When you fight poverty, you can also help fight racism.
The low income rate for immigrants is rising and aboriginal poverty remains a problem. The unemployment rate is higher for visible minorities.
Why is this?
- Racism is a contributing factor and a consequence of this can be a poor job because of job discrimination.
- Many minorities are working for low wages in temporary jobs with poor working conditions.
- Tons of immigrants and minorities have university degrees but their qualifications are still not accepted and they're stuck in low paying jobs.
- Minimum wages are not providing enough for a single person to live comfortably leave alone a family.
How can we as individuals fight racism?
- Confront those who make racist jokes or contribute to negative stereotypes. If enough people do this some may start to realize it's not ok. Pointing out racist remarks and actions helps bring it into the open and it also educates people. Some people don't even realize they're acting racist if that's the way they were raised.
- Acknowledging that racism exists is also important. Putting your head in the sand does not help matters. Pretending racism doesn't exist does not make it go away.
- Encourage your family, friends and children to learn about other cultures and get to know people from other countries and cultures.
- Celebrate differences by sampling different foods, books, music and traditions.
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