I have for some time now kept an eye on the DEI movement that seems to have gained significant popularity in Canada. At its core, and if it was executed properly and equitably, it would actually be a positive thing.
However, through observation, listening, and keeping an eye on the news, in my opinion, this is not the case. In fact, it is the furthest thing imaginable from being equitable or inclusive.
Something I have noticed is that it is heavily influenced by individuals or groups that only want to apply it to what they want or believe in. In many cases, this is based on race, cultural background, religious affiliation, and of course the ever evolving gender diversity.
This is the main reason we were unfortunate enough to experience cancel culture. These individuals or groups try to shame or cancel anyone that did not fall in line with what they perceive to be parallel to their beliefs or how they think society should operate. In most cases these individuals and groups want their beliefs and differences to not only be accepted, but celebrated, many times at the expense of the Canadian taxpayer. However, the beliefs and differences of others are to be discarded and the individuals punished in some form, be it through trying to get someone to fire them from their job or get large groups to punish them through social media. How is this DEI?
Let’s begin with one of the big ones, race. I believe every race has been through something traumatic in the past. Yet, there are specific races that believe that they are entitled to more than others, and want the rest of us to pay for it. I would very much like to know the justification behind myself and others being not only expected to, but given no choice but to pay for things that happened decades or centuries ago that we had absolutely nothing to do with because of our race or cultural background? Is this really equity?
Lets take a look at what it means to be Canadian. I was born in Canada as were the two generations of my family before me. I had a grandparent that immigrated to Canada from Wales when they were a child. However, my grandparent nor myself have ever referred to ourselves as Welsh Canadians. My grandad was always proud to be Canadian his entire life until he passed away. He observed and respected Canadian culture and did not come here and try to make Canada like Wales.
To jump ahead to a significant number of todays immigrants, they can not say the same thing, and in my opinion this is disrespectful not only to existing Canadians, but to the country itself. To provide a few examples, a number refer to themselves by their country of origin first, then Canadian. Sikh Canadian, Palestinian Canadian, Asian Canadian, etc. I strongly disagree with these references. If you are afforded the privilege to come to this country and become a citizen, you are Canadian first and foremost. If true equity is what you seek, then you will not come here and expect Canadians to accept and celebrate your culture and traditions while not respecting Canadian culture and traditions. There was obviously a reason you immigrated to Canada, and if it was not to live like a Canadian, then perhaps you should go back to your country of origin if you are that engrained in the culture and traditions. While I am on the subject, there are two official languages in Canada. They are English and French. When performing a job that includes serving the public, it is one of these two languages that should be spoken.
Another faction that expect to be accommodated, respected, and even celebrated are members of the gender diversity group. I will say that I am biased when it comes to this subject. I believe there are two genders, male and female, period. It seems that every time we turn around there is another letter added to the LGBTQ, and each one expects to be accepted, respected, and celebrated. This is also a group that expect to have celebrations and parades, and want to have it paid for with taxpayer money. How is this equitable or inclusive? I don’t receive government funding because I want to celebrate being a heterosexual male. Don’t mistake my intentions here. I have no issue with people being gay or loving who they choose to love. It is not my cup of tea, but if a man chooses to love another man, or a woman chooses to love another woman, that is their choice. However, whether you view the world and history through a religious or evolutionary lens, our species began with a male and a female. Whether you are gay or not, biologically you are male or female. The fact that people are pressured to use pronouns and other terminology that they disagree with or don’t believe in is ridiculous. As long as we are respectful and non-abusive, democracy dictates that we are entitled to our beliefs and opinions and we have the right to disagree.
Too much diversity is not always a good thing. In order for society to function effectively and peacefully, there has to be a certain amount of consistency regarding how a country and society will operate. Too many conflicting beliefs and opinions is a recipe for never achieving actual equity or inclusion. Can you imagine the result if you put a lion, tiger, grizzly bear, and a pack of wolves in the same environment? There has been too much immigration to Canada in too short a period of time and the country has not been able to keep up. Thanks for that Justin Trudeau. Canadians will be cleaning up your mess for years to come.
I would very much appreciate seeing any and all comments and opinions.
Have a great day and take care.