Toronto didn't invent the G20, we didn't invite the G20, we don't want the G20, our Mayor even uninvited the G20. Although the Conservatives are in power in Canada - not a single one of them was elected from Toronto - despite all of this we're getting the G20 and all the headaches that come with it. So I'm asking you not to make it worse than it has to be.
Toronto certainly has its faults but we try hard. Toronto is the most multi-cultural city in the world, 52% of Torontonians were born outside the country, and have come seeking peace and security from everywhere in the world. Despite having Jews and Palestinians, Serbs and Croats, Tutsis and Hutus, Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites, Turks and Armenians living side by side we remain (unless you happen to belong to a drug gang) one of the safest cities in Canada - which by international standards is a fairly safe country. (We also have one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world.)
The citizens of Toronto are deeply involved in every aspect of this city and if you wander it's streets you will see acts of kindness and generosity. We understand big cities aren't particularly good for the enviornment but we're doing what we can - there is a tax on plastic bags, curbside recycling and composting, we've banned most pesticides, implemented a green roof bylaw and have a good and improving public transit system.
In other words - most Torontonians are proud of our city and work hard to make it good and keep making it better.
By all means come. By all means protest the G20 (there is nothing about the G20 that is good for the world.) But please bear in mind that you are guests in the city we love. Don't hurt people - don't damage the place we live. We work hard to keep it a good place to be and Stephen Harper decided to hold it here not because he likes us, but because he wants any damage done to be in the city where he enjoys the least support. Don't play into his hands.
Monday, June 14, 2010
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4 comments:
As an alternative strategy for dealing with the authorities, we might look here for an inspiration:
http://the-legion-of-decency.blogspot.com/2010/06/hannibal-at-gates-of-toronto.html
It's an amusing concept, if nothing else.
Two problematic things:
The term "Jew" is a religious cultural term. Jews and Palestinians aren't in conflict. The term you are looking for is either Zionist Jews or Israelies, which designate a narrower political affiliation.
Also, Toronto Pride is being boycotted by a number of folk for their policy on censorship. I would hardly tout their presence with "pride" right now. Several of the past recipients of the Pride awards have returned their awards and many who were meant to receive have declined due to the festival's corporate right-wing stance.
Otherwise, good blog. It is refreshing to hear this from one of my favourite cities.
I understand both of your points - but
1) On the Palestinian-Israeli issue I have trouble coming up with the right terminology. I think that there is a great deal of grey area when it comes to "Zionism". Not everyone in Israel supports Israel's actions and some Israel supporters are only luke warm supporters - more concerned with security than Zionism. I don't like Israelites because it's too Biblical and I don't accept the bible as history any more than I accept Grimm's Fairly Tales, the Tales of the Arabian Nights or Harry Potter as history. To me it's an ethnic conflict and, while both sides claim religious traditions in their arguments, religion is not an argument that holds any sway with me. So coming up with the appropriate terminology is difficult.
As for Pride - I do understand this issues there, and it's a shame that the organizers have opted for censorship in an effort to appease politicians and corporate sponsors. I mention pride only as a symbol of Toronto's attitude toward sexual orientation. No doubt homophobia still exists here but I believe that it is one of the least homophobic cities in North America at least and that holds true regardless of the conflicts besetting the pride celebration itself at the moment.
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