Dear Editor,
Re: “Anti-Chinese sentiment partly governments’ fault: Steves,” News, Nov. 23; “Richmond residents hold silent protest in support of all cultures,” News Nov. 28.
Despite House Speaker Linda Reid’s adamant stance that the people responsible for the flyers wouldn’t find fertile ground in Canada, anyone who is involved in the Richmond community will have a different opinion.
Racial tension has been brewing in Richmond and it has been brewing for a long time. As a Canadian with Chinese heritage, I am often subjected to racist and insensitive comments. From signage issues to housing prices, the Chinese-Canadian community has become the collateral damage of the government’s lack of courage to address issues. Councillor Harold Steves is correct in noting that, if the governments were truly committed to the promotion of inclusion and multiculturalism, the rise of the Alt-Right would have little fuel to work with.
Richmond needs politicians who are interested in more than just photo ops. The community needs courageous politicians who dare to acknowledge the existence and growth of controversial issues that are threatening Richmond and to push for policies that will address the issues. The government must foster real harmony and multiculturalism by pushing for policies to encourage understanding, appreciation, inclusiveness, and fairness.
Henry Yao
Richmond
