Re: Olivia Chow still getting the most abuse on Facebook, Oct. 2

Olivia Chow still getting the most abuse on Facebook, Oct. 2

“I am a proud Torontonian . . . a proud Canadian.” This wasn’t so much a statement as a stand taken once again by Olivia Chow at the Oct. 1 mayoral debate when facing down yet another comment about her “immigrant status.” It is disheartening that in all my years in Toronto this is the first time I’ve witnessed such virulent personal attacks against a mayoral candidate.

How did race enter the mayoral race? What I find shocking is the depths to which some Torontonians are prepared to sink, while hiding behind the guise of open, political debate and free speech.

“Go home — back to China.” “She’s Chinese! She’s not Canadian!”

That’s the same anti-Asian rhetoric that stripped pioneer Chinese Canadians of the right to vote and tore families apart by banning Chinese immigration to Canada. That voice, with the same tenor and tone, reverberated at the Sept. 23 mayoral debate and again on Oct. 1.

The slur was followed by silence from the other mayoral candidates. It is unconscionable that the top contenders reacted to racist jeering with the same disregard as their political forefathers. Until pressed, they said nothing.

“Your candidate should learn to speak English!”

On the array of online gender- and race-based expletives and invectives, the Star’s investigation found that of the three mayoral front-runners, “. . . Olivia Chow continues to attract the most abusive comments on Facebook.” One writer tipped a hat to Rob Ford (open Rob Ford's poilcard)’s 2008 comment that “those Oriental people work like dogs” by posting an image of a skinned dog in the background.

During all her years of political and community leadership, Olivia Chow has shown such tenacity, grace and courage in countering the stereotype of who a “real” Canadian should be. In this great city with its motto, “Diversity Our Strength,” there is no place for the racism that has permeated this campaign.

Torontonians need to recognize it for what it is, call it out and reject it.

Joseph Y.K. Wong MD, Toronto

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