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Anti-Semitism 1s an alarming problem
> Don’t downplay threats against religious groups
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
ecently, the Jewish Community
Centre of Vancouver was
evacuated twice in one week due
to a bomb threat. In response, the
federal government contributed
$100,000 for increased security
measures to the Jewish Federation
of Greater Vancouver.
Violence against religious
minorities is not a new threat, either
historically or in the modern era. The
holocaust, during which millions of
Jews were murdered in government-
funded concentration camps, is
still in living memory. Hatred
and persecution of any religious
community is wrong, and targeting
them specifically is encouraging
the most dangerous type ideology.
In response to the government
contribution, board chair Stephen
Gaerber said “We deeply appreciate
this investment, which will help
make our community facilities
safer as they welcome people from
all faiths and backgrounds.” This
is perhaps the most important
point. It is not just erasing targeted
violence. It is creating a safe
and inclusive area for all people,
regardless of their culture.
It is not enough to simply
condemn the threats of violence.
Stamping out hatred involves honest
discussion on prejudice that forms
within the community. It is not
about just addressing extremists
who make bomb threats. Bigotry
and hatred begins at a subtler and
more ingrained level within society.
In the age of a growing far-
right nationalist movement, it is
important to remember that bigotry
and white supremacy is an issue
in every area. It is not confined
Let it be
= aS
to conservative and rural areas,
or simply in the US. Vancouver is
one of the most progressive and
tolerant cities in North America,
but that doesn’t mean bigotry has
been completely eliminated here.
In fact, it’s much more common
than most people realize.
The people who initiated this
threat did not just plan to target
any community centre. This was
deliberate intimidation of a very
small group (less than 2 per cent of
the Vancouver population is Jewish)
that has been historically persecuted.
This was about generalized anti-
Semitism, violent threats against
minorities, and white supremacy.
The Jewish community is considered
not to be “white” and they are treated
as a separate ethnic group by white
supremacists and Nazis, many of
whom use a “Christian” defence
to justify hatred towards Jews.
The rise of Nazi Germany did
not begin with proposing that
Jews be placed in death camps. It
involved general sentiments against
the group, encouraging general
distrust against Jews, and limiting
their rights and privileges by law.
Perhaps even more importantly, it
involved creating a society where
targeting others for their religious
and cultural backgrounds was
considered justified. Germany in
the 1930s was a different time,
when people were more racist in
general, but the rise of an extremely
racist government (Hitler was
elected democratically) involved
exploiting natural racist tendencies.
> Don’t ask invasive personal questions about someone’s life
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
Ree I was asked by a long-time
amily friend if I was dating anyone.
When I told him I wasn't, he proceeded to
ask questions like “Why aren't you?” and
“Do you have your eye on anyone?” and
“When the last you dated someone?” I’m
not dateless by choice. It was awkward,
uncomfortable, and embarrassing.
My dating life (or lack thereof) has
always been a sensitive issue. While I'll
be the first to make jokes about it, it’s
not very fun to analyze a personal, sad
area of your life for others. There are
many reasons why someone might not
be dating, and many of these reasons
involve sad thoughts of not being good
enough or otherwise unattractive.
Of course, sensitive issues can
span all kinds of topics. The typical
questions one asks about someone’s
life—if someone's in school, is working,
has plans for the future—can be things
someone is unhappy with. Someone could
be incredibly unhappy with their life
and circumstances, maybe even battling
some kind of depression in the process.
It’s all right and normal to ask
these sorts of questions, but it’s the
answers that are key. If someone says
they aren't dating, and gives vague or
quiet answers about why, it’s probably
a sign they don’t want to talk about
that aspect of their life. You learned
the answer, and you should move on.
While this is an issue for any age,
it is a particularly large for millennials.
