About four dozen people rallied in downtown Halifax Friday against racism on job sites.
The rally was organized in the wake of an incident on Sept. 19 in Pictou County, in which 21-year-old Nhlanhla Dlamini was shot in the back by a co-worker wielding a nail gun.
Dlamini underwent emergency surgery for a collapsed lung, and spent four days in hospital. The co-worker has been charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
Dlamini’s family said he was the victim of bullying, harassment and racism on the job site.
Rev. Rhonda Britton of New Horizons Baptist Church in Halifax told the rally that the community has lots to do to wipe out racism.
“You cannot deny that Mr. Dlamini’s attack on the job was racially motivated,” she said. “It was a hate crime, and we need to stop trying to whitewash that. We need to say what it is so we can address it.”
Angie Bowden travelled from New Glasgow for the rally.
“When racism is this hateful, it rips open old wounds, exposing many victims. It is concerning to us that our youth feel hopeless in these situations, and continue to be targets in this province,” she said.
“What we are collectively saying is that we, the black community of Nova Scotia, refuse to allow anyone to create another wound in our children to be left unhealed. Our children deserve better, and we demand better.”
Raymond Sheppard, who organized the event, said he believes the charge should be upgraded to attempted murder and a hate crime.
Racism realizations
I am surprised and I’m very impressed with the community and the level of support.
Dlamini was at the rally. He told the group that he didn’t bring up what he was dealing with to the boss because he had been on the job less than three weeks.
“I was just going to let it die out, but by doing that it resulted in me being shot by him,” he said.
He said he was grateful for the community support for his family.
Dlamini’s older brother Buhle also thanked people for their support.
“We know what happened to Nhlanhla is not normal, we know that what happened to Nhlanhla is not what Canada is about, it’s not what Nova Scotia is about, because of people like you, who are here today to say ‘this is not us,’” he said.
After the rally, the brothers said they have appreciated the support they have received.
Buhle said people have expressed shock since the event.
“They are shocked that this has happened here, but there are also responses where some people want to minimize what happened or that racism had a role in it. That’s always a bit frustrating … but those incidences have been fewer. Overwhelmingly, the response has been very supportive with people saying this isn’t OK and they won’t stand for it.”
He said the rallies are important to make more people realize that these kinds of incidents are happening, even if they don’t result in violence or injuries.
He said he hopes people will realize workplace racism is happening and stand up to it.
Nhlanhla said besides appreciating the support, he was surprised by how much he received.
“I really, really am,” he said. “Looking on my Facebook, this one person saying they thought I did this on purpose to get this outcome, and everyone just (piled) on this person and I was like, ‘whoa, I didn’t even have to say anything. This is amazing.’ So yes, I am surprised and I’m very impressed with the community and the level of support.”
Iran has already turned into a country of horror. Citizen of that country, most of who are already fed-up with the fanatics, ruling the country are gradually raising their voice for democracy and end of the reign of terror established by Khomeini through his so-called Islamic revolution in 1979.
Murder of civilians under the garb of Sharia law is a regular phenomenon in that country. Press and freedom of expression is seriously suffocated. There are numerous reports of gross human rights violations. Women are raped inside prison by the prison guards, before execution.
I have spent weeks in research to understand, what is going on inside Iran. During past several months, I have gathered information from various articles, blogs, online sources etc to get maximum information on the latest status in Iran. From this article, readers will be able to assess the social decay Iranian is gradually heading towards, due to rogue administration of the Islamist leaders. This is the first part of my article on Iran.
Clerics or pimps:
Iranian clerics or Mullahs, who are at the administration of that country are gradually exposing their nasty faces as mere pimps, who are selling their women to a number of countries as well tourists in that country. Iranian women are continuing to be sold as ‘Jihadist Tools’ to various nations with millions of dollars. While Iranian rulers pretend to treat prostitution or sex trade as taboo since it became Islamic Republic in 1979, it is evidently proved that poor governance of it is not only pushing thousands of Iranians into prostitution, but in many cases, those Mullahs are the ultimate beneficiaries of growing sex trade in that country.
In the 1970s, Bostonians looking for a proverbial good time went to the “Combat Zone” and New Yorkers flocked to 42nd Street; in contemporary Iran, the holy city of Qom is known [unofficially] as a place of “both pilgrimage and pleasure.” There, prostitutes wearing veils and even chadors mill about temples or sit together in public courtyards where men can inspect them. Sometimes a male go-between [most of them are clerics] offer “introductions,” at which point the prostitutes pull aside their headgear so the potential client can get a glimpse, but the whole process is fairly subtle. For an outsider, it’s difficult to pick a street girl out of a crowd. Qom may have become a prostitution hot spot due to the abundance of shrines. Young female runaways with no shelter come to the city knowing they can take refuge at holy sites by sleeping in rooms intended for pilgrims. They have no way of making a living, so after awhile they get involved with the sex trade. The city’s young theological students and transient tourists form the main clientele.
