Diversity has its challenges.

November 15th, 2006 by admin

Diversity has its challenges.

There have been some horrible crimes committed in relation to domestic violence in the Lower Mainland. How can love turn into deadly hate?

Domestic violence is the ugly side of any relationship, and there are no excuses for it. The three victims unfortunately were from the South Asian community. One situation is still under police investigation, with circumstances unknown at this time.

My heart and prayers go out to the victims’ families. I toss and turn in my sleep, wondering how people can be so cruel to each other, when there are so many options available to deal with problems.

Challenging times create divisions in our society, taking away the things we all share and the respect we have for each other as human beings.

For example, whenever visible minorities make headlines for the wrong reasons, the stereotypical image creeps out of the closet. Many people have approached members of the Punjabi community about their dismay, and rightfully so. Some have made blunt remarks.

For example, one woman said to me “What’s wrong with your community?”

I replied, “Sorry. no comment.”

I felt like a criminal. Come on, folks. With a single brush you have labelled the whole community as killers or murderers.

The perception I gather from some people is that Punjabi Canadians are a violent bunch. I challenge you to find out the crime stats of each ethnic group, and then come and talk to me.

You’re in for a shocker. People can say whatever they want - it’s all repeated jargon and nothing that I haven’t encountered before.

I have desensitized myself to avoid these types of discussions, as it only leads to confrontations.

There are many fabulous Punjabi Canadians who are making Canada a better place. Not everyone is a wife beater or a gangster. Stereotyping the entire community is discriminatory.

I am not saying we don’t have issues within the Punjabi community, but many members are working hard to address these concerns. Violence against women is prohibited in the Sikh religion.

The large forum in Surrey, attended by many Indo-Canadian men and women, is an example of how the community feels about violence. Punjabi Canadians spoke passionately about their experiences and wanted to verbally express their concerns over these unfortunate events.

Punjabi radio stations were overwhelmed with callers, condemning these barbaric acts and calling for justice. Another display of solidarity is when it came to gang violence.

Punjabi Canadians united and provided leadership. They didn’t turn a blind eye or shy away from issues that needed attention. The Punjabi community is rapidly growing in B.C. and when a community grows this fast in a short period of time, the issue of crime is often a concern.

B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal said “It is important to note that during difficult times, society becomes a microscope. The Indo Canadian community overall has contributed a great deal to mainstream Canada. Spousal abuse exists in all mainstream communities.

“The forum in Surrey encouraged a lot of victims to come forward to talk about crimes that were committed on them. Women were encouraged to come forward. Let’s look at some of the causes. We have to overcome denial.”

Abbotsford school trustee Sat Gill said, “There is a lot of negativity that surround certain minority groups, especially the Indo-Canadian community. India is a diverse country and the people that immigrate from India are also quite diverse.

“The negative issues that have been recently highlighted are not culturally acceptable. There are many things that are being done to bring a positive outcome.”

I urge my Punjabi brothers and sisters to pay special attention. We are living in interesting times and under a visible microscope, which can have broader repercussions.

I ask my fellow Punjabis to follow Sikhism, through Guru Nanak’s message of honesty, peace and mediation. Violence is not part of Sikhism.

These are some of the challenges of living in a diverse society and I ask all Canadians to see through the clear glass with one vision. At the end of the day, we are all responsible for our own actions, no matter what colour or race you are from.

Diversity brings challenges to the table but the passion of the community will always prevail.

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By Ken Herar
Langley Times (www.langleytimes.com)
Ken Herar is a columnnist with the Abbotsford News.

KenHerar@yahoo.ca

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