\5BC Aiehiws Soiial
IN COLOUR SINCE 1918
CQVEB ART I Y IZUMI WAKAKI
THE WORLD IN TECHNI Race isn't supposed to matter anymore. Not today, not in our post-colonial post industrial class to dictate our position in society. It affects how we define ourselves and how others post-modern world, when the glittering 21 st century is sprawled out at our fee^ and the sign define us, and shapes how we perceive and experience the people and events that surround posts of racial oppression-slavery, colonialism, segregation, wars of extermination, us. People who claim to lead a 'colour blind' existence, who assert that race means nothing apartheid, coerced migration, forced iptern&hips, economic exploitation, and disenfran- to them, tend to be the people who steamroll through their livesoand the lives of others- thisement-are fading fast on the road behind us, soon tob e forgoltea Race is old news, yes oblivious to the privilege they possess. terday's dirty laundry, played like an fllmatic cassette, broke up kke the Pharcyde. Or is it? This edition of the Ubyssey is an attempt to allow members of the UBC community to Tho floating car, robot maid, raco-less Utopia that many seem to be waiting for has yet put their reality down on paper, to tell us how race affects their lives and the world as they to materialise. The construct of race, in its many guises-oolour, ethnicity, religion, nation see it This is a collection of unique perspectives and profiles that illustrate the pervasive ality, genotype continues topla y a dominant role in our lives, intersecting with gender and ness of race in the experiences of a diverse group of people. •
A UBYSSEY SPECIAL ISSUE FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2001 VOLUME 82 ISSUE 42 -£* ----- Friday, March 16,2001 —- Services A Ubyssey Special Issue flllirr.limi,l)MI.E
VEGGIE LUNCHES, every TUcsday CLASSIFIEDS 12:30-2:30 pm in the Penthouse (3rd Between classes floor) of the Grad Center, 6371 Crescent Rd, vegetarian and vegan food, suggested donation; $4.00 > Festival of Rights TEACH ENGLISH IN KOREA - Good SPARTACUS BOOKS Spring Sale, Mar Salaries + free air and accommodation. 22-28th. 10-80% off. Philosophy, Friday, Mar. 16 (that's today) 11 am to 3pm. Easily save 15K in one year. Degree Anthropology, Education, Sociology, Psy required. Tel: 408-3760 Fax; 408-3761. chology, Ecology, Geography, Literary Main Mall between Koerner Plaza and University Blvd. Info ae www.asia-pacific- Theory ... Development, Cultural, cormections.com Learn about BC's land-use issues. Media, Labour, First Nations', Queer and Speakers, free veggie lunch and music. SUMMER JOBS- MOTIVATED, Women's Studies. 311 W. Hastings HARD-WORKING PAINTERS AND (Hasting &c Cambie) Anne, you rock. CREW CHIEFS are needed for die Van couver area. Pay is based on skill, tenaci FESTIVA 2001, A Multi-Cultural Cele ty, and efficiency. Call Chris at 221-8223 bration! Friday, Mar 23 5-10pm. Come Give the gift of sight for more info. and Celebrate! Tickets $3 in advance $5 SWIM DIRECTOR & instructor/life at door, www.international.ubc.ca, adri- Did you know that the cost of a pair of eyeglasses is equivalent to one year's salary in many developing countries? guards for summer kids camp near Mon [email protected] or 822-1265. Donate your old eyeglasses or sunglassses to make a difference in a child or adult's life. treal. Send resume; JOBS^pripstein- scamp.com GET READY FOR GO KART RAC Whether they're broken, out-of-fashion, or just no good, the Lotus Light Charity Society wants 'em all. ING!!! This exciting went is brought to Help reach the goal of 8000 pairs of eyeglasses nationwide by visiting the eyeglass drop-off PAINTERS NEEDED for Professional you by Chinese Art Student Society, Company. Wages between S9-!2/hr. March 24, Richmond Go Kart Track. locations in the SUB or UBC Hospital. Experience anu Transportation an asset. . For more info call Mandy 9 603-1726 Phone Paul at 983-2970 or fax resume to 985-2885. TROTSKYIST LEAGUE INTERNA TIONAL WOMEN'S DAY Forum: Tal Holistic therapy volunteer opportunity HELP INTERNATIONAL STU iban: Bitter Fruit of Imperialist's Anti- DENTS learn English! Be an English Soviet War. WOMEN IN Vancouver Friends For Life's Society offers wellness programs to people living with life-theatening illnesses Conversationalist! $40 For 3 hrs, Friday's AFGHANISTAN, Fri. Mar 30, 7pm, and has lots of volunteer opportunities for dedicated people interested in holistic therapy. 9am - 12noon. Contact Laurie @ VLCI, Britannia Community Center, Rm. L4, Call Anne at 682-5992 for more information. 688-1886, [email protected] 1661 Napier Street (off Commercial THE LIONS SOCIETY OF BC is seek Drive). $2 suggested donation. Call 687- ing Counselors and Programmers for our 0353 for more info. Between Classes is a free public service of the Ubyssey. residential summer camps on Vancouver Fax your submissions to 822-9279. Island, in Squamish and the Okanagan. Ll#IiMll*i4J We provide a camping experience for J children and teens with disabilities. ESSAY SERVICE - Need help with any Employment runs from June through of your essays? Take the help of highly August For more information, send qualified graduates. Call toll-fee to Cus resume and cover letter to: Camp tom Editing and Essay Service: 1-888- Administrator, Lions Society of BC, 201- 345-8295, customessayf2,sprim.ca 3440 Douglas St. Victoria, BC V8Z 3L5. A criminal records check will be required TUTORS AVAILABLE For All Elemen of successful applicants. tary, High School, and Undergraduate SubjectsTToll Free 1-866-888-8677 IWIW&I^^^J 0> PtnTTTmaaiimnniiTntnna^ EDITING/PROOFREADING SER NEED VOLUNTEER EXPEREINCE? VICES AVAILABLE. Training and expe Come to SCB llootn 245 with Opportunity to make a real difference in rience include academic and creative high functioning 2 year old autistic boy's writing, newspaper and magazine articles', the answer to the question life. Valuable training provided. Flexible newsletters, andTlegal documents and below, and you may win 1 of 5 hours, men and women welcome. Please memoranda. Contact Deborah at 876- copies o/SEMISOMC's CD call Cindy 9 827-0014. 5480 or [email protected] RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEED "All About Chemistry"! ED for doctoral student research. Virtual Reality Treatment study for driving pho bia. Call Jaye 868-3890 NEED GIFTS FOR YOUR FRIENDS' ' Question: What was Semisonic's big hit song? Come check out "The Originals" line of" jewelry at the AMS Used Bookstore, ersonais "SUBTITLES", in the display case, BC'S COOLEST PARTY LINE!!! (located in the bottom floor of the SUB). DIAL; 25-Party, Ads*Jokes*Stories & Unique handmade earrings for between IN C0NCCAT APAIl 2STH @ AICHARD'S ON RICHARDS. MORE! Free Call!* 18+ 'Try it NOW!!! $0.99 and $2.49! wwui.semi$OAic. -.7 * C Have a place for rent? The AMS Rentsline can help you! AMS Rentsline i3 an easy to operate touch-tone telephone system that connects thousands of landlords with UBC students looking for off- campus housing. All you need to do is call, or visit our website: amsrentsline.com Want to get rid of some Tti4« books and journals? Oh, What a Year! Why pot donate them to the SUB Facts Science and Arts Foundation? We collect books, National Blue chip cookies eaten -109,500 Geographies up to seven years Pounds of chocolate destined for crispy cookie goodness - 6,022 old and journals up to 2 years Cans of diet coke sold in the SUB - 26,250 old for students in underdeveloped countries. Pints of beer consumed at the Pit and Gallery Lounge -284,562 Drop your books off in the Cartons of milk consumed at AIMS food outlets - 30,796 yellow collection bins located at... Wraps sold at Snack Attack in 2000 - 23,464 SUB (near Subcetera), UBC Rap albums sold from Subtitles - 75 Bookstore, the Graduate Student Centre, CSCSR- Computer Sciences. Pizza slices sold by Pie R2- 383,250 Cheese slices used at AMS food outlets - 36,100 Lend a hand. Give the Gift of Knowledge. Kg's of penny candy sold from Subcetera - 2,463 Toothbrushes sold from Subcetera -195 info? [email protected] or visit: Number of Safewalks this academic year - 3870 www.science-arts.org Bandaids sold at Subcetera - 3,900 > your student society A Ubyssey Special Issue Race Issue Friday. March 16.2001 3 My name isn't Shaft Uncovered Room-Mates? THEUBYSSEY for Rohan I apply my make-up with Drifting tides a force unknown or like two cars heading FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2001 When I walk in your store, why do your eyes follow me VOLUME 82 ISSUE 42 each move, mechanical North and South like tiny bombs waiting to detonate at my slightest movement? knock on the door. on a highway EDITORIAL BOARD My fingers aren't knives and the only steel strapped to my waist I greet my friend with a room-mates is my belt buckle. RACE ISSUE COORDINATORS smile, painted on perfectly. in a I'm not a pimp and I don't deal crack. Give me a minute. New Westminster apartment survive. Ailin Choo I'm not the mugger, the thief or the rapist and Look in the mirror, at One a busy student; Mwahi Jan Peeters-Kasengeneke You've forgotten I was one who was raped my cappuccino cream. career person, the other. (Africans don't have names like Lincoln) Imperfections irk and I wipe both strangers each avoiding the other COORDINATING EDITOR I don't have any illegitimate children. wipe wipe wipe peel slowly peeling these last nine months Daliah Merzaban I don't smoke ganja. peel off the fake. Knock knock. because of colour difference. Fried chicken doesn't agree with my stomach. Hold on a sec, I'm coming. financial necessity NEWS EDITORS I like to collect stamps, not welfare. Alex Dimson Cappuccino cream my ass oppress us to Sarah Morrison Why am I defined by my balls? as I "tolerate" each other. (the ones I dribble and the ones that dangle) stare at the white revealed CULTURE EDITOR I don't know how to rap (my wife takes care of the gifts) Michelle Mossop uncovered. Unavoidably glowing -Anne-Maria Samarasinghe I'm not George Jefferson or Bill Cosby back at me in my reflection. SPORTS EDITOR (Why do they always arrest black men on COPS?) Like a conceited jester it greets me Tom Peacock I'm not the negro who dances like a tornado, thought you could get rid of me, runs like a jaguar & FEATURES EDITOR didn't you, brat? Nicholas Bradley fucks like a demon Hastily, I Why do I have to have a big dick? re-apply colour hard vigorous COPY/VOLUNTEERS EDITOR Why does the dictionary define black as wicked, sinister & deadly? - Tristan Winch stay on this time 11 mutter. Why is black magic the evil kind? Knock knock. Come on, I hear. PHOTO EDITOR Don't brand my face with prison bars. I open the door, one final glance. I won't hurt you. Tara Westover Quickly, I Why do you ignore the softness of my smile & PRODUCTION MANAGER a straighten my smile Hywel Tuscano the richness of mahogany? which has fallen to the side, threatening -Reginald. P. Khokher COORDINATORS to drop off my face. RESEARCH COORDINATOR -Diana Liao Graeme Worthy LETTERS COORDINATOR Laura Blue WEB COORDINATOR Ernie Beaudin The Ubyssey is the official student newspaper of the University of British Columbia ft is published every Tuesday and Friday by The Ubyssey Publications Society, We are an autonomous, democratically run student organi sation, and all students are encouraged to participate. Editorials are chosen and written by the Ubyssey staff. They are the expressed opinion of the staff, and do not neces sarily reflect the views of The Ubyssey Publications} Society of the University of British Columbia. 