Read also :Women’s Rights in Iran
Of course, Qom isn’t the only place in Iran where prostitutes walk the streets. Back in 2002, the Iranian newspaper Entekhab estimated that there were nearly 85,000 prostitutes in Tehran alone. In that city, and especially in nearby suburbs, there are neighborhoods where heavily made-up prostitutes in traditional garb stand idly at traffic circles. Prospective customers drive by slowly to check out the human wares, then make a deal. The visual difference between an ordinary citizen wearing makeup who happens to be standing alone and an actual prostitute is, again, quite subtle. Apparently, mistakes are not uncommon. Officially, the penalties for prostitution are severe—ranging from whipping to execution. But there’s a loophole in the Islamic law called sigheh, or temporary marriage. According to Shiite interpretation, a man and a woman may enter an impermanent partnership with a preset expiration date. There’s no legally required minimum duration [a day, a week, anything goes] and no need for official witnesses—unless the woman is a virgin, in which case she needs the consent of her legal guardian. An Iranian who’s wary of arrest can simply escort a prostitute to a registry, obtain a temporary contract from a Muslim cleric, and then legally satisfy his sexual needs. And here is the point, where clerics get the opportunity of working as the pimp for that woman. In most cases, Iranian mullahs maintain network with national and international prostitution ring, where they supply these women, who possess a temporary marriage certificate [issued by the cleric], giving them the chance of entering the profession with a legal license of Islamic mask.
The Chinese have established themselves as one of the biggest investors in Africa’s infrastructure projects. In Kenya, one of their flagship projects is the country’s new standard gauge railway, which is estimated to be worth $3.2 billion.
Several other Chinese projects have been initiated in the country, particularly in the manufacturing, construction and hospitality sectors. But this flourishing business partnership has not been without challenges. One of the biggest has been accusations of racial discrimination by Chinese nationals against their Kenyan counterparts.
A few weeks ago, an investigative journalist revealed that Kenyan workers at the Chinese-built railway were being subjected to repeated incidents of racial discrimination and abuse by their Chinese supervisors. The report also alleged that the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the Chinese conglomerate that operates the 473-kilometer (293 miles) Nairobi-Mombasa railway, was implementing a deliberate segregation policy.
Other allegations were that Chinese nationals were doing jobs that should have been done by Kenyans, and that highly qualified Kenyan staff were assigned minor roles. It’s also alleged that Kenyan workers were segregated from their Chinese colleagues in eating areas, toilets, accommodation and travel. The journalist also uncovered pay disparities on the basis of race. Unfair treatment, long working hours, threats, and harassment were also reported.
In response to the exposé, the cabinet secretary in the ministry of labour formed a team to probe the allegations. At the same time, the government asked Kenyans to bear with the Chinese. It blamed the alleged racism on a misunderstanding and unresolved cultural differences.
Kenyans are well within their rights to demand equal treatment. The country has signed the International Convention against racial discrimination. Its constitution also protects people against racial discrimination, as do a number of its laws. So far, reported incidents of racism have been dealt with in a lacklustre manner or ignored. Kenya is failing to meet its obligations to its people.
Dealing with discrimination
This is not the first time Chinese nationals have been accused of racism in Kenya. Three years ago a Chinese restaurant was shut down after reports that it barred black patrons from its premises after 5 pm. It should be noted, however, that the restaurant was shut down for allegedly not having a valid business permit. This meant that the owners were not held to account for racially profiling black patrons.
People with disabilities in Iran face discrimination, abuse, and an inaccessible environment, Human Rights Watch and the Center for Human Rights in Iran said in a joint report released today.
The 71-page report, “‘I Am Equally Human’: Discrimination and Lack of Accessibility for People with Disabilities in Iran,” documents the everyday barriers people with disabilities meet when going to government offices, healthcare centers, and when using public transportation. People with disabilities also regularly face stigma and discrimination from government social workers, healthcare workers, and others. Many remain trapped in their homes, unable to live independently and participate in society on an equal basis with others. The Iranian authorities should immediately amend discriminatory laws and practices and create a clear plan for making public services and facilities accessible.
