No room these days for colonial baggage
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
This is 2023. It’s nearly 500 years after papal decrees (the Doctrine of Discovery) were used to rationalize colonial conquests.
And, after much undeniable evidence exposing the horrendous travesties inflicted on the natives, Pope Francis has rescinded the decrees that were used to justify forcibly eradicating cultures and livelihoods, and violently seizing “new” lands once occupied by proud people that had lived there for generations.
So, given that the church has confessed to these travesties, why should colonial behaviour be tolerated?
Because colonials wave a little flag that justifies their presence, and they are proud and grateful?
Perhaps it’s time colonials transitioned to the 21st century. You won’t have to physically go anywhere. Just leave your baggage behind.
Ken Dwernychuk
Esquimalt
Colonialism: A shame to be overcome
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
For a commentary that asks for tolerance, this commentary is shockingly condescending and disrespectful of others.
It starts by saying, “I’m coming out as a colonial,” a clear reference to gay rights advocates bravely coming out, ending their concealment in the face of public prejudice and, in the past, government criminalization. Their courage is not to be mocked.
Prejudice against colonials? For centuries, Europeans roamed the seas invading, conquering (conquistadors) and subjugating whole nations and sections of the globe (Africa, India, the Americas).
At last, we have begun to become self-aware enough to recognize this hubris in ourselves. Since around the Second World War, many former colonies of European countries have achieved independence.
Colonialism became a shame to be overcome. Canada has, a little belatedly, joined that trend.
Charla Huber, the fine Times Colonist columnist and communications professional writes, “…my career is based on bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together through understanding and building community.”
The colonial commentator’s attitude flies in the face of Huber’s worthy goals and accomplishments.
Let’s hope the future includes more people like Huber and fewer and fewer like the proud colonial.
Paul Glassen
Nanaimo
This reeks of patriarchal privilege
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
For the most part, you could replace the word “colonial” with “man” and still successfully capture the patriarchal privilege with which this diatribe reeks.
Why is it always those who control the society insisting most loudly that “toleration is a good thing” without considering the lived experience of everyone else?
Such a lack of understanding and compassion betrays great ignorance of the plight of the rest of the world that has suffered at the hands of both colonialism and patriarchy.
Kathleen Nicholas
Victoria
Not responsible just because of birth
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
Here’s a proud thanks to the commentary on outing as a colonial. A rarely expressed point of view.
After all, being born into what is cannot, in all fairness, be an indictment of responsibility.
Brian Bergstrom
Victoria
No place on this page for a commentary like that
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
I have many things in common with the writer: Native of Victoria, same ethnic background (English), went to the same schools in Victoria, went on to university, and became a professor (not of English, though).
But along the way, I learned some important tidbits of information that apparently escaped the writer’s attention, such as local history, and gained some empathy for what transpired here during the past couple of centuries.
Being a “colonial” is a fact of my life, but it is nothing to brag about.
I fail to see why such a column would be published. What is coming up next on the Comment page: “Tolerate me for what I am — a racist”?
Brian Case
North Saanich
Reconciliation street must go both ways
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
For many of us who for more than one generation were born here in Canada, this was a very interesting and literate expression of the way we think.
My family can be traced back to the late 1600s in Canada, and my wife’s family were very early pioneers of the 17th century in Prince Edward Island.
Being called a colonial is better than the racist and offensive term “settler.”
Further, my ancestors were invaded and taken over not once, but at least three times over the centuries. First were the Romans, then the Vikings, then the Normans.
The Normans had the greatest effect on the local Anglo-Saxon population, treating us as inferiors and making the native language a “vulgar” one. Sound familiar?
It seems, though, over time, we got over it, as the writer says should happen.
Let’s hope that reconciliation can become the two-way street that it should be, and we finally resolve the issues and start to get along as equal partners in this great country of Canada.
George Kilvington
Victoria
A history of atrocities is no reason for pride
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
I’m a 23-year-old, third-generation Canadian, my grandparents moved to Canada from the U.K. back in 1965. At that time the British government was giving out interest-free loans to move to the colonies, primarily Canada and Australia.
My grandparents are Canadians, British Columbians, and Victorians. Were they colonizers? Technically yes, but they would never call themselves that.
Colonization in Canada is a history of atrocities committed by those same Europeans who displaced First Nations. Through direct actions, European colonizers tried to make those natives “European.”
I learned all about this in school. The school system has become very honest about the actions taken by our ancestors.
To call yourself a colonizer, and to be proud of it, is a poor look. It does not come off as being proud of your heritage, or to be proud to be a Canadian.
