.

Why as an academic I cannot bring in spirituality into academic discourse – becasue academia is a western patriarchal system biased in favour of old world systems.

Is traditional knowledge ignorance and archaic? No – corporate social responsibility, environmental stewardship, community protection, generational strategic planning etc etc ALL are our traditional teachings! Other businesses are just now catching up to Indigenous businesses! We have been doing business for thousands of years – get used to it. The government has done everything to prevent economic sustainability and yet we prevail and are getting stronger by the day! Our innovation is strong – we have to be to figure out ways around the road blocks that the government places in front of us.

miigwetch

By: Two Feathers

Two Feathers — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:27:50 +0000

miigwetch!! Well said!

Agree or don't agree with Widdowson – there are points that strike close to the heart that raise defencive voices. There is also much ignorance and sadness in her writings. She spoke the truth from her heart – for that we have to respect her. That is part of our grandfather teachings. Don't agree with her, that is ok. We are talking and this is good.

By: Nehiyaw Iskwew

Nehiyaw Iskwew — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:57:37 +0000

We are still reeling in Cree/Treaty 6 territory over her words a couple of weeks ago…she is lacking in personal insight, spirituality and especially a kind heart. It was the kind hearts of my ancestors that allowed visitors to stay on our island – these visitors forgot to go home. Any young child knows the definition of visitor; so how come the people who don't come from this land "they" called North America, have not left to go home? I say this with a kind heart. My children are being raised as princesses and princes, to borrow words from a language that is still foreign to me and mine. They are taught to be proud Cree people – NEHIYAW. It's time to recognize what the Creator is still trying to tell us….that we are all of a land and we need to take care of what we were given. I applaud the Jewish people for returning to their homeland amidst the chaos as they have chosen to recognize where they come from and where their people still are, living and caring for their own.

By: Guest

Guest — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:32:06 +0000

So self direct yourself back onto the boat…buh bye!

By: jharv

jharv — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:24:10 +0000

Im sorry ahead of time if I say anything that offends thats not my intent. Ok now where is it in her job description that she has to only say thing that make everyone happy its her opinion it doe's not have to be yours or mine. Heres a quick thought. If the author( a white woman) were to go spend some time on a reserve how would she be treated overall? obviousley if she did now that would be redundant but before hand. Do you think that she would be generally accepted or maybe even guided and shown what she doe's not know. Or more likely experience racism herself? Most caucasians that have commented are angry about tax dollars going to social programs. Most aboriginals are angry because its not enough. Unfortunately when the strongest emotion is anger nothing gets solved. and In this day and age there are success stories from all races and creeds and just as many sad cases. There are both caucasians and aboriginals that are fine examples of human beings, there are both that also have nothing. Mistreatment and disadvantage are universal.

By: jharv

jharv — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:11:36 +0000

Ok heres a question for everyone that has commented. Why is it that no one seems to be able to speak about any of it from an unbiased view the author as much as some may dislike her views seems to have done this. Right or wrong isnt the question. No one knows exactly what any author means. Her writings are interpreted individualy. The issue is supposed to be simply should she be censored? There are more then a few things said on both sides of this long debate in the comments that are far worse then hers. everyone needs to stop blameing each other maybe then a solution might be found. no most caucasion people do not know all the details. but neither do the indiginous. Things have happened in the last three hundred years that have to be dealt with I agree. Unfortunately i wasnt there on either side to do things differently on either side. so why is it that I have to pay for my ancestors mistakes. the indiginous can cry racism and so can the caucasian. thats the funny thing. Both sides are just as angry and pointing fingers at the other. We should all be equal. This cannot happen until both sides stop blameing one another and take responsibility for their own actions and futures. I apologize if any of my comments raise ire. Yet causeing ire bringing questions and discussing the issues are the only way to solve them is'nt it.

By: msbuns2002

msbuns2002 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:05:06 +0000

It must be a slow day in academia, they can't find anything else to write about. I think this is all a ruse to get notoriety for herself. She was probably not being taken seriously as a educator and decided to pick the native issue again, breathe some life into a already overly-studied facet of the world of academics. There are a lot of native people who have and are still attending Mount Royal College, did she think about how these comments would affect the student body? I wonder how much of her comments are presented in her classes? Is it no wonder that we as Aboriginal people have not progressed past the "do you still live in teepees?" stage? Why don't you spend a couple of weeks on one of the reserves and get an actual insight into the Aboriginal way of life, we are not all addicted to drugs and alcohol!!! Shame on Mount Royal College.