77ie Ubyssey is a founding member of Canadian University Press (CUP) and adheres to CUP'S guiding principles. AJ editorial content appearing in The Ubyssey is the prop erty of The Ubyssey Pubfications Society, Stories, opinions, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the expressed, written permission of The Ubyssey Publications Society. Letters to the editof must be under 300 words. Please include your phone number, student number and signature (not for publication) as well as your year and faculty with all submissions. ID will be checked when submissions are dropped off at the editorial office of The Ubyssey, other wise verification will be done by phone. 'Perspectives* are opinion pieces over 300 words but under 750 words and su-9 run according lo space, "Freestyles" are opinion pieces written by Ubyssey staff members. Priority wiD be given to letters and perspectives over freestyles unless the latter is time sensitive. Opinion pieces will not be run until the identity of the writer has been verified It is agreed by al persons placing display of classified advertising that if the Ubyssey Publications Society fails to publish an advertisement or if an error in the ad occurs the liability of the UPS wil not be greater than the price paid for the ad. The UPS shall not be responsible for slight changes or typographical errors thai do not lessen the value or the impact of the ad EDITORIAL OFFICE Room 241K, Student Union Building, 6138 Student Union Boulevard, Vancouver, BC. V6T 1Z1 tel: (604) 822-2301 fax: (604) 822-9279 e-mail: [email protected] BUSINESS OFFICE Room 245, Student Union Building advertising: (604) 822-1654 business office: (604) 822-6681 fax:(604)822-1658 e-mail: [email protected] No such thing as a stupid question? BUSINESS MANAGER Fernie Pereira by Alana Stevenson is more important to them than what your personality is like. AD SALES Jennifer Copp In high school, when most teenagers are trying desperately just to fit in In academic settings, and the few occupations I have had, I have frequently and be normal, frequently being singled out as 'different' can have devas AD DESIGN encountered people who perkily assure others that no question is stupid. tating effects on self-esteem. Even to a secure adult who appreciates indi Shalene Takara After many years of being patient and polite, the proverbial straw has been viduality and non-conformists, constantly being reminded of differences thrust upon my back, and I must insist that stupid questions do indeed exist in appearance, which can't be helped, chisels at one's confidence. Beats & Biles Our new column featuring tha Ubyssey'i picfcl for music and munchiesl Tristan Winch: "Don't Wanna Lose You Now* Particularly in the realm of personal information, no one has the right I understand that curiosity is a natural response, and an undeniable by Gloria Estefan: Daliah Merzaban: any song by Mohamed Mounir; Tara Westover. chocolate ice cream; Alex Dimson; that one to ask a question which makes another feel uncomfortable, no matter what part of human nature. Occasionally, I have taken it to be a compliment; by Dave Matthews; Michelle Mossop: hot water and peanuts; Sarah the motivation is for asking. that strangers are interested in the way I look. However, satisfying your Morrison: cookies and spaghetti; Laura Blue likes playing (he gui tar Hywel Tuscano: "Shake Ya Asa* and brownies; Ailin Choo: For as long as I can rememblr, I have beeii polijely and not-so-politely own curiosities at the risjs of making someone feel uncomfortable is sim chocolate (except the dark kind}; Mwalu Peeters: "Assemble Not Thyself by ihe Terrors and tychee smoothies with coconut jelly; grilled about my ethnicity. Theraare sian^ method*/laoisfg tfiis, ranging ply afelfis-ly It's not thatd|fficult tcfsto|s a moment before asking a person Adam Rudder plantain chips and The Sword of Allah"; Tom Peacock: fig newtous; Nicholas Bradley: jelly beans; Holland from bold strangers who will approach and demand, "What are yqu?" to al question, and consider how many times others may have asked the exact Gidney doesn't know; Nic Fensom; sushi and Tosca "Orozco'; Priya Bala: those little coconut jelly things and "Pasilda' by AfroMedusa; shy types who will hem and hai|, and finally, in a very politically <»rrecl lame thing, and wnat effect that migbi have on a person. Duncan McHugh; locusts and wild honey; Alicia Miller chocolate manner, inquire as to my "ethaic background^ to guessers, such as th*e J rfave absolutely no problem with disclosing the fact that my mother is and 'Mother Father*; Terumi Taylor, Alana Stevenson, Alan Tong, Kim The, Julia Christensen. George Fuller, Elhe. Tungchan, Andrew man who delivered my prescription last week, and bellowed "Are you a third-generation Chinese-Canadian, and that my father is English. I will Kostynink. Reginald Khoker, Anne-Marie Samarasinghe, Diana Liao, and Izumi Waketd were unavailable for comment, but we Chinese?" as he made his way back down my front steps. These are all vari ingly and eagerly discuss many personal details of my life with those who Grmly believe that they have tastebuds and eardrums too. • ations on the same question, a question that should never be asked of take the time to know me as a person. The people I take issue with are someone to whom you aren't extremely close. those who know-nothing about me, yet because I look different, feel as Having ethnicity brought up all the time can have very negative effects though they have a right to find out why. V on a person. These effects can range from the simple annoyance at the As a human being, please try and keep this in mind the next time you Canadian University "What are you?" question (I'm a human being!), to other, more serious meet someone who cannot easily be pigeonholed into any one racial cate Press problems. Being questioned about your ethnicity before someone gets to gory. Ask yourself what's important, and get to know who they are, before a Poet Safe* AgiMm«nt Numbw 0732141 know you can lead to the assumption that your background or 'pedigree' you start to guess what they might be. • 4 Friday, March 16,2001 - Race Issue - A Ubyssey Special Issue THEUBYSSEY For a few dollars more... by Mwalu Peetere There are other options. Several countries—including VOTER'S LIST Brazil, Thailand, and India—have intellectual property {On February 21, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)-the biggest of laws that prioritise the health and well being of their peo • Ailin Choo • Michelle Mossop To be a voting the multinational pharmaceutical corporations collec ple over the bottom lines of transnational corporations. • Alex Dimson • Nic Fensom Ubyssey staff tively known as "Big Pharma"—held a press conference. These laws allow for the production of cheaper, generic • Alicia Miller • Nicholas Bradley member,you must Amid talk of US$7.73 billion in profits and marketing versions of patented pharmaceuticals in cases of dire • Bruce Arthur •Regina Yung have contributed to schemes for a new asthma drug, CEO Jean-Pierre human need. The end result is a drug with the same • Daliah Merzaban • Ron Nurwisah three issues this Gamier also announced plans to extend Glaxo's medicinal properties as the ones produced by; "Big • Daniel Silverman • Sarah Morrison term, and attended "Accelerated Access' programme—an initiative under Pharma," but without the brand name and with a much • Duncan McHugh • Scott Bardsley three out of five which treatment drugs for AIDS would be made avail lighter price tag. • Ernie Beaudin •Tara Westover consecutive staff able to African governments at reduced rates. Under the On many occasions, producers of generic pharma •Graeme Worthy • Tom Peacock meetings. If you 1 expanded programme, 'not-forprofit agencies with the ceuticals have offered to export their versions of anti- • Holland Gidney • Tristan Winch have not met this i ability to deliver the medicines^ wfpuli d aba, be eligible AIDS &u§s to African^nations. For example, Cipla, an • Hywel Tuscano criteria, but think i for the discount rates, a move.expejpte d to generate $<$m For placement or TESOL Programs call or fax International TESOL Training College 2300-1066 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C. Curing boredom since 1918. Tel: (604) 608-6721 Fax: (604) 608-6915 vwvw.ittc-ca.com THEUBYSSEY A Ubyssey Special Issue Race Issue Friday, March 16.2001 5 Surviving the Holocaust "In the meantime, the truck by Ailin Choo pulled away with Tamara on it, with her hands outstretched, saying, Call me what you will, but it came as 'Don't leave me,' and they were quite a surprise to find out that Ruth gone. I later found out they were all Sigal looks and behaves like any taken to Auschwitz...she was four other successful career woman. years old and I don't even have a After all, Sigal is no ordinary per picture of her." son. The director of the UBC Because her parents feared a Women's Resource Centre (WRC) is quick return of the German sol a 'miracle' survivor of the diers, Sigal was rushed off to a rat- Holocaust, who has just recently infested factory, where she spent begun to tell her story, using it to four days in hiding. Her parents help raise awareness of the eventually found a Lithuanian- Holocaust and of persisting dis Catholic couple who were willing to criminatory attitudes in society. She take Sigal in as their own. "They was honoured last year for her were my saviours," Sigal says. efforts towards fighting racism in Her parents were finally able to BC schools. escape the ghitto three weeks Sigal, born in Lithuania in 1936, before the war ended, and immedi tells a frightening story of her child ately set out to get her back. Sigal hood experiences. She remembers remembers how she resisted