“People with disabilities in Iran are cut off from society because of discrimination and inaccessible public buildings and services,” said Jane Buchanan, deputy disability rights director at Human Rights Watch. “The government should immediately issue statements at the highest level that discrimination against people with disabilities has no place in Iran and make a clear, time-bound plan for ensuring accessibility of transportation, social services, and health care.”
Human Rights Watch and the Center for Human Rights in Iran conducted in-depth interviews with 58 women and men with various disabilities, as well as with disability rights advocates and specialists across Iran.
The World Health Organization and World Bank estimate that 15 percent of the world’s population has some kind of disability. For Iran, with a population of over 80 million, this means approximately 12 million people have some kind of a disability. The government has not collected disaggregated data on the number of people with disabilities, including during the 2016 national census.
Human Rights Watch and the Center for Human Rights in Iran found serious problems in the work of Iran’s State Welfare Organization, the main agency tasked with providing services to people with disabilities. People interviewed said that government social workers insulted and humiliated them and did not provide essential information about services and equipment. They said that the agency’s services and equipment provided for assistance are often of low quality, do not address people’s needs, and can only be obtained through lengthy and complex procedures.
Many of those interviewed said they had to depend on family members or close friends for help with basic needs, such as eating, getting dressed, or daily hygiene. The government has not allocated sufficient resources to develop a system of personal assistants, who can be key to the independence and equality of many people with disabilities.
Public transportation, roads, and buildings are frequently inaccessible. For example, some buses have ramps accessible for people who use wheelchairs or walkers, but bus drivers may not know how to open the ramps. In larger cities with metro systems, some stations have elevators, but they are often out of service. Some wheelchair users resort to using escalators, despite the dangers.
It’s more important than ever to teach kids how to stop a bully
bully
With public displays of hate on the rise, it is more important than ever for schools to commit to programs that clearly define expectations in behavior for all members of the community.
Whether you are a student, educator or family member, you have a role to play in combating bias and bullying as a means to stop the escalation of hate.
At the Anti-Defamation League, we are actively taking measures to change this narrative because we believe bullying is preventable and ultimately end-able.
Through our anti-bias, anti-bullying program, both students and teachers learn how to recognize bullying at school.
Confront bullying behavior and become allies to those who are being bullied.
We know that hate is on the rise. Just last year ADL measured a 57 percent increase in anti-Semitism in the United States.
In our own community we’ve seen increased white nationalism on our college campuses.
Our K-12 schools are microcosms of our greater community, and we know that these spikes are also happening on their campuses.
Dear Taylor:
Can I call you Taylor? Or should I refer to you as Ms. Swift? Swifty? The Swiftress?
Look, I know you probably have no idea who I am. And if you do, I’m sure you don’t have a very high opinion of me. I won’t even try to deny that I have made fun of you, ad nauseam. I won’t even try to list all of the times I have disparaged your name, except to say that if I had a nickel for every time I threw shade at you, not only would I be a rich man, I would probably wonder where the fuck they got all those nickels and why the pay was so low.
Also, why nickels? Are you calling me a “nickeler?” That sounds a lot like “nigger,” Taylor.
I hope you aren’t still salty about that time I called you Beckyoncé or Mayonaisse Rihanna. I take back all that stuff I said about your cover of Earth Wind & Fire’s “September.” If I’m being honest, I haven’t even heard it. I was afraid my ears would turn against me and try to stab me in the lower jaw.
But, I digress.
The reason I’m writing is that I saw your Instagram post endorsing Democratic candidate Phil Bredesen for U.S. Senate and Jim Cooper for the U.S. House of Representatives.
In your post, you say, “In the past, I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now,” adding:
I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.
I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love.
I must admit that I am now more conflicted about you. Not since I discovered Jennifer Spelowski was the best beatboxer in my middle school have I felt this level of confusion about a white woman.
On one hand, Taylor, I applaud your efforts. One of my recurring themes is that it is not incumbent upon black people to end discrimination because white supremacy is a system created, maintained and perpetuated by whites. As someone who often talks about white people’s unwillingness to speak out about racism, it would be antithetical for me to criticize your newfound wokeness.
Khabib’s reaction to McGregor’s racism, thuggish behaviour, insults towards his family and faith should be scrutinised. But in America, only the Muslim can be judged.
In absolutely sensational scenes just hours ago, Dagestani grappler and UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov defended his title in a ferociously dominant display against his toughest and most controversial opponent yet, Irish superstar Conor McGregor.