It sounds like those people who say they’re proud to be white during discussions regarding issues faced by people of colour.
Be a Canadian, be a British Columbian, be a Victorian, but please, don’t be a colonizer.
Escher Miles
Oak Bay
The other side of being a colonial
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
How refreshing and honest! I am so happy to read this article, it expresses the feelings of many.
It’s real, sensible and tells the other side of being a colonial.
Elaine Clay
Sidney
A long guilt trip works against reconciliation
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am – a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
In order to address past wrongdoings and tragic mistakes, the process of reconciliation began and, typically, for government involved spreading the blame as far as possible.
The argument I’ve had with First Nation friends has been that I wasn’t there. And like many descendants of colonists, settlers or whatever term is being used, would not have supported the actions of government if we had been.
I feel anger and sorrow for what First Nations have been subjected to but having to constantly defend oneself as being a co-conspirator is counter to reconciliation.
And a co-operative effort at understanding instead becomes a never-ending guilt trip.
Allan Creasey
Victoria
Everyone should enjoy tolerance, acceptance
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
Well said. It’s too bad it had to be said. Tolerance and acceptance was what I was expecting from all, because that is what I was taught in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Bill Thomas
Langford
Feeling the need to conceal his identity
Re: “Tolerate me for what I am — a colonial,” commentary, Aug. 26.
Thank you for speaking out for those of us born to English parents. Growing up in Vancouver, I was proud to be a second-generation Canadian, but now I find myself forced to take steps to conceal my identity.
When attending the Victoria Day Parade, I wear my COVID mask to hide my English pallor and Kipper breath from misguided bureaucrats who may flag me as an undesirable.
I no longer purchase takeaway fish and chips as they are wrapped in newspaper and a dead giveaway to my heritage, and when purchasing tea and crumpets at my local supermarket, I pay cash so there is no paper trail.
It’s tough being a colonist, and I look forward to you forming a support group, should we be allowed to attend one.
Why, I’m even thinking of changing my surname to Kilometres.
Rule Britannia!
Vernon Miles
Victoria
Keeping your lawn green will help with fires
Re: “We have lots of water, use it on your lawn,” letter, Aug. 25.
A recent letter-writer made some excellent points regarding the benefits of having a green lawn. I would like to add another benefit: green lawns do not catch fire as easily as brown lawns.
No need to explain that further, I think the benefit is obvious.
Rob Schott
Victoria
Making your lawn green is a waste of water
This is a time when all citizens need to pull together.
We have heard from the experts the need to conserve limited water supplies for potable water needs, firefighting, and even for use in streams and rivers where sea life is dying.
We have a growing population with much less rainwater projected for the years ahead. We have to learn to conserve water so it can be used for much more important needs than keeping your lawn green so “it looks good.”
If you want to put a spray of water to good use, provide a little water for the thirsty trees on your boulevard and yard.
We need them to survive for shade and for the carbon they absorb from the environment.
Ian Craig
Victoria
In the end, we can’t drink a lawn
The letter cites the fact our reservoir is 75 per cent full and “we have plenty of water.” How shortsighted.
We know that our weather patterns are changing due to climate change. It is only due to the foresight of the Capital Regional District in past years that our dam was raised to increase the reservoir capacity.
However, we have had a dry winter followed by a dry summer. Victoria is in a rain shadow, and we have no idea what changing weather patterns will occur this coming winter, or if the reservoir will get back to 100 per cent capacity.
I suggest that we are in an age where we must plan for the worst, and hope for the best, which means no wastage of our precious resources. What “pride” will there be in having a green lawn if we run out of drinking water?
Joanne Wiggins
Victoria
Water the lawn, help the CRD budget
Re: “We have lots of water, use it on your lawn,” letter, Aug. 25.
This letter reminds us that people living in the Capital Regional District area have enough water.
The CRD water services has a budget, and if we don’t water our grass in the summer, they will not earn enough money (they have plenty of water) and therefore, will be raising the water rates accordingly come Jan. 1.
So I, too, water my grass, and agree with the letter writer on all his points!
Roberta Sheridan
Victoria
Refusal to evacuate a sign of faith lost
Some people will not comply with evacuation orders in fire-affected areas.
It seems to me that a significant number of people have little or no faith in the integrity or competence of government or bureaucracy at any level.
Whichever side of this argument you stand, this is a very deep-rooted belief and I cannot see any short-term fix.
It has taken a generation to erode confidence in our elected representatives, public servants and institutions and it will take a generation to restore it.
This loss of trust might be a significant factor in the extremely low voter turnout in elections at all levels, as voters think that nothing will improve no matter who they vote for.
Martin Hill
Sooke
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