the atrocities that occurred with an returning to them-she says it took astounding vividness. Her warm three to four months to wean her smile fades as she recalls being back. taken away from her home and "I figured I was Catholic and I being forced to live in a ghetto at didn't want to be considered a Jew. only five years of age. She tells of I hated them because they were how the Jewish population in Jews," she said. Lithuania before the war was The years after the war were reduced from 15,000 to 10,000 chaotic ones for Sigal and her fami people. ly. They immediately decided to "They were all taken out to the leave Lithuania, and with the aid of woods and shot by the Nazis...later, fake passports, fled to Germany via they would come in and rape Poland. They resided in a displaced women on the streets...it was persons' camp in Germany for five awful." years, before making their way over to Canada. Thus began Sigal's expe Sigal explains how all parents MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Ruth Sigal draws on her Holocaust experience in an effort to end racism in were made to work throughout the rience as an immigrant local schools, AIUNCHOO PHOTO day, and describes the games the Sigal recalls the difficulties she children used to play in their encountered in her constant move the prevalence of racism in Canada. explains Sigal, led her to confront still feels'extremely angry at what absence. She mostly remembers ment from one place to another. "I have such an affinity towards her own experiences. happened to her. She does not feel playing in the mud, hungry, and She moved several times before new people who come to this coun 'We're the 'hidden children of angry with German people as indi waiting for her parents to come finally arriving in Vancouver. try because they have no idea; peo the Holocaust' and the last genera viduals, but she is angry with home with food. Language was always one of the ple discriminate against you on a tion to tell the story. It's somehow those who put people down or Her most painful memory, biggest problems. Lacking a proper very superficial level without even my duty to tell the story,* she says. killed due to a difference in colour though, is that of losing her sister. education for 12 years, Sigal found knowing." Sigal's decision to tell her story or religion. Sigal's face tenses up as she it difficult to feel comfortable in her Sigal went on to work as a was prompted by the rising spectre "I'm just happy to be alive,' explains how the Nazis decided to surroundings. researcher, got married and had of Holocaust denial. With the influx exclaims Sigal. "What keeps me kill all the children residing in the "It was hard with the immigrant three children. After her third child of immigrants to Canada, she was going is just being alive. First of all ghettos. She remembers her moth experience, of being the new kid, of was born, she decided to commit beginning to notice increasing I feel very lucky that I survived...I er warning them against men who trying to fit in, never feeling that herself to volunteering at the UBC amounts of racism towards other feel that there's some purpose in might come and take Sigal and her I'm part of any my life, I have something to give sister, Tamara, away. thing, always w back." Sigal was given the responsibili We're the 'hidden children of the 'Y™ ™W feeling like the you always Despite her retirement at the ty of looking after her sister, who outsider" she Holocaust' and the last generation to have to find a end of the year, Sigal assures me was four years old at the time. She says. that she will not quit volunteering was instructed to hide under a pile tell the story " scape-goat,' she says. her time to speak to people. She of wood or to run over to her moth- • Nonetheless, emphasises that education is the er's cousin's house and hide. The These Sigal managed —Ruth SigCll, observations most important thing for this socie Nazis finally came for the children to excel in r ty and that she will never stop fight on November 5, 1943. Grades 11 and Holocaust survivorit*: mo?e ing against racism. She adds that "That's when I realised that we 12 and graduat active in her racism in Canada is still a very were in danger," Sigal says. "I knew ed with honours. She was accepted crisis centre. She said that she "sim fight against racism, and to set up a prevalent issue and suggests that that was the day because they came to UBC and pursued a degree in ply couldn't just stay home and be a support group for the 'hidden chil the solution lies in getting rid of the with trucks, barking dogs, and loud microbiology. mum." dren' of the Holocaust She started barriers and "being people with one speakers with lots of music, trying Sigal laughs as she begins to Her work as a volunteer led to visiting schools and symposiums to another." to obliterate the screaming of the relate her most memorable her interest in counseling and her speak about her experiences. As I pack up to leave, Sigal hesi children who were running around moment at UBC. She begins by realisation of the pleasure that "They see me standing here, and tates and then asks what exactly I like mice trying to hide." explaining that there were no lan comes from working with other I'm a director of the WRC, I'm an will be writing about her. She As instructed, Sigal rushed over guage entrance tests at the time she people. She then decided to get her accomplished person, I've done reminds me that she is uncomfort to her mother's cousin's house to applied, and that, as she had com second degree and, at age 39, pur many things, I'm educated and my able with the idea of having an hide. He was a bachelor and a well- pleted Grade 13 in Regina, she was sued graduate studies in counseling attitude to life is very positive...so I entire story written about her life, respected doctor in the ghetto at the put into second year. She was taking psychology. Placing her hand on want to teach that you can over and wants me to assure her that I time, so Sigal's family thought that a 200-level English course, and her mine, she says 'And I've never come adversity." will not write in a manner that will the children would be safe with first assignment was to write an in- regretted it." Sigal also combats racism by help make people pity her. him. class essay about what she had done Sigal hasn't always talked openly ing people come to a better realisa In telling her story, Sigal wants "After hiding in the closet of the over the summer. She recalls her of her Holocaust experiences. She tion of their own and other's racist people to realise that there are doctor's house for an extremely professor singling her out in class told me that in the past she always mentalities. She gives the example of issues out there to be confronted long time, my sister began crying one day and asking to speak with hid her experiences and her Jewish one of her students who, in conversa and overcome. She wants her story for her mother,' Sigal says, her her later on. identity. tion one day, complimented one of to touch not only Jewish people, but voice faltering. After a while, she "He told me, T want you to get 'I was frightened to be out of the Sigal's cousin's successful coffee also all people who live in fear of could no longer hear the loud music out of the university, you are not closet so to speak, of being a Jew businesses by saying, "you people being attacked, and of being dis or barking dogs, and so she decided university material.' He said, 'if I because of always being persecuted really know how to do that" criminated against to come out of hiding. The two have anything to do with it, you'll and always feeling afraid," she explains. "You people' really got to me," "The pain never goes away, young girls were immediately spot never graduate, because your A turning point came when says Sigal. "It's all stereotyping and that's what makes me a good coun ted and thrown into a truck. English is atrocious' she said. Sigal turned 50. Sigal says that two it's all divisive...soyou have to teach selor; because I understand that In what Sigal describes as a "mir Sigal eventually changed the things began to happen. Firstly, people to be assertive, to be able to when you've come from that kind of acle/ her mother's cousin, by sav course she was taking, to one that she began to experience feelings know what's right or wrong and to a horror, I don't care how good ing a German commandant's life, did not require in-class essays. She of nostalgia, where she would not be afraid to speak up." things are now, that thing affects was able to gain a favour from the beams as she tells me that she begin to think back on her life, in When asked if she still feels you all your life. commandant he was permitted to ended up with a final grade of 74 search of her identity. Secondly, it hatred towards the Germans for "Life is just so precious.' This is take one of the girls to safety. Sigal per cent Her face then becomes was a period of time in which most what they did to her family, Sigal the message she wants to convince was taken out of the truck. Tamara, serious as she tell3 me that this Holocaust-surviving parents were admits that despite the numerous people of. She has certainly however, was left behind. experience shed new light for her on beginning to die. These things, times she has told her story, she convinced me. • Friday, March 16,2001 _ Race Issue .