E
g
3
c
x
bac
3
3
ns
19)
>
g
°
x
oa
Does the vast majority of the
Vancouver population hate Jews or
encourage bombing them? Of course
not. But there is a growing sentiment
of targeting others for their religious
and cultural beliefs. Governments
all across North America and Europe
are encouraging nationalism and
Islamophobia. Societal distrust of
Muslims and laws limiting their
freedoms are already in place
in the US, Europe, and even our
land, glorious and free, Canada.
Standing up for social justice
and erasing hatred in the community
means extending tolerance and
respect towards all minority groups.
Jews may not be a big part of the
community, but it doesn’t mean
prejudice towards them is any less
important to take a stand against.
¢¢ You learned the answer,
and you should move on.
Generally speaking, millennials are in
a worse-off condition than any other
generation before. A bad economy,
expensive post-secondary education,
a lack of job prospects, and rising
prices all contribute to many who are
struggling just to get by. Many older
people are unaware or in denial of how
bad the problems get, and thus can
come off as insensitive in many areas.
It is not easy to go back to school.
When in school, it’s hard to determine
your future and what you'll do when
youre finished (particularly if you chose a
degree that you are passionate about but
may not offer many job opportunities).
It is harder than ever to plan ahead and
get a decent job, or a job that plots you
towards a career. If someone is stuck in
a dead-end job, asking when they plan
to leave it or what they’ll be doing in
five years is a really tough question.
General conversation can quickly turn
upsetting. It’s important to notice and
remember when a topic is sensitive, and to
limit yourself on what you ask accordingly.
> Don’t downplay threats against religious groups
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
ecently, the Jewish Community
Centre of Vancouver was
evacuated twice in one week due
to a bomb threat. In response, the
federal government contributed
$100,000 for increased security
measures to the Jewish Federation
of Greater Vancouver.
Violence against religious
minorities is not a new threat, either
historically or in the modern era. The
holocaust, during which millions of
Jews were murdered in government-
funded concentration camps, is
still in living memory. Hatred
and persecution of any religious
community is wrong, and targeting
them specifically is encouraging
the most dangerous type ideology.
In response to the government
contribution, board chair Stephen
Gaerber said “We deeply appreciate
this investment, which will help
make our community facilities
safer as they welcome people from
all faiths and backgrounds.” This
is perhaps the most important
point. It is not just erasing targeted
violence. It is creating a safe
and inclusive area for all people,
regardless of their culture.
It is not enough to simply
condemn the threats of violence.
Stamping out hatred involves honest
discussion on prejudice that forms
within the community. It is not
about just addressing extremists
who make bomb threats. Bigotry
and hatred begins at a subtler and
more ingrained level within society.
In the age of a growing far-
right nationalist movement, it is
important to remember that bigotry
and white supremacy is an issue
in every area. It is not confined
Let it be
= aS
to conservative and rural areas,
or simply in the US. Vancouver is
one of the most progressive and
tolerant cities in North America,
but that doesn’t mean bigotry has
been completely eliminated here.
In fact, it’s much more common
than most people realize.
The people who initiated this
threat did not just plan to target
any community centre. This was
deliberate intimidation of a very
small group (less than 2 per cent of
the Vancouver population is Jewish)
that has been historically persecuted.
This was about generalized anti-
Semitism, violent threats against
minorities, and white supremacy.
The Jewish community is considered
not to be “white” and they are treated
as a separate ethnic group by white
supremacists and Nazis, many of
whom use a “Christian” defence
to justify hatred towards Jews.
The rise of Nazi Germany did
not begin with proposing that
Jews be placed in death camps. It
involved general sentiments against
the group, encouraging general
distrust against Jews, and limiting
their rights and privileges by law.
Perhaps even more importantly, it
involved creating a society where
targeting others for their religious
and cultural backgrounds was
considered justified. Germany in
the 1930s was a different time,
when people were more racist in
general, but the rise of an extremely
racist government (Hitler was
elected democratically) involved
exploiting natural racist tendencies.
> Don’t ask invasive personal questions about someone’s life
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
Ree I was asked by a long-time
amily friend if I was dating anyone.
