Anti-Racism and Bubbles

As most of the population I was completely horrified by the actions and events in Charlottesville. I felt powerless and somewhat hopeless. I kept asking myself, 'why am I so worried? They're in the USA and I am in Canada. It's not happening here!'. Soon after I saw on Facebook that there was an anti-muslim and anti-immigration rally planned for here in Vancouver.

SAY WHAT!??

I was determined to go but I honestly felt a little nervous about heading out to such a potentially tense situation with my baby in tow, but that simply meant I had to go more.

The "Alt-Right" (read: Nazis, white supremacists, haters, butt crusts) or whatever you want to call them need people like us to be afraid of them. Otherwise they literally have nothing. I wasn't going to give them that satisfaction. So, my wife and I put our baby in her carrier and off we went.

I was very glad I went! I saw so much love! The signs people had sent a very strong message of unity and strength. Some were funny (we do need levity in such situations) and some were heart warming.

This city is incredibly diverse and I am immensely proud to be part of it. We cannot and will not let this hateful sentiment take hold and we will continue to welcome people of all types. I personally want to always check my privilege and see how I can use it to the advantage of others. This isn't the first rally like this, and it won't be the last. We have to keep showing up.

Oh yes, and there were bubbles. Lots of bubbles.