This fight was the biggest in the history of the sport, billed as a clash of fighting styles which also subsequently developed into a clash of personalities and culture, with McGregor’s flamboyant, drink-fuelled Western persona colliding with Nurmagomedov’s icy calm and conservative Muslim demeanour.
Also read:Racial, ethnic discrimination impacts adolescent development, UT study says
The Dagestani champion mauled the brash former “champ champ” – as McGregor calls himself – taking down the Irishman repeatedly, subjecting him to an absolute skull-shattering ground-and-pound that lasted for an excruciating two minutes, before using his terrifying wrestling skills to neutralise McGregor on the ground with a rear naked choke turned neck crank. As Khabib warned before the fight, it was certainly a long night for Conor.
However, controversy struck immediately after the bout, with McGregor’s training partner Dillon Danis being described by veteran UFC commentator and comedian Joe Rogan as having hurled abuse at the reigning champion.
Khabib, renowned for his composure, shocked the world by vaulting the octagon and getting into a fistfight with Danis before being pulled away by security. Conor, who was still recovering from his ordeal at the hands of Khabib, was inside the cage at this point when he threw the first punch at Khabi’sentourage and was duly punched back by another Dagestani.
Both fighters had to eventually be escorted out of the building, with promotor Dana White refusing to gird the champion’s belt around Khabib’s waist for fear of inflaming tensions.
Compare and contrast Dana White’s response to Conor’s savage attack on the UFC bus in April with Khabib’s outburst last night.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has passed a bill that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, Human Rights Watch said. The act, enacted on October 5, 2018, also commits the city government to conduct public education about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights.
Tokyo authorities were inspired to draft the bill in advance of the city hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics, Human Rights Watch said.
“The Tokyo metropolitan government has enshrined in law its commitment to hosting an inclusive and rights-respecting Olympic game,” said Kanae Doi, Japan director at Human Rights Watch. “The authorities now need to put the policy into action and end anti-LGBT discrimination in schools, workplaces, and the wider society.”
Human Rights Watch participated in the government’s open consultation the act to fulfill the Olympic Charter’s human rights values. The law states: “This act upholds the goal of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to make Tokyo a city that upholds the human rights values of banning any sort of discrimination as stated in the Olympic Charter.”
Also read: Supreme Court Asked To Hear Georgia Anti-LGBT Discrimination Case
The Olympics have driven some changes in how governments hosting the games act on LGBT rights issues. This has in part been a rebuke to Russia for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The Russian government’s passage of the discriminatory “gay propaganda” law marred the games, along with other human rights violations such as forced evictions, abuses against migrant workers, and media censorship. In December 2014, as part of its “Olympic Agenda 2020,” the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that all future host city contracts would include a requirement to specifically ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
The new Tokyo law states “the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, citizens, and enterprises may not unduly discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation” and pledges that the government will “conduct measures needed to make sure human rights values are rooted in all corners of the city and diversity is respected in the city.”
The dictionary defines the word racism as “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed at someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.” As a result, white people, especially white Americans, have taken this textbook definition of racism and twisted it in their minds to assert the fact that other racial groups are “racist” against white people. And while it might be true that many racial groups dislike white people, it’s NOT because they are racist.
Americans Should Stand United Against Racism, Hate Crimes: Kamala Harris
Stand United Against Racism, Hate Crimes: Kamala Harris
Pointing that there has been a rise in racism and crimes against South Asian Americans since the November 2016 election of President Donald Trump.
First Indian-origin US Senator Kamala Harris has called on Americans to stand united and speak the truth to deal with these issues.
Speaking at a gala organised by Pratham.
One of India’s largest non-governmental education organisations, here last week.
Harris made a strong call to Americans to stay united and fight collectively at a time when there are powerful voices that are/
“sowing hate and division among us.”
Making a reference to the white nationalist rally that turned deadly in Charlottesville, Virginia, last year.
Harris said:
“Let’s speak truth if Charlottesville didn’t make it clear, if the statistics that we are familiar with don’t make it clear (that) racism, sexism, homophobia, anti-semitism are real in this country, let’s speak that truth so that we can deal with it.”
Read Also: Charlottesville belies racism’s deep roots in the North
She said there is a need to speak the truth that:
“right now in the US, crimes against South Asian Americans since the election in the November of 2016 have increased by 45 per cent. Let’s speak that truth so we can deal with it”.
The California Senator said Harris, whose mother is Indian and father Jamaican.
Said that African Americans are still the number one target for hate crimes in the US.
Rejecting the premise that Americans are divided, Harris said she believes the vast majority of us have so much more in common than what separates us. Now is the time more than ever to hold on to that as a fact.