When I told him I wasn't, he proceeded to
ask questions like “Why aren't you?” and
“Do you have your eye on anyone?” and
“When the last you dated someone?” I’m
not dateless by choice. It was awkward,
uncomfortable, and embarrassing.
My dating life (or lack thereof) has
always been a sensitive issue. While I'll
be the first to make jokes about it, it’s
not very fun to analyze a personal, sad
area of your life for others. There are
many reasons why someone might not
be dating, and many of these reasons
involve sad thoughts of not being good
enough or otherwise unattractive.
Of course, sensitive issues can
span all kinds of topics. The typical
questions one asks about someone’s
life—if someone's in school, is working,
has plans for the future—can be things
someone is unhappy with. Someone could
be incredibly unhappy with their life
and circumstances, maybe even battling
some kind of depression in the process.
It’s all right and normal to ask
these sorts of questions, but it’s the
answers that are key. If someone says
they aren't dating, and gives vague or
quiet answers about why, it’s probably
a sign they don’t want to talk about
that aspect of their life. You learned
the answer, and you should move on.
While this is an issue for any age,
it is a particularly large for millennials.
E
g
3
c
x
bac
3
3
ns
19)
>
g
°
x
oa
Does the vast majority of the
Vancouver population hate Jews or
encourage bombing them? Of course
not. But there is a growing sentiment
of targeting others for their religious
and cultural beliefs. Governments
all across North America and Europe
are encouraging nationalism and
Islamophobia. Societal distrust of
Muslims and laws limiting their
freedoms are already in place
in the US, Europe, and even our
land, glorious and free, Canada.
Standing up for social justice
and erasing hatred in the community
means extending tolerance and
respect towards all minority groups.
Jews may not be a big part of the
community, but it doesn’t mean
prejudice towards them is any less
important to take a stand against.
¢¢ You learned the answer,
and you should move on.
Generally speaking, millennials are in
a worse-off condition than any other
generation before. A bad economy,
expensive post-secondary education,
a lack of job prospects, and rising
prices all contribute to many who are
struggling just to get by. Many older
people are unaware or in denial of how
bad the problems get, and thus can
come off as insensitive in many areas.
It is not easy to go back to school.
When in school, it’s hard to determine
your future and what you'll do when
youre finished (particularly if you chose a
degree that you are passionate about but
may not offer many job opportunities).
It is harder than ever to plan ahead and
get a decent job, or a job that plots you
towards a career. If someone is stuck in
a dead-end job, asking when they plan
to leave it or what they’ll be doing in
five years is a really tough question.
General conversation can quickly turn
upsetting. It’s important to notice and
remember when a topic is sensitive, and to
limit yourself on what you ask accordingly.
Edited Text
Anti-Semitism 1s an alarming problem
> Don’t downplay threats against religious groups
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
ecently, the Jewish Community
Centre of Vancouver was
evacuated twice in one week due
to a bomb threat. In response, the
federal government contributed
$100,000 for increased security
measures to the Jewish Federation
of Greater Vancouver.
Violence against religious
minorities is not a new threat, either
historically or in the modern era. The
holocaust, during which millions of
Jews were murdered in government-
funded concentration camps, is
still in living memory. Hatred
and persecution of any religious
community is wrong, and targeting
them specifically is encouraging
the most dangerous type ideology.
In response to the government
contribution, board chair Stephen
Gaerber said “We deeply appreciate
this investment, which will help
make our community facilities
safer as they welcome people from
all faiths and backgrounds.” This
is perhaps the most important
point. It is not just erasing targeted
violence. It is creating a safe
and inclusive area for all people,
regardless of their culture.
It is not enough to simply
condemn the threats of violence.
Stamping out hatred involves honest
discussion on prejudice that forms
within the community. It is not
about just addressing extremists
who make bomb threats. Bigotry
and hatred begins at a subtler and
more ingrained level within society.
