Here are most of the letters to the editor in today's Globe and Mail. The two or three I left out were mildly negative, but most were understanding. Considering the hate fest the Globe has conducted against the PM over the past many months, I'd say this episode is way more important to the punditry than the citizenry. My favourite letter is this one, close to the end: "The brownface photo certainly reflects a youthful error in judgement. But am I going to punish myself by not voting for him? Absolutely not."
RE: TRUDEAU APOLOGIZES FOR WEARING RACIST MAKEUP (SEPT. 19)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dressed up in an Aladdin costume and wore brown makeup in 2001 while attending an Arabian Nights-themed gala. As a brown-skinned Canadian of East Indian descent, I accept that he did not consider it a racist act at that time.
The gala was held 18 years ago and, back then, people dressed up in all kinds of costumes, including Indigenous ones, without considering it racist. Nowadays, we would not consider it appropriate to dress up in the costume of another racial group, and we would certainly not darken our faces to mimic those of another race.
Our ideas of racism have changed over the past decades. Canadians should think about how their own thinking has evolved before jumping on the bandwagon of criticism.
Aby Rajani Toronto
I would normally find this commotion over brownface quite amusing if, at some level, I did not find offensive all those feigning outrage. It feels like stooping to patronize the minority vote. When it comes to racism, there are more serious issues to address such as racial prejudices in the workplace and discriminatory hiring practices. That does not even include important election issues such as the SNC-Lavalin scandal, the impasse over the Trans Mountain pipeline or continuing apathy toward Indigenous issues.
I am dismayed that not a single political leader saw this for what it was – a costume worn for a theme party at a private gathering – and instead chose to raise hell and cry racism. If I must take offence, it is to the notion that others have decided to feel aggrieved on behalf of my community.
In the end, I think we have moved toward being too politically correct – which would actually be fine, if we were not applying these sensitivities to a fantasy world like the Arabian Nights.
Dinesh Raveendran Milton, Ont.
It is completely appropriate to bring up past photos, videos and social-media postings in order to probe the character of politicians. Justin Trudeau’s inappropriate costumes and Andrew Scheer’s comments on same-sex marriage are both fair game.
However, the public is free to judge their characters based on how they responded to each revelation. In that regard, Mr. Scheer remains unable to unequivocally support same-sex marriage, whereas Mr. Trudeau’s clear regret – along with his record on minority-focused issues and the makeup of his cabinet – speaks volumes.
Salman Remtulla Mississauga
As I read about Justin Trudeau’s actions nearly 20 years ago at a party, I found myself also thinking of Andrew Scheer, who is being held to account for a past statement on same-sex marriage. I would not be surprised if stories about the NDP and Green Party leaders were also to appear. The truth is everyone has things in their past that they regret, were unaware of or were ignorant about.
I do.
As a clergy person, I remind people weekly that they are “loved, forgiven and set free.” This invites us to start anew, to leave regret and shame behind. When we are our truest self, we are more conscious and aware, more able to make better choices based on the greater good.
I hope the politics of this election become less about shame-invoking and more about looking forward. We can’t waste time dragging one another through the mud. The world needs our best selves in order to create the best conditions for all to thrive.
John Pentland Reverend, Hillhurst United, Calgary
After I saw the photo of Justin Trudeau in brownface from 2001, I went to listen to a Metropolitan Opera recording of Mozart’s opera The Abduction from the Seraglio. The educated and diverse audience for this production paid hundreds of dollars each to see a German operatic bass in brown makeup and period costume perform the role of Osmin, the manager of a Harem. How many culturally sensitive lines did this cross?
Surely it is vital to consider context, including what is said and intended, before making a snap judgment based purely on appearance.
Michael Owen London, Ont.
Fifty years ago, my Grade 6 class did a project studying a country of our choice. I chose Nigeria.
On presentation day, we were encouraged to dress in a costume traditional to our country. My parents helped me make a colourful body wrap and gele for my head, and paint my face brown using cocoa powder. My costume won accolades.
On another occasion, we made an “Indian princess” costume for Halloween. It was a bejeweled, fringed, burlap-sack dress complete with a papoose containing a dark-skinned doll.
Should we have made or worn these costumes? No. Would I do it today? No. I agree with Justin Trudeau that now we know better. And I accept his apology.
Elizabeth Ross Orillia, Ont.
Little did we know we were racists when singing blackfaced in a church-minstrel show in Kitchener in 1953. Or when we were singing, blackened, a version of the Banana Boat Song during an army review in Kingston in 1959. But now we all know better. Canadians should be glad we’ve grown up – and out – toward the light.
John Marion Toronto
The brownface photo certainly reflects a youthful error in judgement. But am I going to punish myself by not voting for him? Absolutely not.
Jane Dickson Ottawa
The good people of Canada should come to their senses. As an American living under Donald Trump, I can assure you that Canadians are blessed to have an intelligent, progressive leader in Justin Trudeau. Don’t throw him out because of some 18-year-old photos of him in brownface. Most of us in the United States would gladly trade your Prime Minister for our President.
Doug Williams Minneapolis, Minn.
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