__ Friday, March 16.2001 A Ubyssey Special Issue Race on TV and white mainstream monotony by Ethel Tungohan the bandwagon of political correctness by having the minority countries like the United States and Canada, multicultural repre character become the 'minority of all minorities.' sentation is truly practised, even in the realm of television. Watching mainstream television nowadays is much like getting a This blatant attempt at becoming more politically correct falls That this is easier said than done need not be reiterated. That lobotomy. To enjoy television, I find it necessary to turn off my flat because the end result is characters who are not realistic peo is why to promote different lifestyles and to break free from the brain to stop my recurring, ongoing, painful analysis. ple but are worthless parodies-or to put it mildly, the manifesta reluctance of mainstream television networks like NBC and Fox, Unfortunately, more often than not, the intellectual part of me tion of what mainstream producers assume a minority character certain networks like UPN have made a determined effort to high emerges victorious, leaving me with no other recourse but to turn should be. light minority characters. the television off or to throw my shoe at the screen. For example, Lucy Liu's character, Ling, in Ally McBeal is In cable networks, we have different channels that have There exists a great misconception that because the latter part admirable in many respects. I admit to feeling ambivalent when shows catering solely to one specific group. These are good of the 20th century has introduced prominent television minority asked to categorise her as a 'good' or as a Tjad' character for racial because they allow minority characters to be represented on TV, actors like Bill Cosby, Lucy Liu, and Will Smith, problems of minorities-her strength, at least in comparison to Ally's innate, even on a small cable channel. Unfortunately, in a way, they racism are gradually being rendered obsolete. Unfortunately, docile ineptness, is laudable. On the other hand, I cannot help but' merely strengthen and emphasise minority separation from the minority actors like those listed above are the exception rather think that the way she is always so ferocious makes her the stereo- mamstream. than the rule. It also appears as though an unfair burden is placed , typical Asian 'Dragon Lady.' Surely TV producers can create char on their shoulders to represent all blacks, or all Asians, or all In retrospect, at l<»ast minority representation now on main acters whose core values are promoted without resorting to turn stream television is better than it was decades ago. Contemporary minority groups, when different minority groups have diverse val ing them into ethnic caricatures. ues and mindsets. shows like The Practice, ER, and NYPD Blue successfully represent • And why is it that there are always just one or two ethnic char minority characters. For example, when ABC first televised Margaret Cho's short acters in popular TV shows? To put it more succinctly, I get the But again, the same problems recur-for example, in The lived sitcom Ail-American Girl, news reports celebrating what a feeling that television producers-in their quest to look more polit Practice, why is it that one of the two black characters has to resort great stride this was for Asian-Americans proliferated. Yes, it is ically correct—introduce one or two minority characters into to the 'tough black guy' stereotype? But at least efforts are being true that- seeing an Asian woman headlining the show was a shows as a last minute attempt to make sure that they do not get made to ameliorate the situation. Some effort is better than no refreshing change from the white monotony of standard television accused of ignoring the cultural mosaic. Call me paranoid, but I effort whatsoever. Or is it? fare, but it is too far-fetched to assume that Cho's character was get the feeling that producers are reluctant to add more racial "The Great (Yellow) Hope' for all Asians and all minority groups. Are efforts made by TV producers truly motivated by a desire minorities lest the show become 'too ethnic' for change? Are we settling here? Or is there really no point in my To do so would be to assume that people who fall under the gen To prevent the show from becoming 'too ethnic' or too con angry tirades? eral category of 'Asians' are all part of the same ethnic mass, when centrated on minority characterisation, most TV shows relegate each group has clear distinctions. Perhaps in a sense, I am being self-righteous in my indigna our token minority players to the sidelines, either as a sidekick or tion, for I, too, propagate the arduous cycle of stereotyping. Of course, recognising that different racial groups have diverse as a secondary character. Perhaps ignorance really is bliss. But being ceaselessly inundated values is crucial, and sometimes TV shows fall in the trap of prop This fear of the TV bigwigs is probably why we hardly (if ever) by image after image that solidifies the status quo, and not seeing agating stereotypes under the guise of diversity appreciation. It is see certain minority groups like First Nations people, Southeast yourself represented in television, can have harmful effects. It even more offensive when the token minority character amid an Asians, and Muslims. Still, such an excuse should not always invalidates your lifestyle and makes you believe that the standard at UBC otherwise all-Caucasian cast brings to life stereotype after stereo mean that other people suffer as a result It is imperative that white upper middle-class tradition is normal-that your experi x type. It is as though TV show producers are clamoring to jump on - diverse lifestyles are shown, if only to show that in multicultural ences are not valid. At least I am taking a decisive stance. • BEGGAR'S Three black kids, three white dogs Dream casting the motherland: OPERA s \ by George Fulfer alienation, wounding, radical difference, fear and even revul and gesture, through friendly smiles, expressionless self-pro innocence found sion. Returning safely to white Winnipeg removed the chance tective stares, and eyes of anger and hostility. Each personal by Adam Rudder "But the problem is power. The JQHIM GAY 4 I So I'm a little white boy hi a nice clean, white world-Kingston, of further encounter and indoctrination. •' J> encounter is loaded with responses whose genesis lurks in the hatred, manifest from violence Ontario, 1928. Difference didn't really threaten. How could it?- ,* But did it? Who vyere^ these Frerich-speaking'pepplS acjrossY white man has the power to enforce passed, that shadow that meanders FREE MOVE TO STORAGE t cippf. :TM mmiMiM&re of Islam is manifest through the per FREE BOXES vasiveness of racial harmony in mosques, to the activities of Muslim RESERVE NOW communities, and to interracial ANNACIS LOCK-UP marriages. McVeigh, Many people seem to have severe 'Christian.' misperceptions about Islam or Islam is not an NBC made-fee-; 5 2 7-0388 Muslims. These misperceptions are television movie, but is one of i present not only as media bias, but few religions that blatantly opj also extend to the general population ^ >- colour intolerance and racial jkelu- I regarding who Muslims are and dice. In Islam, Muslim's leajp^Jtnat In addition, 'Jbe^tj are many .0 *M 4 * P! what Islam is all about their intentions and actions almost Muslims, sucl^pg \u*£ Islam, also You can receive your dose of bla important, and that race i$T Irrele known as £|| Stlvenl-the folk tant media misrepresentations by vant ^7 singer wh^Stged his life through watching Thg^JAarine Some will argue that m%m is for Islam—a^tjjyself, who are white LIVE AND LEARN Prin, , gabs only, but this is l^from the Angl^monl. se movieVthrive on 'tr^f^am does not flpmjp'absan y ^^Cm/mbers of this society, we false images of the superioS^pr advanfeeover others, ouja seek to understand others JAPANESE! ivations of Muslims, but rather 3$^^KiV 'toe best pe^ instead of judging. Shakespeare to particular Muslim pie in the eyes <$te>d are thoas^ho once wrote, "There is no darkness women, are shown to be a voiceless are the most plbusy^l^mil^lS)''* but ignorance,' so let us seek the The Wascda Oregon Programs take North American and interna and weak people, forced to partake According to UN figures, there light through understanding and tional students to the prestigious Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan in what the media wants you to are around 1.1 billion Muslims education. A greater comprehen for academic programs of Japanese language and comparative US- believe are the evils of Islam. worldwide, and of these people, less sion of complete systems, including Japan Societies study: The unfounded fear of Islam was than 25 per cent are Arab, with the Islam, that have had and continue • Waseda Oregon Summer Japanese Program most vividly demonstrated during remaining 75 per cent residing to to have success in establishing a July 5-August 17,2001 the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, areas outside the Middle East, and global interracial community, • Waseda Oregon Transnational Program ' when CNN announced a search for identifying as Indonesians, Indians, should be seriously considered in January 15 - June 23, 2002 several Islamic-Arab terrorists. The Pakistanis, or Malaysians—to name seeking solutions to intolerance Scholarships of up to $1000 are available for the Transnational bomber turned out to be Timothy a few. and prejudice. • Program. For more information, contact: Waseda Oregon Office Portland State University Identity (800) 823-7938 www.wasedaoregon.org By Alan Tanq "I felt like a marginal man. I could identify with two cultures...but I was never at ease with either.' —Dr Miguel Tecson, March, 2000 If you visit the Museum of Anthropology, you may notice this quote on the wall. It comes from a small exhibition where Tecson explains his plight as a new immi grant to Vancouver to the 1950s. It is seldom that one quote sticks in the mind, but this quote unknowing ly nudged itself into mine. Is he asking for our pity or merely our acceptance? It hardly seems like a young man given the opportunities and riches of a new land can be considered a victim to any sense of the word. Yet my heart goes out to him as I con sider the struggles he must have endured to a different place, at a dif ferent time, when racial intolerance was to vogue. Or is it because I somehow see myself to his state ment? Vancouver is now 'the most Asian' city to North America, my Lonely Planet guide proudly declares. Why should I care, though? It is not like I relate to these people. What I really wanted to know was how many Australians there were in Canada. never once gave a second thought to claim when the question, "Where Yet I took a strange comfort to my identity or race back to Sydney, are you from?' is asked. Once to a knowing that there were Asian peo but why now in Vancouver? while, wondering eyes scanning my J ;;?7;'Y/*Y;7^ . ple toVancouver . But how could that Vancouver and Sydney are so simi features, while eyebrows meet to Y':7f-?K^-:7^ be? lar, but my whole life has changed confusion. 'Australian?" they ask I had been the secret president of since I arrived here. Vancouver has themselves. :: ( the Anti-Asian club for so long. I become a haven for my freedom, "Funny, you don't look • i^EW|EC0^Ap . would denounce all things Asian. I where the constraints of home; are Australian* has never been said to sofa/ from my spincL fa many way£ 7 State-of-the-art laboratories complement would mock their polyester | lotlitog, id |br the love of God, I hope it curse their Japanese cars, ridicule SlfmWriLidAV&lA.i 1 «rieve/is . Rage will hold no bounds if our68-acre on-siteLivingLaboratory. their 'pearl tea,' stare at them ru<% ^ 1 "Ypu,^si|n bbyl $20 dWunti' J |i evej^ dive into my well-rehearsed ly, and call them uncouth when they' shopkeeper declares fo me: soliloquy of race, culture and multi- •-. '^1_^7Y For more information, contact?