In the age of a growing far-
right nationalist movement, it is
important to remember that bigotry
and white supremacy is an issue
in every area. It is not confined
Let it be
= aS
to conservative and rural areas,
or simply in the US. Vancouver is
one of the most progressive and
tolerant cities in North America,
but that doesn’t mean bigotry has
been completely eliminated here.
In fact, it’s much more common
than most people realize.
The people who initiated this
threat did not just plan to target
any community centre. This was
deliberate intimidation of a very
small group (less than 2 per cent of
the Vancouver population is Jewish)
that has been historically persecuted.
This was about generalized anti-
Semitism, violent threats against
minorities, and white supremacy.
The Jewish community is considered
not to be “white” and they are treated
as a separate ethnic group by white
supremacists and Nazis, many of
whom use a “Christian” defence
to justify hatred towards Jews.
The rise of Nazi Germany did
not begin with proposing that
Jews be placed in death camps. It
involved general sentiments against
the group, encouraging general
distrust against Jews, and limiting
their rights and privileges by law.
Perhaps even more importantly, it
involved creating a society where
targeting others for their religious
and cultural backgrounds was
considered justified. Germany in
the 1930s was a different time,
when people were more racist in
general, but the rise of an extremely
racist government (Hitler was
elected democratically) involved
exploiting natural racist tendencies.
> Don’t ask invasive personal questions about someone’s life
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
Ree I was asked by a long-time
amily friend if I was dating anyone.
When I told him I wasn't, he proceeded to
ask questions like “Why aren't you?” and
“Do you have your eye on anyone?” and
“When the last you dated someone?” I’m
not dateless by choice. It was awkward,
uncomfortable, and embarrassing.
My dating life (or lack thereof) has
always been a sensitive issue. While I'll
be the first to make jokes about it, it’s
not very fun to analyze a personal, sad
area of your life for others. There are
many reasons why someone might not
be dating, and many of these reasons
involve sad thoughts of not being good
enough or otherwise unattractive.
Of course, sensitive issues can
span all kinds of topics. The typical
questions one asks about someone’s
life—if someone's in school, is working,
has plans for the future—can be things
someone is unhappy with. Someone could
be incredibly unhappy with their life
and circumstances, maybe even battling
some kind of depression in the process.
It’s all right and normal to ask
these sorts of questions, but it’s the
answers that are key. If someone says
they aren't dating, and gives vague or
quiet answers about why, it’s probably
a sign they don’t want to talk about
that aspect of their life. You learned
the answer, and you should move on.
While this is an issue for any age,
it is a particularly large for millennials.
E
g
3
c
x
bac
3
3
ns
19)
>
g
°
x
oa
Does the vast majority of the
Vancouver population hate Jews or
encourage bombing them? Of course
not. But there is a growing sentiment
of targeting others for their religious
and cultural beliefs. Governments
all across North America and Europe
are encouraging nationalism and
Islamophobia. Societal distrust of
Muslims and laws limiting their
freedoms are already in place
in the US, Europe, and even our
land, glorious and free, Canada.
Standing up for social justice
and erasing hatred in the community
means extending tolerance and
respect towards all minority groups.
Jews may not be a big part of the
community, but it doesn’t mean
prejudice towards them is any less
important to take a stand against.
¢¢ You learned the answer,
and you should move on.
Generally speaking, millennials are in
a worse-off condition than any other
generation before. A bad economy,
expensive post-secondary education,
a lack of job prospects, and rising
prices all contribute to many who are
struggling just to get by. Many older
people are unaware or in denial of how
bad the problems get, and thus can
come off as insensitive in many areas.
It is not easy to go back to school.
When in school, it’s hard to determine
your future and what you'll do when
youre finished (particularly if you chose a
degree that you are passionate about but
may not offer many job opportunities).
It is harder than ever to plan ahead and
get a decent job, or a job that plots you
towards a career. If someone is stuck in
a dead-end job, asking when they plan
to leave it or what they’ll be doing in
five years is a really tough question.
