Of course, the occupation is over. However, the fears of further polarisation and deepening divide have grown many folds deep inside.
Of course, we deserve relief now, but healing is more important to begin. Recovery would only be easy by taking stock of what happened. We need answers to questions such as:
– In which areas did we go backwards for many years?
– Although the covid mandate might have ignited the spark, how did white supremacy and systemic racism influence all sides’ significant actions and critical decisions?
– What influenced the Ottawa police board to change horses midstream?
– What did we lose during this occupation?
– What elements, resources and levels of responsibility were critical to ending the occupation, and what/who delayed putting them in place for weeks?
Answers to these basic questions are critical in progressing on the more significant issues of restoring community trust and addressing systemic racism.
I heard many in the community expressing fear and losing hope that racism would ever end. But we don’t have to believe in the possibility of a utopia to know that change is possible.
Despite the challenges, we can collectively transform ourselves and our communities for the better. Becoming aware of our individual and collective racial ignorance is possible. Therefore, lessons from the tragedy of occupation are essential.
Mobilization for compassion and kindness is still possible. Harm reduction is still possible. Building coalitions to address hate is still possible. Creating joy and opportunities for love and understanding is still possible.
Learning from the tragedy of the recent occupation of Ottawa, there are many things we all can do as individuals, organizations, and institutions to not only become more knowledgeable about systems of discrimination but also to leverage our knowledge to bring about some of the positive change we’d like to see.
Emotions ran high as numerous arrests were made Saturday, more trucks left and police gained ground.
#systemicracism #racism #discrimination #whiteprivilege #whitesuperemacy #police #community
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