-:: persisted in speaking loudly to Me, 'Asian boy?' What the hell culturalism to Australia. /0ka^MCENTREFORENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING someone two feet away from them. was he going on about? But instead Yet for the next couple of months SH Niagara College 4 4 Give me sheepskin, a Holden of starting a Freudian discussion I will continue to live my double life, (you call it 'GM' to Canada), and a about my identity, I walked away , telling myself I have no doubts / (905) 64M2$2ext. 4476 Tooheys any day. with a heavier wallet, ashamed that about my identity. All I know is oi•e-mail:enviro@niagarac,on,ca There had never been a battle my values could be so easily bought that I am not a victim and never between cultures to my mind. I *I am Australian" I proudly pro will be. • A Ubyssey Special Issue Race Issue Friday, March 16.2001 9 A visionary for First Nations education by Julia Christensen ence,' she says. At the House of Learning, it's Most UBC students have never been that sense of 'living in inside the First Nations House of two worlds' that Learning. They may have passed Archibald always keeps the building, noticing how its in mind. The longhouse, design distinguishes it from other she says, is intended to buildings on campus. But most stu be a "home away from dents probably don't know what home'—a world separate actually goes on inside the long- from the rest of the uni house. They probably don't know versity, where First about the dedicated people who Nations students can feel strive to make the House of safe, comfortable, and 'at Learning a "home away from home.' home' for First Nations students at "For aboriginal peo UBC. ple,' Archibald says, 'we And they are probably not aware get used to living in these, thatjo-ann Archibald, director of the different environments House of Learning, has been nation or worlds but we need to ally and internationally recognised have a place that feels for her life-long dedication to facili like us.' tating First Nations learning to the It was this same education system—for First Nations desire to create a place and non-native students alike. for First Nations people In 1995, Archibald received the that led her to consider a Justice Achievement Award, an career in teaching. international award from the Throughout her high National Association for Court school years, Archibald Management for her work to devel felt disappointed at the oping First Nations justice curricula. lack of First Nations rep In 2000, she also received a resentation to the cur National Aboriginal Achievement riculum. She was taught Award for her work as 'an agent of about the problems of change and unrivaled pioneer in aboriginal communities the advancement of First Nations in Canada and the histo education.' ry of the Iroquois, but Growing up just outside nothing about First Chilliwack, Archibald, a member of Nations history in BC. So JO-ANN ARCHIBALD: strives to create a home-away-from-home" for First Nations students at UBC. the Sto:lo people, was raised on the Archibald applied to UBC JULIA CHRISTENSEN PHOTO Sowahlie First Nation reserve. and was accepted into Life on the reserve was isolated the Faculty of Education. er. These support networks were pushed her to accept sions policy with UBC and worked but very happy, she says—a beauti "I was very much interested to equally important in helping to "I think what pushed me to take to create a new First Nations studies ful place to grow up, surrounded by learning more about First Nations raise Archibald's daughter, whom these leadership positions is program in the Faculty of Arts. Trek mountains, rivers, and fields. history and culture," she says. she feels benefited from all the fam because...they were opportunities to 2000 also set targets to increase Archibald feels quite fortunate 'Although when you grow up in the ily and friends she had surrounding make some positive changes in pro First Nations enrolment at UBC. because of her childhood experi community, you attend the various her as she grew up. grams or within the institution. I Archibald stresses the significance ences. She spent a lot of time play functions, at that time you don't While Archibald continued her was always much more interested of a major university like UBC look ing "in nature' with her friends on realise that's part of our work with the cultural centre, she to changing the institution to be a ing at what it can do to increase the the reserve. culture...That was part of being also began a Master's program part- better place for First Nations learn number of First Nations students Starting public school off-reserve Sto:lo but I didn't recognise it, of time at SFU. Her research focused ing, whether it's for the First on campus. when she was five marked a major course at the time.' on local First Nations curricula. Nations learners themselves or if But her biggest accomplishment transition in Archibald's life. Making the move to Vancouver Studying for her Master's', work it's about learning about First as director, says Archibald, is work Growing up on the reserve, she had was not easy for Archibald, and her ing at the centre, and raising a Nations.' ing to make the House of Learning a never felt different. She had never first year at university was a lonely daughter all at the same time, made As an aboriginal woman work home for First Nations students. felt uncomfortable. But life off the one. While she poured herself into for one of the most challenging peri ing at UBC, she feels she has a great "It is an intellectual home... reserve was different. her studies, she desperately missed ods of Archibald's life. Finding bal responsibility to the First Nations because there are many opportuni 'Of course, we always knew we her home community and felt ance was hard, she says. Her first community. "My teaching is to give ties here to learn about First Nations were different, in a sense. In the bewildered by the size and activity priority was giving her daughter a back [to the community] and I am people and First Nations issues. It's sense of who we were as Sto,:lo peo of the UBC campus. good home life. Work came second. there to serve,' she says. To First also an important cultural home— ple,' Archibald says. "I felt in high By her second year, Archibald had Graduate research was often left at Nations people, Archibald adds, we have lots of different cultural school especially that I knew I was managed to find a couple other First the bottom of the pile. But she knew community service is given more activities. It's a social home. It's a different culturally and there was a Nations • students at UBC, 'even it was something she had to do and priority than research. Working spiritual home. It's an emotional difference to where I lived. I could though there were very few First she pushed on. within the university is, therefore, home. I feel good about my part in sense that but at the same time I Nations students at that time,' and After Archibald received her very challenging because 'at univer making the house a home to that it didn't understand why...It was not they decided to rent an apartment Master'°ree, she pursued a PhD sity, research is a priority...and addresses all those areas.' an easy experience because you do together. program, again part-time, at SFU. community service is bottom of the Archibald's term as director will experience forms of racism...names After second year, Archibald Researching for, and writing, her list' end this June. As she looks back on that kids call you and that hurts.' married her long-term boyfriend PhD thesis was a seven-year process "I have the aboriginal world that her term at the House of Learning, Archibald says she chose to cre from Chilliwack. He moved with her as she continued to work full-time I am responsible to so I must she feels proud of what she has been ate her own identity, rather than to Vancouver, and she began her and raise her daughter. ensure that I meet those responsi able to accomplish. Looking forward accept any labels that others put on third year of university as a married Meanwhile, Archibald's work bilities but then I am also within to the future, she is excited about her. She did well to her studies. She woman. with the cultural centre ended and academia so I must work to meet things .to come. After she leaves the excelled to sports. She was popular. After Archibald graduated from she began working for the Native those responsibilities, too, and they longhouse, she plans to take a year's She was even prom queea a fact that UBC, she spent two years teaching Indian Education Program (NITEP). can clash...I choose to stay in acade leave, and will travel to London, she reveals with an embarrassed gig at an elementary school to North Most of the students were women mia because I think we need to have where her daughter lives. After her gle. Yet even though she did her best Vancouver before she and her hus with children, and were very moti First Nations indigenous knowledge sabbatical, she plans to return to to fit in, she still felt different. band decided to move back to vated, serious learners. This was within academia...it needs to have a teach in UBC's Faculty of Education. While all the reserve kids attend Chilliwack. There, Archibald taught Archibald's first experience teach place and it's my job to provide it,' "I'm really looking forward to it," ed elementary school, few made it at primary schools for several years ing adults and she loved it. she says. she says. "I really miss teaching to the high school level. Archibald before becoming involved with the Archibald was eventually Archibald has accomplished a lot courses. I find working with univer was one of only two First Nations Coqualeetza Cultural Centre. At the approached to fill the head position during her time as director of the sity students very invigorating." students in her graduating class. centre, she worked with other teach at NITEP. Though initially doubting House of Learning. A First Nations For now, Archibald will continue What helped her graduate,when ers and elders to develop curricu her abilities, Archibald decided to library, child-care centre, and fully- her hectic life, still trying to balance others dropped out, she says, was lum for elementary and secondary take the job. She packed up her equipped computer lab; Were all all that is important to her. When the support she received from the students that