General conversation can quickly turn
upsetting. It’s important to notice and
remember when a topic is sensitive, and to
limit yourself on what you ask accordingly.
> Don’t downplay threats against religious groups
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
ecently, the Jewish Community
Centre of Vancouver was
evacuated twice in one week due
to a bomb threat. In response, the
federal government contributed
$100,000 for increased security
measures to the Jewish Federation
of Greater Vancouver.
Violence against religious
minorities is not a new threat, either
historically or in the modern era. The
holocaust, during which millions of
Jews were murdered in government-
funded concentration camps, is
still in living memory. Hatred
and persecution of any religious
community is wrong, and targeting
them specifically is encouraging
the most dangerous type ideology.
In response to the government
contribution, board chair Stephen
Gaerber said “We deeply appreciate
this investment, which will help
make our community facilities
safer as they welcome people from
all faiths and backgrounds.” This
is perhaps the most important
point. It is not just erasing targeted
violence. It is creating a safe
and inclusive area for all people,
regardless of their culture.
It is not enough to simply
condemn the threats of violence.
Stamping out hatred involves honest
discussion on prejudice that forms
within the community. It is not
about just addressing extremists
who make bomb threats. Bigotry
and hatred begins at a subtler and
more ingrained level within society.
In the age of a growing far-
right nationalist movement, it is
important to remember that bigotry
and white supremacy is an issue
in every area. It is not confined
Let it be
= aS
to conservative and rural areas,
or simply in the US. Vancouver is
one of the most progressive and
tolerant cities in North America,
but that doesn’t mean bigotry has
been completely eliminated here.
In fact, it’s much more common
than most people realize.
The people who initiated this
threat did not just plan to target
any community centre. This was
deliberate intimidation of a very
small group (less than 2 per cent of
the Vancouver population is Jewish)
that has been historically persecuted.
This was about generalized anti-
Semitism, violent threats against
minorities, and white supremacy.
The Jewish community is considered
not to be “white” and they are treated
as a separate ethnic group by white
supremacists and Nazis, many of
whom use a “Christian” defence
to justify hatred towards Jews.
The rise of Nazi Germany did
not begin with proposing that
Jews be placed in death camps. It
involved general sentiments against
the group, encouraging general
distrust against Jews, and limiting
their rights and privileges by law.
Perhaps even more importantly, it
involved creating a society where
targeting others for their religious
and cultural backgrounds was
considered justified. Germany in
the 1930s was a different time,
when people were more racist in
general, but the rise of an extremely
racist government (Hitler was
elected democratically) involved
exploiting natural racist tendencies.
> Don’t ask invasive personal questions about someone’s life
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
Ree I was asked by a long-time
amily friend if I was dating anyone.
When I told him I wasn't, he proceeded to
ask questions like “Why aren't you?” and
“Do you have your eye on anyone?” and
“When the last you dated someone?” I’m
not dateless by choice. It was awkward,
uncomfortable, and embarrassing.
My dating life (or lack thereof) has
always been a sensitive issue. While I'll
be the first to make jokes about it, it’s
not very fun to analyze a personal, sad
area of your life for others. There are
many reasons why someone might not
be dating, and many of these reasons
involve sad thoughts of not being good
enough or otherwise unattractive.
Of course, sensitive issues can
span all kinds of topics. The typical
questions one asks about someone’s
life—if someone's in school, is working,
has plans for the future—can be things
someone is unhappy with. Someone could
be incredibly unhappy with their life
and circumstances, maybe even battling
some kind of depression in the process.
It’s all right and normal to ask
these sorts of questions, but it’s the
answers that are key. If someone says
they aren't dating, and gives vague or
quiet answers about why, it’s probably
a sign they don’t want to talk about
that aspect of their life. You learned
the answer, and you should move on.
While this is an issue for any age,
it is a particularly large for millennials.