By: msbuns2002

msbuns2002 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:21:06 +0000

I only have one question for you: Why did you pick native people? Don't you see that your views have done more harm than good? Your comments do nothing for the native person. How come you don't publish a book on the good that we have done? We have successful people in such positions as doctors, judges, but no, we cannot write about those people, we have to discuss only the "bad" things! How come you didn't pick black people? Write about how the effect a black president is having on the U.S. and the black population? Is it because you think native people do not have the ability to defend themselves? Perhaps you should go back and study your roots to find out at what point in time your race was decidely the superior and better one. You do nothing for the betterment of native people and this "work of art" only serves to reiterate to the canadian and international readers what they believe all along about the inferiority of the native person. I wish I could say "all the best" but then my voice doesnt count for much and I wouldnt want to give you fodder for another earth-shattering article and lift you higher on the soap box.

By: msbuns2002

msbuns2002 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:05:06 +0000

By: chuck rhoads

chuck rhoads — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:51:02 +0000

Right on Sylvia! As a Nisga'a Nation member raised "away" due to the 60's scoop I see the struggles and also am fighting the "land deal" the nisga'a were railroaded into signing. Just listen to all my family at gingolx and talk to my auntie mercy thomas and support the process in court. The world should know what has gone on in the land deal and how the wolf tribe of the gingolx village lost all their heriditary land.
stone bear, nisga'a nation gingolx

By: CREID

CREID — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:00:24 +0000

1984 ???

By: peiganjan

peiganjan — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:16:00 +0000

i'd like to know what credentials make Widdowson an expert on traditional indigenous ways of life, ways of knowing, and worldviews.

people ought to speak and write about what they know best. based on the culturally biased and ill-informed statements i've read thus far, it seems that Widdowson's understanding of Canada's FNMI peoples is limited, and mere opinion at best.

By: Ketooteem

Ketooteem — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:05:44 +0000

Way to go LeenieJ
Further, I have just started reading the book, but already, I sense racism, hatred and intolerance for FN peoples but I will comment further when I am done reading. I only bought the book to see how far the non-aboriginal community will go to attack, undermine and discredit the FN people.

By: Vred

Vred — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:08:10 +0000

Before you get all disgusted and self righteous, you should probably read the book instead of some biased news article that wants to sell a story. Good job doing your research.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:17:08 +0000

It sounds to me that Sylvia has a legitimate beef with the aboriginal industry that WIddowson describes. She may have more in common with Frances than she realizes.

By: social justice

social justice — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:13:38 +0000

Thank you…well said. No need to say more. Tahoe! Mi'kmaq Territory

By: Social Justice

Social Justice — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:08:42 +0000

Tahoe! From Mi'kmaq territory

By: M.R. Aubichon

M.R. Aubichon — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:26:53 +0000

Whoa Dave back up here a bit, we are shoveling a lot of bull S### here, do you know the history of how your ancestors stole our land you should read Reservations Are For Indians and see what “White ” did to “Native” As if $ 250,000 is going to fix the damage that was done by the residental system and foster care system, and government policies, you need to be educated and walk a while in our shoes and then say pay them off, no we as a society need to pony up to the table here and say yes my ancestors did a lot of damage and now how can I help, not by giving money, and then disapearing out of the picture that is not going to fix anything, unless it is in education programs for the reserves and let our people start their own businesses on the reserves, take a look a the Mohawk People they have there own industries and businesses and are a thriving society let us be the same way and we will ask for their help also. Let us have Self Government. Paying us off and then shuffling us off to the back burner is not going to get rid of us we are here forever so get educated and do the right thing, the public apology started the ball rolling , now we all need to do our part to help our fellow man, after all we are all brothers and sisters of the human race, and also of the spiritual kingdom. We also agree that Indian Affairs need to be destroyed because there are no indians in there taking care of indian affairs it is all white or others working there. Go and check it out for yourself you will not see one red face amoung them so who is taking care of Indian Affairs the white man or the Indians????? Maybe with the help of all of Canada we can heal and make a better future to hand to our children and our childrens children. Not just a few do gooders who think they know what is best for us. We know what is best for us ,let us be free, to walk the good red road. We have not lost our way completely. We knew enough to hid our teachings they are not lost, and we will be successful in our endeavors, we are the meek and we shall inherit the land that everyone took from us, we will get it back you just watch and see. Those who think they are better than us will be last , because even your Bible tells you He who will be first, shall be last. MRA.