looked at the history daughter and moved again to established under her leadership. . she does get some free time, she lis town and "something inside" her of the Sto:lo people. Vancouver, a decision she didn't She has also worked extensively tens to the child inside of her who that pushed her to work hard and By this time, Archibald had given regret with the University of Auckland to still wants to play "in nature," and study. birth to her only child, a daughter. While heading NITEP, Archibald New Zealand as she is director for goes for long walks to the woods or Archibald says that going to pub- Tragically, . two years after her also worked with Master's students the International Research Institute on the beach. It was that same child he school and then returning home daughter's birth, Archibald's hus and taught a few courses at UBC. for Maori , and Indigenous inside, frustrated with the lack of to the reserve each day was her first band was killed in a car accident Then the position of director at Education—an institute that is work First Nations material in her high experience living in 'two different The support of the Sowahlie UBC's House of Learning became ing to share resources, perform col school courses, that has pushed worlds.' community, and the Archibald and available, and she was approached laborative research and provide Archibald to make all of the great leaps that she has made throughout 'A lot of our elders say we have her late husband's families, helped to apply. Again she resisted, fearing staff/student, and faculty exchanges. her career. And First Nations edu to learn to live in two different her overcome many of the obstacles she didn't have what it would take. Archibald also successfully cation is stronger for it • worlds and I really feel that differ she faced as a working single moth- Something inside of her, however, developed an aboriginal admis 10 Friday, March 16,2001 Race Issue A Ubyssey Special Issue grandfather's early death at the age of 45. and the larger Chinese com by Kim The In 1906, Wong's father came to Canada at munity. He has been fight the age of 15 and paid the $500 head tax. ing for it since the CNCC "Nobqdy outlives Gim here," boasts Gim Years later he went back to China after the first lobbied for redress in Wong, a sharp and robust 78-year-old who will First World War to get married, due to the lack 1984. proudly parade his zest for life when given a of Chinese women in Vancouver's Chinatown. Wong says that after a sympathetic ear. When his mother arrived in 1919, she had to man named Mr. Mark Wong, clad in a plaid shirt, gray slacks and pay the $500 head tax too. Wong compares his approached his MP, his purple felt army beret, stands with an mother's exodus from China to Canada to that Margaret Mitchell, in 1984 extended, clenched fist and furrowed brow, of the hundreds of Fujian boat migrants who to help him get his head tax while singing the last words to the Canadian landed to several boat loads at the Canadian money back with interest, national anthem in a wavering voice. He Forces Base on Vancouver Island, beginning the council in Toronto smiles upon hearing my applause and laugh to July, 1999 under similar dire conditions. received over 2400 claims ter and tells me that his love for amateur His mom told him that she never left her bunk from head tax payers, most singing only draws negative remarks from his in the bottom of the filthy junk during the 20 ly from BC. family. day voyage. In 1988, Prime Minister Not only is Wong probably, as he claims, After landing in Vancouver, Wong's mother Brian Mulroney settled the one of the few Chinese Canadians who can was interred and quarantined with the surviv Japanese redress and paid a sing both the American and Canadian nation ing Chinese women at the bottom of Burrard total of $600 million, about al anthems, he is also one of the few surviving Street, for more than one month to unsanitary $21,000 to each surviving Chinese-Canadian army veterans. He dodged conditions. interned victim to symbolic bullets and deked out enemy planes as an avi Wong and his parents worked to the laun compensation. The success ator and gunner during the Second World dry along with his uncles, who first estab of this settlement encour War. More recently, he earned a reputation for lished the business in Vancouver's Chinatown. aged the Chinese-Canadian being one of the few Asian race-car drivers, by Then, in 1923 the federal government community to push for their speeding around tracks along the coast for 11 passed a harsher law, known as the Chinese own redress ' movement. years. Immigration Act or the .Exclusion Act which However, despite the 4000 Since the 1950s, Wong has spent about barred all Chinese immigrants from entering or so claims that were gath seven months in jail on various charges, Canada. Wong says that such overt racism ered and presented to the including disturbing the peace, obstructing directed at the Chinese community created a government in 1993, the TAKING ACTION: Gim Wong stands proud in his Army justice and swearing at the Crown. But most bachelor society in Canada and separated fam community was only beret, KIM THE PHOTO notably, he is one of the few Chinese- ilies for 24 years. His eldest uncle only got to awarded an apology from Canadians from his generation whose many see his son and daughter once, when he went Secretary of State, Sheila Finestone. dents here, whereas the Chinese were immi encounters with racism have goaded him to back to China for one year. The class action lawsuit, drawn up in grants. The Japanese had no choice. There's become a rabble-rousing activist, seeking A trip home meant that you had 'to give up November, was filed in December due to the no parallel here." redress for the former Chinese Head Tax and the farm and pack up all your stuff, you would government's rejection of the claims and Both Roy Mah and On Lim, whose fathers Exclusion Act in Canada. go for one year and then have to start all over refusal to compensate those Chinese- had to pay head taxes upon entering Canada, After thousands of Chinese helped build again, completely broke," said Wong. Canadians who incurred race-based taxes. If agree that Chinese were not forced to come to the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885, Chinese Although Wong was born and raised in the lawsuit is rejected or dismissed, Wong Canada. Although Mah admits that it was a immigrants were forced to pay a head tax Vancouver's Chinatown, he has felt the effects says that he will speak to the United Nations. racist law targeted at Chinese, he compares upon entering Canada. The price started at of these racist laws, which continue to rever Sid Tan, a member of VACC and an activist paying the head tax to paying an admission fee $50, was raised to $100 to 1890 and was berate today. Wong cites racist encounters and and local community television producer, is at a theatre or a license fee for a hunting or $500 between the years of 1904 and 1923. fights he has had with police and tenants over another descendent who is tenaciously seek fishing permit. He says that the Chinese were During this period, white Canadians feared the years as examples of existing racism. ing redress for his grandparents. Tan wants' given the opportunity for a better life to the 'mongolianisation of BC and the so-called Wong now wants to speak for his 'voiceless' the '$1.2 billion (compounded amount) taken Canada, which came with a price. yellow peril.' descendants. Along with about 50 head tax from the Lo Wah Kiu [Old overseas Chinese]" Mah asserts that in China, the Chinese who Wong recounts the hardships that his payers, their wives and descendants, Wong in head taxes to be given back. "In those days came to Canada were not considered 'victims,' grandfather, father, and mother experienced has signed up to be a plaintiff for the class $500 was a lot of money. It could buy you two but, rather, the 'the cream of society,' who when they came to North America to the action lawsuit that was filed on December 18, houses today,' says Tan. were privileged and fortunate. Although early 1900s. His maternal grandfather 2000 by the representative plaintiffs, 93-year- His grandfather, Chow Gim Tan, managed angered by the unfair Exclusion Act, which docked at New York to a dilapidated junk old head tax payer Shack Jang Mak, 89-year- to raise $500 and came to Saskatchewan they call, the "Humiliation Act,' Mah and Lim after being barred from landing at other old widow Quen-ying Lee and her 50-year-old because of the confiscation of his property to do not want individual compensation. They ports, including Vancouver, Victoria, San son Yew Lee, against the Canadian federal gov China during the 1949 Chinese Cultural argue that since most of the head tax payers Francisco, and Honolulu. His wife didn't find ernment for the $ 18.9-24 million that was col Revolution, and the repeal of the Exclusion have died, they would rather have the govern out that he had arrived safely in New York lected in head taxes under the Exclusion Act Act In Saskatchewan, "he became a cook, paid ment offer a formal apology and collective until one year later. Wong says that most of his Chinese friends his taxes and contributed to charity, while sep compensation that would go to establishing For the next six or seven years, Wong's from his generation do not understand his arated for a,quarter century from his wife and 'an education fund that could include a chap grandfather laboured as a houseboy. Wong adamancy to advocating the need for redress. family in China," says Tan. ter on this part of history in textbooks to pre explains that the poor living conditions and But Wong has remained resolute and deter Tan is the only voice left who can speak for vent mistakes from occurring again.' Mah cold weather probably accounted for his mined to bring justice to his 30 relatives (most his grandmother. She has told him of her fear also suggests that a few million dollars could of whom are deceased), who were vic in claiming her rights. "No, what if they.come be used 'to build a landmark commemorating tims of discrimination and segrega and tie you up and kill you?" Tan is riot sur the Exclusion Act* tion. . . prised by the intense terror that his grand Yuen, Lim and Mah all acknowledge that . The majority of the people who mother feels due to the amount of suffering racism did exist while they were growing up. support redress are descendants of she has undergone. Yuen recalls that his schoolteacher replaced head-tax payers. Out of the approxi Another supporter of the redress his Chinese name with an English