E
g
3
c
x
bac
3
3
ns
19)
>
g
°
x
oa
Does the vast majority of the
Vancouver population hate Jews or
encourage bombing them? Of course
not. But there is a growing sentiment
of targeting others for their religious
and cultural beliefs. Governments
all across North America and Europe
are encouraging nationalism and
Islamophobia. Societal distrust of
Muslims and laws limiting their
freedoms are already in place
in the US, Europe, and even our
land, glorious and free, Canada.
Standing up for social justice
and erasing hatred in the community
means extending tolerance and
respect towards all minority groups.
Jews may not be a big part of the
community, but it doesn’t mean
prejudice towards them is any less
important to take a stand against.
¢¢ You learned the answer,
and you should move on.
Generally speaking, millennials are in
a worse-off condition than any other
generation before. A bad economy,
expensive post-secondary education,
a lack of job prospects, and rising
prices all contribute to many who are
struggling just to get by. Many older
people are unaware or in denial of how
bad the problems get, and thus can
come off as insensitive in many areas.
It is not easy to go back to school.
When in school, it’s hard to determine
your future and what you'll do when
youre finished (particularly if you chose a
degree that you are passionate about but
may not offer many job opportunities).
It is harder than ever to plan ahead and
get a decent job, or a job that plots you
towards a career. If someone is stuck in
a dead-end job, asking when they plan
to leave it or what they’ll be doing in
five years is a really tough question.
General conversation can quickly turn
upsetting. It’s important to notice and
remember when a topic is sensitive, and to
limit yourself on what you ask accordingly.
> Don’t downplay threats against religious groups
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
ecently, the Jewish Community
Centre of Vancouver was
evacuated twice in one week due
to a bomb threat. In response, the
federal government contributed
$100,000 for increased security
measures to the Jewish Federation
of Greater Vancouver.
Violence against religious
minorities is not a new threat, either
historically or in the modern era. The
holocaust, during which millions of
Jews were murdered in government-
funded concentration camps, is
still in living memory. Hatred
and persecution of any religious
community is wrong, and targeting
them specifically is encouraging
the most dangerous type ideology.
In response to the government
contribution, board chair Stephen
Gaerber said “We deeply appreciate
this investment, which will help
make our community facilities
safer as they welcome people from
all faiths and backgrounds.” This
is perhaps the most important
point. It is not just erasing targeted
violence. It is creating a safe
and inclusive area for all people,
regardless of their culture.
It is not enough to simply
condemn the threats of violence.
Stamping out hatred involves honest
discussion on prejudice that forms
within the community. It is not
about just addressing extremists
who make bomb threats. Bigotry
and hatred begins at a subtler and
more ingrained level within society.
In the age of a growing far-
right nationalist movement, it is
important to remember that bigotry
and white supremacy is an issue
in every area. It is not confined
Let it be
= aS
to conservative and rural areas,
or simply in the US. Vancouver is
one of the most progressive and
tolerant cities in North America,
but that doesn’t mean bigotry has
been completely eliminated here.
In fact, it’s much more common
than most people realize.
The people who initiated this
threat did not just plan to target
any community centre. This was
deliberate intimidation of a very
small group (less than 2 per cent of
the Vancouver population is Jewish)
that has been historically persecuted.
This was about generalized anti-
Semitism, violent threats against
minorities, and white supremacy.
The Jewish community is considered
not to be “white” and they are treated
as a separate ethnic group by white
supremacists and Nazis, many of
whom use a “Christian” defence
to justify hatred towards Jews.
The rise of Nazi Germany did
not begin with proposing that
Jews be placed in death camps. It
involved general sentiments against
the group, encouraging general
distrust against Jews, and limiting
their rights and privileges by law.
Perhaps even more importantly, it
involved creating a society where
targeting others for their religious
and cultural backgrounds was
considered justified. Germany in
the 1930s was a different time,
when people were more racist in
general, but the rise of an extremely
racist government (Hitler was
elected democratically) involved
exploiting natural racist tendencies.
> Don’t ask invasive personal questions about someone’s life
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
Ree I was asked by a long-time
amily friend if I was dating anyone.