By: M.R. Aubichon

M.R. Aubichon — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:40:00 +0000

“Aboriginal Problems” Hate Crime or Brave enough to talk about it.
Thanks Frances Widdowson for speaking up if we spoke up we would be called rable rousers or trouble makers. But too few want to hear the truth about the reserve system, we agree it is not working but to say that the answer is to assimilate us is ridiculous, and impossible. Why don’t you ask us what we want, we don’t want to be assimilated, we are not white, caucasion, we are People of This Land we are the caregivers and we are being stopped from caring for the land because of government policy and society not believing in our way of life, as many people as there are in the world that is how many ways there are to reach Great Spirit,(God), we all have our own cultural teaching that guide us, there is not only one way, that is self absorbtion and wanting to be right(white is right) NOT. People have the opinion that we are all drunks and they are wrong, I was in a taxi one day the driver asked me if I was native I said yes and he said oh really, you don’t look native, the only natives I know are the drunks on the street, I said that’s funny because the only Natives that I know are all doctors, teachers, social workers, lawyers, business owners and many others, and I really don’t know any drunks. Is this how the majority of the people see us, I think it is about time to educate the people about our history and how we arrived in this position in the world. We are not less than you, in Great Spirit’s eyes we are all equal, and the way I was raised was that first we are Spirit and then we are human. We are Spiritual Beings on a Human experience and we have spiritual lessons we were sent here to learn from being human. You all seem to convenently forget this is our land, you are tenents of our land and we do not see you taking very good care of her, you keep destroying everything in your path, there will be nothing left to pass onto the grandchildren and future generations. What are you leaving behind unto seven generations. I was taught to live a life that will be remembered unto 7 Generations????? PS Talk to us, we know what we want. Thanks M.R Aubichon. This is only my opinion but thought it should be heard.

By: Canadian Old Boy

Canadian Old Boy — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:17:52 +0000

Sean, Dubious assertions? Did you read the book? Have you ever visited a reserve? Victorian-era ideas? Frances and Albert have the “balls” to question our policies towards Aboriginals and you question their “assertions”? Seems to me they cited fact after fact and then interpreted the facts as they see them. What is wrong with that? A healthy debate free of political correctness is what is needed. Visit the N’kmip reserve near Osoyoos, BC and speaking the Chief Louie. Methinks he would agree with the Frances and Albert!

By: LeenieJ (imho)

LeenieJ (imho) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:50:53 +0000

yeah until somebody brings up the topic of racism as it applies to you perhaps; then it’s not free speech is it?

the US’s AG is correct about the cowardly way in which race is approached; i personally think it’s elitism expressed in a colour-caste system. as usual the few benefit from the many until the many wake up.

By: LeenieJ (imho)

LeenieJ (imho) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:46:58 +0000

unfortunately it seems this is being done to all of Canada now; not that many realize it yet; but soon they will.

my family is international; it is disgraceful to realize that this type of amorality is occurring even now. the sanctimonious manner in which the vulnerable in our society is being treated by govt officials and related on one hand, demonized on the other, and straight up cheated/swindled altogether, is absolutely unacceptable. this is depraved indifference, imo.

those in favour of this may find themselves in jail or on the receiving end of such treatment. the Golden Rule/Karma actually exists. and International rights of indigenous ppl exists too. i believe it can also be applied retroactively if proceedings against such ppls, mostly vulnerable, have been conducted in a deceitful and illegal manner.

By: Rick

Rick — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:56:46 +0000

I fully expect that despite your reasoned discussion, including this “clarification” of what was indeed a biased presentation in Macleans, you will continue to be viewed as beyond the pale and on the rabid fringes of polite academic discourse. It runs totally contrary to what the “industry” has spent years cultivating, and offends what progressive academicians have been simultaneous cultivating for easily as long.

I wish you well in attempting to open a much needed dialogue on this persistent and expensive issue – but I don’t hold out a great deal of hope…

By: Tough Critique? Or Hate Speech? - Playa del Carmen, Mexico forum

Tough Critique? Or Hate Speech? - Playa del Carmen, Mexico forum — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:29:26 +0000

[...] prof at the University of Calgary, and are thankful she has dared to tackle this topic. Tough critique or hatespeech? – Canada – Macleans.ca And then you see incidents like this- where that actually WAS hate speech- and he gets off- [...]

