Dear Editor,
Re: “Racist tones thinly veiled,” Letters Sept. 25.
I was dismayed to see an attempt to cast efforts to address foreign language signs as being driven by racism.
Playing the race card is too easy, too convenient. It is also lazy.
By taking the time to read the dictionary definition of racism, you will find that what is happening here in Richmond is the antithesis of racism.
What is being requested, proposed and otherwise sought is an increase in inter-cultural cohesion, dialogue and understanding.
Striking out with libellous terminology has become the refuge of those who may have their own “thinly veiled” ulterior motive for muddying the waters with such language.
The inability of the council and city managers to grasp the nettle on the sign issue is an example of the city straying from its vision of being the most liveable, appealing and well-managed city in Canada.
Until someone can explain how ignoring evidence of significant cultural dislocation is going to get us closer to that vision, I will continue to try to hold the city and council to account for living up to their vision rather than resorting to idle or expedient (in)action.
Without a vision at the heart of city and council decision-making what do we have?
Nothing, but personal agendas.
So, let us never again resort to grade-school name-calling of the sort used last week. The discussion does not deserve to be dumbed down in that way.
Why anyone would want to do that is an interesting and not entirely irrelevant question.
Rupert Whiting
Richmond