When I told him I wasn't, he proceeded to
ask questions like “Why aren't you?” and
“Do you have your eye on anyone?” and
“When the last you dated someone?” I’m
not dateless by choice. It was awkward,
uncomfortable, and embarrassing.
My dating life (or lack thereof) has
always been a sensitive issue. While I'll
be the first to make jokes about it, it’s
not very fun to analyze a personal, sad
area of your life for others. There are
many reasons why someone might not
be dating, and many of these reasons
involve sad thoughts of not being good
enough or otherwise unattractive.
Of course, sensitive issues can
span all kinds of topics. The typical
questions one asks about someone’s
life—if someone's in school, is working,
has plans for the future—can be things
someone is unhappy with. Someone could
be incredibly unhappy with their life
and circumstances, maybe even battling
some kind of depression in the process.
It’s all right and normal to ask
these sorts of questions, but it’s the
answers that are key. If someone says
they aren't dating, and gives vague or
quiet answers about why, it’s probably
a sign they don’t want to talk about
that aspect of their life. You learned
the answer, and you should move on.
While this is an issue for any age,
it is a particularly large for millennials.
E
g
3
c
x
bac
3
3
ns
19)
>
g
°
x
oa
Does the vast majority of the
Vancouver population hate Jews or
encourage bombing them? Of course
not. But there is a growing sentiment
of targeting others for their religious
and cultural beliefs. Governments
all across North America and Europe
are encouraging nationalism and
Islamophobia. Societal distrust of
Muslims and laws limiting their
freedoms are already in place
in the US, Europe, and even our
land, glorious and free, Canada.
Standing up for social justice
and erasing hatred in the community
means extending tolerance and
respect towards all minority groups.
Jews may not be a big part of the
community, but it doesn’t mean
prejudice towards them is any less
important to take a stand against.
¢¢ You learned the answer,
and you should move on.
Generally speaking, millennials are in
a worse-off condition than any other
generation before. A bad economy,
expensive post-secondary education,
a lack of job prospects, and rising
prices all contribute to many who are
struggling just to get by. Many older
people are unaware or in denial of how
bad the problems get, and thus can
come off as insensitive in many areas.
It is not easy to go back to school.
When in school, it’s hard to determine
your future and what you'll do when
youre finished (particularly if you chose a
degree that you are passionate about but
may not offer many job opportunities).
It is harder than ever to plan ahead and
get a decent job, or a job that plots you
towards a career. If someone is stuck in
a dead-end job, asking when they plan
to leave it or what they’ll be doing in
five years is a really tough question.
General conversation can quickly turn
upsetting. It’s important to notice and
remember when a topic is sensitive, and to
limit yourself on what you ask accordingly.
> Don’t downplay threats against religious groups
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
ecently, the Jewish Community
Centre of Vancouver was
evacuated twice in one week due
to a bomb threat. In response, the
federal government contributed
$100,000 for increased security
measures to the Jewish Federation
of Greater Vancouver.
Violence against religious
minorities is not a new threat, either
historically or in the modern era. The
holocaust, during which millions of
Jews were murdered in government-
funded concentration camps, is
still in living memory. Hatred
and persecution of any religious
community is wrong, and targeting
them specifically is encouraging
the most dangerous type ideology.
In response to the government
contribution, board chair Stephen
Gaerber said “We deeply appreciate
this investment, which will help
make our community facilities
safer as they welcome people from
all faiths and backgrounds.” This
is perhaps the most important
point. It is not just erasing targeted
violence. It is creating a safe
and inclusive area for all people,
regardless of their culture.
It is not enough to simply
condemn the threats of violence.
Stamping out hatred involves honest
discussion on prejudice that forms
within the community. It is not
about just addressing extremists
who make bomb threats. Bigotry
and hatred begins at a subtler and
more ingrained level within society.