By: fishinrod

fishinrod — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:43:52 +0000

ok granny, the whole continenent was stolen. Now, go give your house back to the local natives and move back to wherever your ancestors came from. Byebye.

By: fishinrod

fishinrod — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 08:38:46 +0000

ah yes, all cultures are equal, no belief systems are obsolete, as that is ‘offensive’. Based in your posting I presume you are not a ‘progressive’ (the irksome term Liberals and Dippers choose to describe themselves), as that would imply some sort of improvement, or advance. If that is the case, I wholeheartedly agree, ‘progressives’ are offensive.

By: His Shadow

His Shadow — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:48:16 +0000

Aaaaaaand here we go again with a horrifically written article (are the scare quote words intended to mean anything when they are entirely out of context) causing the Constantly Outraged to believe they have the first clue what was actually said at the presentation and therefore foam and spit appropriately.

By: Sylvia Stephens

Sylvia Stephens — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:44:14 +0000

I network with other Indigenous peoples and we are on the same page, dealing with dysfunctional governance of First Nations..right now, Phil Fontaine is on the radio talk show and this author has fuffled their feathers, which is a good thing. She could be our Aboriginal Ombudsman (woman) as she knows the truth.

This is an excerpt from a recent email from a supporter:
The AFN with it’s some 600 chiefs plus lawyers and other hangers-on receive around
$10 BILLION ANNUALLY, intended for various aboriginal reserve programs, yet we continue to get more and more reports of abysmal third-world conditions on reserves.
http://www.canada.com/Solution+aboriginal+housing+easy+find/1305519/story.html

Internet is a useful tool as in the dark ages, we had no contact with the outside world, now I know what happens, up to the minute, with Google alerts..
You must listen to the talk show to understand, too bad I missed the coverage, I would have been her number one supporter. Good luck!

By: Gaunilon

Gaunilon — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:19:05 +0000

I have no idea whether what Widdowson claims is true or false, or whether her argument is strong or weak, or whether it’s obnoxiously ethnocentric. And frankly, I don’t much care. What bothers me is that people can be legally intimidated into shutting up when they say something non-pc.

You can’t have a free society while forbidding offensive speech – it’s incompatible. Like my grandfathers, I’d put my life on the line before giving up the free society I was born into. Do leftists have any idea what kind of pot they’re stirring here?? (judging from the insights of the usual paid leftist commenters, the answer seems to be no.)

By: Sylvia Stephens

Sylvia Stephens — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:04:35 +0000

I apologize for jumping the gun on this one, I tend to defend our rights, a natural thing for me. A friend from England who really cares about our affairs emailed me and told me that she is stating what I have always believed is really happeing.

I am listening to her radio talk show and here is the link http://www.fcpp.org/main/media_file_detail.php?StreamID=1107

She is telling the truth, most of our monies go to consultants, high priced lawyers and for speaking out, one of Nisga’a Government’s lawyer recently threatned to sue me for defamation of character. I said, Go ahead, she me, open up the books.

I feel that everyone would benefit from her story and she talks about corruption, the truth and reality of dysfunctional society we live in these days. Good work from a non-Aboriginal observer. Go to
Her issue is of no importance, have better stuff to accomplish. Enjoy your days off.

http://www.angelfire.com/blog2/nisgga/index.blog?end=1110363374

By: gordon

gordon — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:05:04 +0000

Hear hear, this comment says it all. the governments, especially the harper regime, are out to distinguish our rights, harper has a big hate for “indians” him and his regime haven’t made it a secret their disdain for the native peoples of this country, and this is our “leader”. And I use the term loosely. He’s more like a grand poobah. Or what ever they caal the klan leader.

By: Sylvia Stephens

Sylvia Stephens — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:48:02 +0000

Professor of the White Society: I have a few words of wisdom that you should hear from me. I am an Indigenous person, educated and emotionally intelligent and who is working towards justice for my four beautiful grandchildren. I offer my services as a Legal Advocate for NIsga’a Nation and surrounding areas. We need this service as our people don’t know too much about the white man’s laws and regulations. We did not ever need it before and now that our people are exploited into the mainstream society, one way or the other, they don’t know their rights and need direction and representation. We are an awesome people and we cherish our idenities, at least I do.

Last May I received 2 degrees from University of Northern British Columbia, degree in Political Science and BA in First Nations studies. I also received 13 scholarships and I am very fortunate not to have you as one of my professors, I would have dropped out of the course, if this happened.

