Dear Editor
Re: “What people think but dare not say” and Why does Burnaby have to take refugees,” Letters to the editor, Burnaby NOW.
Even as many of us celebrate our respective wisdom traditions, I see we are understandably haunted by fear.
Every time I see evidence of ethnocentrism, xenophobia and racism, I am haunted by memories of being stoned and called racial slurs walking to and from school, being bullied on playgrounds, my mother and grandmother having eggs thrown at them on their way to prayers, my uncle being beaten, a race riot that almost started outside my community’s house of worship. I am reminded of the uncomfortable truths of being denied rental housing and the consequences of deliberately not anglicizing my name.
As a South Asian Ugandan, my family was forced to flee persecution, as were many settlers before us.
Lest I forget, I remember the example of all the volunteers, organizations, faith-based communities and civic institutions whose response to fear is choosing to serve higher values.
In their honour, I give thanks and say welcome.
As a Canadian, I choose courage.
NoorKhan S. Bawa, by email