In the age of a growing far-
right nationalist movement, it is
important to remember that bigotry
and white supremacy is an issue
in every area. It is not confined
Let it be
= aS
to conservative and rural areas,
or simply in the US. Vancouver is
one of the most progressive and
tolerant cities in North America,
but that doesn’t mean bigotry has
been completely eliminated here.
In fact, it’s much more common
than most people realize.
The people who initiated this
threat did not just plan to target
any community centre. This was
deliberate intimidation of a very
small group (less than 2 per cent of
the Vancouver population is Jewish)
that has been historically persecuted.
This was about generalized anti-
Semitism, violent threats against
minorities, and white supremacy.
The Jewish community is considered
not to be “white” and they are treated
as a separate ethnic group by white
supremacists and Nazis, many of
whom use a “Christian” defence
to justify hatred towards Jews.
The rise of Nazi Germany did
not begin with proposing that
Jews be placed in death camps. It
involved general sentiments against
the group, encouraging general
distrust against Jews, and limiting
their rights and privileges by law.
Perhaps even more importantly, it
involved creating a society where
targeting others for their religious
and cultural backgrounds was
considered justified. Germany in
the 1930s was a different time,
when people were more racist in
general, but the rise of an extremely
racist government (Hitler was
elected democratically) involved
exploiting natural racist tendencies.
> Don’t ask invasive personal questions about someone’s life
Cazzy Lewchuk
Opinions Editor
Ree I was asked by a long-time
amily friend if I was dating anyone.
When I told him I wasn't, he proceeded to
ask questions like “Why aren't you?” and
“Do you have your eye on anyone?” and
“When the last you dated someone?” I’m
not dateless by choice. It was awkward,
uncomfortable, and embarrassing.
My dating life (or lack thereof) has
always been a sensitive issue. While I'll
be the first to make jokes about it, it’s
not very fun to analyze a personal, sad
area of your life for others. There are
many reasons why someone might not
be dating, and many of these reasons
involve sad thoughts of not being good
enough or otherwise unattractive.
Of course, sensitive issues can
span all kinds of topics. The typical
questions one asks about someone’s
life—if someone's in school, is working,
has plans for the future—can be things
someone is unhappy with. Someone could
be incredibly unhappy with their life
and circumstances, maybe even battling
some kind of depression in the process.
It’s all right and normal to ask
these sorts of questions, but it’s the
answers that are key. If someone says
they aren't dating, and gives vague or
quiet answers about why, it’s probably
a sign they don’t want to talk about
that aspect of their life. You learned
the answer, and you should move on.
While this is an issue for any age,
it is a particularly large for millennials.
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Does the vast majority of the
Vancouver population hate Jews or
encourage bombing them? Of course
not. But there is a growing sentiment
of targeting others for their religious
and cultural beliefs. Governments
all across North America and Europe
are encouraging nationalism and
Islamophobia. Societal distrust of
Muslims and laws limiting their
freedoms are already in place
in the US, Europe, and even our
land, glorious and free, Canada.
Standing up for social justice
and erasing hatred in the community
means extending tolerance and
respect towards all minority groups.
Jews may not be a big part of the
community, but it doesn’t mean
prejudice towards them is any less
important to take a stand against.
¢¢ You learned the answer,
and you should move on.
Generally speaking, millennials are in
a worse-off condition than any other
generation before. A bad economy,
expensive post-secondary education,
a lack of job prospects, and rising
prices all contribute to many who are
struggling just to get by. Many older
people are unaware or in denial of how
bad the problems get, and thus can
come off as insensitive in many areas.
It is not easy to go back to school.
When in school, it’s hard to determine
your future and what you'll do when
youre finished (particularly if you chose a
degree that you are passionate about but
may not offer many job opportunities).
It is harder than ever to plan ahead and
get a decent job, or a job that plots you
towards a career. If someone is stuck in
a dead-end job, asking when they plan
to leave it or what they’ll be doing in
five years is a really tough question.
General conversation can quickly turn
upsetting. It’s important to notice and
remember when a topic is sensitive, and to
limit yourself on what you ask accordingly.