one. Lim mate 81,000 head tax payers, there movement is Chinese-Canadian author, recalls that the Chinese were not allowed to are about 200 alive today. singer/songwriter Sean Gunn. Korean born move outside of Vancouver's Chinatown, Victor Wong is a Canadian-born author, singer/songwriter Qloydda ShinE while Mah remembers the segregated Asian descendant speaking on behalf of his joins Gunn in singing the song, "Head Tax schools. All three' speak of being denied the grandparents, who had to pay head Blues,' to raise awareness about these racist opportunity of professional jobs, and of being taxes. Wong was the founder, and is issues. Although ShinE and her family refused entry into places. But despite'having currently the executive director, of weren't affected by racist legislation, she endured such overt racism, they have perse the Vancouver Association of Chinese believes that she should fight for this cause vered and have not harboured deep animosi Canadians, a chapter of the Canadian because she has an interest in human justice. ty or resentment towards white Canadians. Chinese National Council (CCNC), ShinE notes that "history is a part of our cel What remains to be answered is why peo which helped make court action pos lular conscious memory, time doesn't make ple from the same generation, with similar sible. things better.' experiences, have such opposing perspectives. Wong recalls that he didn't actual But to opposition to these redress advoca It seems the definition of oppression is very ly learn about a racist history against tors, who refuse to forget this aspect of histo subjective and relative. (lie Chinese until he went to UBC. At ry, are those who do not support the redress And why is it that the larger Chinese com home, the past was not talked about movement munity is not interested in the redress move n gularly. Wong says that because of My own grandfather; David Yuen, has ment? the Exclusion Act, his grandfather, accepted the injustices of history and moved The complexities of this contentious issue who entered Canada to 1912, visited on. Yuen, concedes that although his father are manifold and ambiguous. Hopefully, what his wife to China only four times over came to Victoria in the early 1900s, when the larger Chinese community can agree upon 21 years. racist laws were enacted, one has to accept is the need to increase awareness and educate After the Exclusion Act was that that was the law then. the general public about a significant part of repealed in 1947, Wong's father "The Chinese immigrants that came from Canadian history that has resonated through moved to Canada in 1950, and got China weren't forced to come to Canada, it's the consciousness of several generations of ARTISTS RAISING AWARENESS: SidTan (bottom married in 1958. Such family frag not like the Japanese-Canadians who were Chinese Canadians. • left), Sean Gunn (top left), Gtoydda ShinE (right) mentation has led Wong to seek forced to evacuate the Pacific coast," he said. seek to raise head tax awareness, KIM THE PHOTO redress for his parents/grandparents "The difference is that the Japanese were resi- A Ubyssey Special Issue Race Issue Friday, March 16,2001 11 Immigrants face discrimination by Andrew Kostyniuk French or British. In the next half century, several million attitudes towards visible minorities appear to lead to immigrants, primarily from northern Europe, were let to to the sub-standard housing. "They're taking all our jobs!" A couple of years ago, I heard this country as it expanded westward. The all-time peak in immi Racial barriers to gaining employment include problems to misinformed opinion from people my own age much more gration was reached in 1913, with 400,000 new immigrants attaining recognition of foreign credentials, a lack of Canadian often than I had expected. It was made to the context of the arriving. experience and problems gaining acceptance by professional near-hysteria to BC over the boatloads of Chinese refugees who Until the late 1960s, Canada's official policy was to prefer associations and colleges. These difficulties are particularly had arrived on the icy shores of Vancouver Island. Numerous entially accept immigrants from Europe. The first large influx noticeable in the fields of engineering and medicine. discussions at the time brought me to the realisation that It was*. of immigrants from South and East Asia came in the 1970s. Many immigrants with professional qualifications and a bit naive; I had assumed that this kind of ugly rhetoric had all * Since*theaC mOs,t Canadian'tities' h^ve become' much rdpre experience find they are warmly invited to Canada, but have but died out in Canada. Evidently not • -' interesting places to live, but the problem of anti-immigrant great difficulty having their credentials accepted and finding BC is the second most popular Canadian' destination for ahd refugee sentiments ha? continued. \ , \ J / work-in even remotely related jobs. People who leave their immigrants, with 40,000-45,000 people arriving each year Frieserf states that rnany of the current problems with home countries as refugees often arrive in Canada without offi from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. This racism against immigrants to Vancouver are linked to the cial copies of their credentials. Often unable to return for them, number includes about 2 700 refugees, the great majority of 'shift to source countries over the last ten years.' There are these immigrants are forced to abandon the hope of ever whom originate from Africa. Among the refugees, about 1100 now many more immigrants from countries like Africa, Iran, achieving recognition to Canada. This has lead to the Canadian are conventional refugees who are government and/or group Iraq and Afghanistan—groups that have experienced extensive stereotype of the immigrant doctor delivering pizzas or doing sponsored, while the rest are asylum seekers or refugee discrimination while working tasSettle into their new home. housework. claimants—people who left their home countries fearing for The growth of our coujotity nasAeen closely tied to immir In 1997, the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) their lives. gration (without the con thgforiginal inhabitants, mind ordered Health Canada to introduce quotas for the promotion Refugee claimants who have yet to be granted citizenship you), but systemic racis' rhaps due to this, become of visible minorities to senior management positions after rul (which can take up to 12 years), lack the basic sense of securi deeply embedded^ 0 totinues to pursue policies ing that 'systematic* racial discrimination within the govern ty that most of us take for granted. In Canada, they can be such as mani all prospective immigrants. ment has "bottlenecked' minorities to scientific and profes detained and held for an indefinite period of time, without This propo; Immigration Canada involves sional fields. The CHRC study found 'significant underrepre- charges of criminal wrongdoing and without any given rea the exc n| st positive for the virus from sentation' that could not be explained by disinterest or lack of sons. The Chinese refugees fall under this category, and 20 are e family-sponsored indi skills. still being detained. The reasoning behind this treatment te^ um non-European coun- Historically, immigrants to Canada have been able to that asylum seekers are considered a 'security riskyby ou|ju*oi- s, is considerably achieve equitable employment and income rates after 15 cial system. hi" the recommendation of years, but now more and more immigrants are economically Refugees may be held in detention until attend depor- UNAI. twapnalefor marginalised. A 1998 study of immigrants and refugees who tation hearings. The number of people deporl d from Canadfe festricting ^„ »f residence oti arrived in BC between 1991 and 1996 found that 52 per cent jumped from 2379 to 1989 to 8296 in 1993, je-quarters olU grounds of HTvS^UI were living in poverty. Typically, unemployment rates to the whom were not considered to be criminals. The systematic sed rapjsnTour'^vern- Lower Mainland among recent immigrants are double those of Chris Friesen, director of Settlement Se ces of the ent and legal system the di^p^*r^sulWMthem non-immigrants. Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia [. |SBC), said .modeled by the furah#oup^T3%<||y's The myth of reverse-racism is sometimes raised to refer that the millions of dollars spent annually by the imigrant .jantSculturaT society, ence to immigrants and employment In truth, reverse-racism and Refugee Board on the detention of refug||feg I be spent unable to dispense fair even-handednreatment ti serves as an excuse for racism. The barriers encountered by much more constructively. Friesen also notes|nes fck of appeal corffi%d!bre them. \ males to the work place are inconsequential when com- mechanisms to review the findings of the heari . He further On uiebrighter sidef there have been a number of recent pag^oSwith those experienced by women, visible minorities, cites Canada's deportation of torture survivori ack to coun- developmfjfts to ease toV&fljeyifes faced byftv^mmigrants^ inmusrants and refugees. a tries where torture is routinely practised. and refugees toj&ncouver. AmonMhese is the^ening affile L ?w|g?issues are also at the core of much racist reaction. Most people would likely agree that claiman|s^|^io have Bridge Commulitv Health Clinic, wtacfi|s JTRefi|ee Chnic ImmMraion adjlpsj.es such as Friesen put much of the blame committed violent crimes here in Canada should immediately specifically targeting the health' neeoVba refugees in ori.the l^cjs, of*€ comprehensive ESL policy framework in BC. be sent back to their country of origin. This contrasts sharplyiiw Vancouver. This project, the first one of its kirid*J& Canada, waj Atfottt $20 million is spent annually on adult ESL education to with the idea of detaining refugee claimants for up to 15 rffiplea^ejgjed through a partnership between Bt^but toarserves to provide immigrants and refugees with months without hearings, which is unacceptable on human Vancouver/pucfMMd^H^al^^pJf^ISSBC, and Provide, diuy\a.t Want to know more about government services for you? • Looking for a new job • Taking parental leave • Starting your own business • Planning your retirement • Getting access to the Internet • Making your home energy efficient Learn more about the hundreds of services available. Call us and talk to an agent in person. Visit our Web site. Or drop by the Service Canada Access Centre nearest you. 1800 O-Canada TTY/TDD 1800 465-7735 www.canada.gc.ca (1800 622-6232) Canada 