Truth Matters
“In an age of images and entertainment, in an age of instant emotional gratification, we neither seek nor want honesty or reality. Reality is complicated.”
My great grandparents immigrated to Canada from Ukraine. It is part of my identity and it has always been a point of pride to be associated with hardworking generous ancestry.
In my limited education about the world, it wasn’t until my oldest daughter shared a book she read for social studies class about the segregation and challenges that my ancestors faced when they first immigrated in my home country. I learned how Canada rounded up Ukrainian immigrants into camps not far from my grandparent’s own backyard filled with a lush and amazing garden.
It was this that brought to light that the power of racism affects all walks of life. As a society we let fear of the unknown alienate those right next to us.
It goes to prove that reading and learning history is integral to learn about what was, that wasn’t good, it was, and at the heart of what should never be again.
One would assume that with the world at our ‘fingertips’ we would be better for it, but with any kind of technology, there are those who would weaponize it.
I will admit my own failings at being up to date with current affairs in Eastern Europe and the history of how it is in this situation. But what I want people to read and learn is not what ‘theory’ or ‘opinion’ on how a country is being assaulted as right or wrong, I want readers to focus on the people that are affected.
These are fellow humans who simply want the basics of a good life. Shelter, nourishment, and family and friends. We are neighbours regardless of the distance.
So when you are accosted by tweets, posts, and random opinions of a family member, please re-direct the conversation to how the historically proven propaganda of a dictator disguised as a democratically elected president has chosen power over human lives.