Just who the hell do you think you are? What name are you trying to achieve? I feel that you think that you are better than us, you are one of the settlers on this land that once belonged to the Indigenous peoples. If you have something good to say, say thankyou.

The Treaty process in Canada is illegal and I lodged my violation of Indigenous rights with the United Nations Officer of the High Commissioner. It is a long story but I will briefly explain. In 2000, Canada, British Columbia and Nisga’a Lisims Government signed the Nisga’a Treaty. I voted NO but elders were bribed to sign yes. They were paid $300 a day to sit at some meetings and they were warned not to say one word of protest. Well, on June 1, 2008, we pay GST in our community which once was protected under the Crown, 2012, we pay property taxes and we are no longer who we are. The three levels of government surrended all of our rights under the Treaty, without our knowledge and consent. I will sacrifice everything in order to get justice from around the world as our Human Rights Commission has your holier-tan-thou attitude and I told them, we have no JUSTICE in Canada. Your book can be brought forward to this organization for discrimination. Don’t discuss what is none of your damn business. We also need to pay property taxes in 2012 and if we cannot make payments, our entitlement is up for grabs and I hear that this is what the Federal and Provincial governments want to see, to EXTINGUISH the Indians altogether. From now on, I make my mistakes and I make adjust ments to my own life, no Indian Act or Band Council will decide what is best for me.
In closing, shut up or give your books to Charity, they are not worth a dime.

By: Sean Stokholm

Sean Stokholm — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:12:46 +0000

“I am commenting on your position that she should be saying whatever you say she should be saying (”you should at least let the readers know”). That is no different than those who want to shut her up.”

For the second time, it was a turn of phrase, not a directive. If I’d thought for a second it would provoke the misguided ire of anonymous snipers, I would have gone with something different like “it’s academically disingenuous not to include….”. And at no point did I suggest she shouldn’t say what she said. Lumping me in with those who wish to censor her is wrong (or am I being a speech cop if I call you out for inaccuracies too?).

I’m sensing that you aren’t overly familiar with the history and academic debates that are germane to Widdowson’s position. If you were, you would have recognized that most of my critique was based themes most scholars in the field would recognize (to be clear, and before you get your shorts even further knotted, I’m not claiming expertese – just familiarity).

You’re tilting at the wrong windmill here.

By: Jaye La Vallee

Jaye La Vallee — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:31:26 +0000

Ever since we were involved with the European we’ve been viewed as “less than human” and this from people who were mostly oblivious to their own had huge problems.
For sure today, too many of us are perpetuating the hard line look towards us because we are not evolving in fully functional and sustainable way.
Yet, there is a growing number of those who conveniently claim to being “part-time-Indian or is it part-Indian” – anyways it is hard to figure this out unless you hear them speak or write and how they behave or act around real “reserve Indians”. These people will usually claim depending whatever race or group is in power at the time and what it is safe to be at the time.
Again like the two central people here, the ones who say that they are like us, they say things first to actually denigrate, belittle, and show an ugly disdain for A REAL SOLUTION and in a humanitarian way.
They will say things so the others will accept them and they will try to make us all believe that they are only saying it to help end the dysfunction and suffering of the real “Indians” – not the “halfs or the quarters or other quantums ones”. They will mimic the manipulative rhetoric of the colonizers.
Sadly, it is usually because they had a difficult time growing up, partly seeing and hearing about all those bad “Indians” and all their self-perpetuated problems… and in harsher terms than here.
From my first-hand experience – They usually are these ones who are “not-outright-visible Indian-looking” and they usually suffered some lateral violence for being “a part and apart” from and of this troubled people. They usually grow up doing the same lateral violence that was done to them growing up, being constantly reminded that, they are part of a race of people who are a dredge on this society and country.
The solution is to clean up your own disturbing and distorted approach to relating about the solution. Sure it has a lot of emotions and this includes disturbed values and beliefs and the hows and whys we came to this time and place and all that is hidden and causes us to be ugly with the other.
Write the problems and then write the solution.
Oh, and find a good whole person to help you resolve your personal problems, if you have any, that is. Model for us, how its done, please, the solution that is. And don’t just sit on the fence and complain or do manipulation or threat or degrade. We been there and done… or do that!

By: LeenieJ (imho)

LeenieJ (imho) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:38:39 +0000

” whats left is for the “indians” to fight over” … and do you think the colonial elitists are finished? the “empty land” applies to the rest of Canada too right now. Canadians as a whole are beginning to suffer similar treatment: divorced from our land as owners or enjoyment of our own resources.