12Friday , March i6,2001 Race Issue A Ubyssey Special Issue &**. J J 'rlTlJ This review of Reflection Eternal's first album, originally titled heavy rotation, the Train of Thought seemed to be missing the stack of discs on top of my Train of Thought, comes a year late, but the album took a cool some chug. It seemed too standard issue, just Hi-Tek beats and stereo. More than that, it reaf minute to grow on me. Kweli braggadocio. Dope for sure, but for the most part, not the firmed my faith in hip hop as Part of my delayed reaction was due to expectations. Ever type of shit that would make you want to pull a Fela and declare a continuation of Afrikan oral since popping up around '95, Talib Kweli's image has been that your backyard an independent republic. traditions. of 'a thinking person's emcee,' a socially-conscious lyricist who There were exceptions, of course. "Love Language" deserves Kweli's beautifully crafted consistently drops lessons to his rhymes. His penchant for honourable mention for being only mildly corny despite having narrative weaves its way politically-charged content continued on subsequent releases. it's chorus sung to French. The lovely and talented first name around Simone's four stories, By the time The Human Element— Kweli's scathing indict Dante last name Beze makes two appearances: on the chorus of paraphrasing and quoting at ment of the US criminal justice system and the death penalty- 'Some Kind of Wonderful," and trading verses with Kweli on points, distinguishing itself at dropped in early 2000,1 was keyed-up and sweaty, waiting for "This Means You' ("Smog in the city ain't no good for your others, but always remaining true. By paying homage to Reflection Eternal's first full-length to hit the pavement The healthl'); automatically bumping both of these songs onto my Simone, Kweli reasserts hip-hop's birthright as the grandchild upcoming Train ofThoughtwas going to be a manifesto, a call lazy Sunday morning play list "The Blast' makes you want to sit of soul and gospel, offspring of reggae and funk, a fledgling to arms, phase two of the Pan Afrikan socialist revolution to on your front steps to the sunshine and smile, nodding your branch on a family tree whose trunk is the field songs and spir hip hop that dead prez sparked on their album. Let's Get Tree. head, sipping mango juice, and pausing only to sing along ituals of slavery days, and whose roots push back across the After my first few listens to Train of Thought, though, I felt let when Vinia Mojica chimes to. The incredible 'Africa Dream' Atlantic to the continent. down. starts with a Zimbabwean proverb: "If you could talk you could 'For Women' exemplifies the many levels of resistance that It's not as if the hi-teknology-no-ordtoary-brother and the sing, if you could walk you could dance," then brings ancestral have been and continue to be a hallmark of Black life and man whose name is in the middle of equality came completely spirits to life between your headphones for the next three min expression to the face of downpression. Kweli's detached, incorrect The intro to their album, "Experience Dedication," utes. 'Good Mourning* features a sombre Hi-Tek track, which almost resigned end to the song: "Folks 'round here call me aptly illustrated that the duo was still building from a solid foun Kweli uses to reflect on death before asserting the need to cele Peaches, guess that's my name,' is markedly different from the dation: "all the political prisoners, social prisoners, freedom brate life. embattled, fed-up and ready to throw down "THEY CALL ME fighters, graffiti writers, grass-roots organisers... we don't rep The real jewel on this album, though, is the final song, PEACHES!' that Simone ends with, just as the start of Reflection resent the streets, we represent the folks to them.' Kweli's take on Nina Simone's 'Four Womea" Titled "For Eternal's album is not the same as the abeng blast that sets off But compare this to the words of Chairman Omali Yeshitela Women,' I was a •.little leery of it at first In a genre where Let's Get Free. Dead prez's album and Nina Simone's song on "Wolves,' the first track off of dead prez's album— women's voices are so rarely heard, it seemed a little counter- assert that the time for decisive action is now. Kweli and Hi- "Imperialism— white power— is the enemy when it first came to progressive to have a male emcee-even one as astute as Talib Tek—while no less defiant and equally aware that the proverbial Afrika, snatched up the first Afrikan, brought us here against Kweli-telling their stories for them. But after listening to the fit will hit the shan at some point—are more abiding, willing to our will, is the enemy today,'—and you can see that that fire, song, and to the Nina Simone original, then to the 2000 version endure hardship a little while longer'while the people continue that sense of uhuru sasa urgency isn't as prevalent on Kweli again, I was converted. to sharpen their tools. And until that day when they "hear fate and Tek's offering.- "For Women' (along with my gradual realisation that, even calling,' they remain "freedom fighters ready to attack at the crack of a new day dawning.' • So, if Reflection Eternal's album wasn't the trumpet blast to if he seems to be to T3attle' mode for most of this album, Kweli shake down the walls of Jericho, another small axe to the big is consistently seasoning his boasts with wisdom) made this tree of Babylon, then what was it? Even after a week or so on album for me, moving it from the shoebox under my bed up to -Mwafu Jan Peeters-Kasengeneke msc Top Ten reasons to read i * THEUBYSSEY .&i.J l - '- •> 7 L-»(-.-J..i.iJj 1. Better than Arts Our Picture of Health County Fair. 2. Soft and absorbent. We've been rated as a leader in Canada's health care system for the second year in a tow by the Canadian Institute of Health Information and Maclean's magazine. Today, Capital Health stands as one of the largest integrated academic health regions in the country with several hospitals, care centres, public health programs and quality 3. Full of great ideas. facilities. We serve a local community of more than 800,000 residents and provide specialized services to another 400,000 people in northern and central Alberta, the Northwest Territories and, at times, BC and Saskatchewan. Explore these new employment opportunites for: Graduate Nurses 4. Patrick Bruskiewich. Where Various locations including; the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), University of Alberta Hospital (UAH), Gtenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH); 5. No naked pictures Home Care and the Grey Nuns Community Hospital (GNCH) & Misericordia Community Hospital (MCH). Placement to be based on tamonton, Aioena operational needs and will be discussed at the time of interview. is a great place to live. of Karen Benson. Status Edmonton has many fine Full Time Regular (FTR) learning opportunities with a requirement to actively seek employment on permanent Registered Nurse vacancies qualities including one of available across Capital Health once you attain your RN status and within one year of appointment. the strongest economies in 6. What are you going What We Offer the country. Our cost of living is exceptional with • An extended orientation period based on individual development needs under the guidance of a clinical educator, clinical supervisor affordable housing, and no to do—read The and/or on a 'buddy'' basis with an RN to build clinical confidence. provincial sales tax. • An opportunity to grew with one of Canadas most innovative and interesting health care systems. Quality of life in Edmonton Poinf? • Full time employment with benefits. is equally attractive. Our FTE & Departments river valley is the world's largest urban forest with Up to 100 Full Time Regular (FTR) positions are available in PICU, NICU, Child Health, Home Care; Medicine, Surgery, Neurosciences, elaborate, all-season trails, Northern Alberta Renal Programs, Burns, Rehabilitation and Geriatric programs. Other programs may be added depending on operational 7. Fifty minutes is a parks and golf courses. Banff requirements. Note: All programs are not available at all sites. National Park is a five-hour long time to listen to Qualifications drive, and Jasper National Successful completion of 3 basic nursing program during Spring 2001 and writing CRNE in June, 2001. Possession of temporary nursing Park is only a three-hour some old guy talk. permit with the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses (AARN) prior to commencement Current CPR certification. Personal suitability drive away. West Edmonton including enthusiasm, commitment to nursing principles and professionalism, strong communication and interpersonal skills with Mall is as popular a demonstrated ability to problem solve within a team environment. Must be available to start in May, 2001. Must have a vehicle and valid destination here in town. driver's license for Home Care positions. We are home to professional and amateur sports teams, 8. Beats watching Questions? and the largest volunteer For RAH, UAH, GRH & Home Care: Contact our Nurse Recruitment Officers at (780) 491-5518 (toll free 1-877-648-4127) recreation program in North Letterman. or (780) 407-7666 (toll free 1-877-488-4860). America, as well as a vibrant For GNCH & MCH: Contact our Recruitment Coordinator at (780) 930-5244 or (toll-free 1-877-450-7555). and diverse multicultural How do I apply? arts community. All contribute to the spirit of our city, 9. No megaphones. For RAH, UAH, GRH & Home Care: especially now as we prepare to Send your resume, quoting Competition #HR-0060-RS-NF and clearly stating three (3) interest areas and site preferences to: Regional Human host the 2001 World Resources, 10th Floor, Harley Court Building 10045-111 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 2M5 or FAX: (780) 408-5959 or Email (text only) to Championships in Athletics. [email protected] 10. We're the shit. For GNCH & MCH: Send your resume, quoting Competition #VR-08101/MH clearly stating three (3) interest areas and site preferences to: Human Resource . Services, 16940-87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5R 4H5 or FAX: (780) 930-5957 or E-mail to [email protected] ===== * Capital Closing Date: March 27,2001 m= = Health Healthier People in Healthier Communities TUP IIRVQQITV Capital Health promotes a smoke-free environment. Applicants may be required to pass a skills assessment test. I lit. uu 1 vub 1 All employees new to Capital Health must provide a criminal records check, QUOTAS illll HEALTH GROUP Narcissists since 1918.