|
Over the last few years, North Shore residents
have become familiar with Doug Collins' weekly commentaries in
which this controversial personality expresses his views on
different socio economic issues.
While these views are characterized by some as
racist, extremist and insensitive, there is an open debate on
whether Doug Collins should be permitted to publish them.
This debate is carried out in the same editorial
pages where this self-proclaimed columnist displays his anger
towards dominant set of social values. It is obvious that
this anger has blinded Doug's vision of reality.
Otherwise, he would not have insulted ethnic
groups, made anti-Semitic remarks and come to dubious conclusions
based on ideological and dogmatic principles.
It is my understanding that Doug Collins feels a
sense of powerlessness and insecurity. This is why he sees
the immigration issue as the source of many problems, and uses it
as an scapegoat.
His deep frustration is closely related to a
widely held belief that the growing role of state in society has
contributed to the loss of individual rights and freedoms.
Doug Collins despises the overgrown bureaucracy,
unreasonable high taxes, and publicly subsidized programs designed
to satisfy particular interest groups.
Although the general public shares these beliefs,
it has become increasingly intolerant towards linking
socio-economic problems to the immigration issue. The
average person in our community does not believe that there is a
correlation between state paternalism, and Canada's immigration
and multiculturalism policies.
This raises the question whether Doug Collins
should be permitted to openly continue his crusade against visible
minorities.
There may not be a simple answer due to an
existing conflict of principles.
Based on the legal principle, as defined by
Article 2 of the Charter of Rights and Freedom, "every
individual has ... [the right to enjoy] freedom of thought,
belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of press and
other media communication" (1982 Constitution Act).
The constitutionally guaranteed right to free
speech is at first glance a legally justifiable ground to allow
Doug Collins and his followers to express, print and publicize
their views.
However, most people consider such views
intolerable and demand legal protection by means of censorship in
the media. Clearly, the legality versus morality argument
inflames the war of words between libertarian supporters of free
speech and the general public.
In my opinion, Doug Collins does not represent a
serious threat to Canada's immigration policy or even different
ethnic and religious groups.
Notwithstanding this fact, his hate mongering
tactics have to be strongly condemned. This does not mean
that society ought to actively promote and enforce censorship
laws. Since the Canadian public is generally tolerant and
supportive of multiculturalism, Doug Collins currently finds
himself in a minority camp fighting a lost battle.
Despite his occasional claim of support from the
silent majority. Doug Collins' narrow minded, ethnically and
racially divisive attitude is fully rejected by the average
Canadian.
Therefore, I consider this whole debate to be
"much ado about nothing".
The fact remains that Doug Collins is neither a
national figure nor someone in a position of power. He is
rather powerless , because the vocal majority in our community
rejects any form of racism and anti-Semitism.
Nevertheless, his words are reminders of the
darkest moments in the history of mankind when innocent people
have been discriminated and prosecuted. While Doug Collins
uses uses strong language as a means to increase ethnic, racial,
and religious tensions, public defiance is the best instrument to
defeat his cause.
By people ignoring his comments, Doug Collins will
lack the public attention that has made him into an extremist
radical crusader.
I am convinced that society's main focus should be
rather on building a better community.
This requires taking the important initiative to
make Canada's economy strong and to build a social bond between
ethnic and religious groups.
This country's socio-economic problems should be
given the necessary attention, because doing otherwise will only
foster racism.
It is important to demonstrate that various social
groups have the will and discipline to live together in full
harmony.
Each individual can do his or her part in bringing
social harmony to our communities. This can be achieved
through greater awareness of our individual responsibility to
replace economic dependency on government.
In addition, further initiatives should give us a
sense of pride about our Canadian identity. If new
immigrants become socially and economically integrated, Canada
will evolve into a more coherent and economically viable
country.
Without socio-economic problems, racism,
anti-Semitism and discrimination will disappear. Thus, Doug
Collins and his few followers will even be more isolated.
This isolation proves that Canada has been and will remain a
country built by immigrants. |
