Not many years ago, 1960s, many of Canada’s
healthcare facilities were overrun with persons all of whom “self-identified” as being anyone or
anything from Adam and Eve, birds of various types, Crazy –horse, Elvis, Geronimo,
God, Hitler, even Martian astronauts. Of course, in those days such health care
facilities were called institutions, sanatoriums, insane asylums and the
patients were considered “Nuts”. Now in this age of political correctness, we have “Mental Health”
facilities and such people have “Severely Handicapped-- Status”.
Canadian society has traditionally included and still includes radical forms of racial/religious ostracisation, segregation and persecution, in all facets of social life. While not enshrined in law, it existed nevertheless in informal ways; in terms of how things were done, and how people understood the "place" of those who were not of European background. [Ostracise to exclude, by general consent, special law, or treaty; from society, friendship, conversation, privileges, etch.] From where people could live and/or receive their education, to where people could rest for eternity, the segregation and separation of African, Asian, Indigenous/tribal peoples from Caucasians ‘Whites”, in life and in death, has always been and continues to be an ever growing—highly dangerous, and wholly irrational, feature of the Canadian landscape.
Canadian society has traditionally included and still includes radical forms of racial/religious ostracisation, segregation and persecution, in all facets of social life. While not enshrined in law, it existed nevertheless in informal ways; in terms of how things were done, and how people understood the "place" of those who were not of European background. [Ostracise to exclude, by general consent, special law, or treaty; from society, friendship, conversation, privileges, etch.] From where people could live and/or receive their education, to where people could rest for eternity, the segregation and separation of African, Asian, Indigenous/tribal peoples from Caucasians ‘Whites”, in life and in death, has always been and continues to be an ever growing—highly dangerous, and wholly irrational, feature of the Canadian landscape.
Non-separated,
non-segregated lands- public, separated, non-segregated schools are perhaps among
the best of all possible places for The
Brotherhood of Canada-
Canadians to learn about each
other, to share and
develop common ideas, and to cherish similar values. They touch our young
people and create lasting knowledge from which they can become good citizens.
Not many years ago, 1960s, many of Canada’s healthcare facilities were overrun with persons all of whom “self-identified” as being anyone or anything from Adam and Eve, birds of various types, Crazy –horse, Elvis, Geronimo, God, Hitler, even Martian astronauts. Of course, in those days such health care facilities were called institutions, sanatoriums, insane asylums and the patients were considered “Nuts”. Now in this age of political correctness, we have “Mental Health” facilities and such people have “Severely Handicapped-- Status”.
Not many years ago, 1960s, many of Canada’s healthcare facilities were overrun with persons all of whom “self-identified” as being anyone or anything from Adam and Eve, birds of various types, Crazy –horse, Elvis, Geronimo, God, Hitler, even Martian astronauts. Of course, in those days such health care facilities were called institutions, sanatoriums, insane asylums and the patients were considered “Nuts”. Now in this age of political correctness, we have “Mental Health” facilities and such people have “Severely Handicapped-- Status”.
CANADIANS,
not polka dots, stripes, or even PATCHWORKS..Canadians are All brothers. Hybrids, mongrals, yes, that is what makes us CANADIANS. Eventually most come to accept this; and CHERISH its TRUTH. Some just need to throw up a bit of a smoke screen before actuallyadmitting it and saying so.
©Al (Alex-Alexander) D. Girvan. All righrs reserved.
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