By: LeenieJ (imho)

LeenieJ (imho) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:32:05 +0000

hey Joe Q do you even understand the impact that trauma has on ppl’s lives? and how it’s perpetuated generationally without proper coping mechanisms to help break the chain? you sound like you live in the house and have the master’s whip in your hands. stop hating who you are; have a little compassion for your ppl.

By: LeenieJ (imho)

LeenieJ (imho) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:24:34 +0000

pretty lame to use the outdated but revealing term “noble savage” and the “grievance industry”? wow

i suppose you subscribe to Darwinian evolution too then? after all on the human ascendancy scale: 5. gorillas, 4. aborigines (too high for you?), 3. negroes (another outdated term that Lindsay Lohan used to describe Obama with), 2. asian (honourary white), 1. caucasian

and to paraphrase Darwin’s title: it’s not survival of the “fittest” but of the “most deserving” race.

i could use the loaded term “racist” but i think “self-serving elitist” is better to describe the disdain i see dripping from your commentary and which likely describes your world view of the other “races”.

By: sf

sf — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:44:37 +0000

I am commenting on your position that she should be saying whatever you say she should be saying (“you should at least let the readers know”). That is no different than those who want to shut her up. I see no difference at all. In fact, I find your position more condescending – the position that “you can say it, as long as you say it in a way that is approved of”.

I happen to disagree with those screaming “hate crime” as well, or those shouting “racist”. I disagree with anyone who claims she is not entitled to say whatever she wants to say, the way she wants to say it.

I’m tired of various groups declaring themselves immune from criticism. We see it in our politics, in various ethnic communities, in various identitiy groups, it is everywhere. Nobody is responsible for their actions, everybody is a victim to everyone else.

Reserves are an embarassment to the country – but god forbid we actually lay any blame on the people running them or living in them. It’s always somebody else’s fault.

It’s a victim culture that we are growing here. Everybody is a victim. If you call someone on the victim card, then in return you get a backlash like no other.

Barbara Arneil’s position is indefensible – just like you, she believes that you can only say something as long as it’s approved of (by whom? the speech police, of course – a society where we must look over our shoulders as we say something). The battle for free speech was fought centuries ago, and now people want to hand over their rights for nothing.

By: Joseph Quesnel

Joseph Quesnel — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:21:12 +0000

Granny:
Your tired rhetoric is well known. I am glad to hear you believe in fundamental rights to free speech. I agree that Widdowson’s atheism affects her thinking on this, but I don’t see how this really undermines her arguments. You have been drinking too much of the Aboriginal industry Kool-aid. The problems of FN people are not due to centuries of alleged genocide and murder. Please prove this assertion.
The social dysfunction continues because it is tolerated on reserves. Corruption/nepotism are aspects of tribal kinship reciprocity that need to be purged. Wife assault is a cultural aspect of FN cultures that needs to be given zero tolerance but is not. This is not Whitey’s fault, these practices were around at contact. Read the primary source Jesuit Relations, when the French were shocked at the wide acceptance of wife abuse.
I am Aboriginal (Metis), but until our FN people accept that these problems exist b/c they allow them. Read Once Were Warriors from New Zealand. It’s time we Aboriginals took responsibility for our bad acts and stopped listening to White liberals, like those from Canadians for Aboriginal Rights, who would prefer to hate their own ancestors than propose anything meaningful.

By: Sean Stokholm

Sean Stokholm — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:56:50 +0000

I sound like the speech police?! Really? I take the time to rebut some of her assertions (because I happen to have some backround in relevant literature), instead of screaming charges of hate crime, and you think I’m the extremist? It was a turn of phrase, and she’s obviously free to ignore what I say. I happen to think it’s academically questionable to present century-old theories as somehow new, and to ignore the substantial debate and discredit they’ve been subject to. But that’s just me, which is why she’s free to ignore me. But I didn’t scream, I didn’t call her a racist, and I didn’t call for her to fired.

Feel free to call me arrogant, but at least I have the balls to put my name on what I post, “sf”.

By: sf

sf — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:31:18 +0000

I agree. In fact, I believe in the statement that “the right to free speech” is synonymous with “the right to offend”.

By: sf

sf — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:28:53 +0000

Why should she make points that you wish to make? That’s your job, which you have now done. She has no obligation to parrot your ideas: “you should at least let the readers know…” . How arrogant are you? You sound like the speech police.