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Recently, I took the time to listen to one of Pierre Poilievre’s TV ads. In one part of the TV ad, he mentions that woke obsessions dishonour our history, destroy our education, degrade our military and separate people. Since Mr. Poilievre did not explain his position on these statements, I will give you my interpretation of his statements.
I believe what Mr. Poilievre is saying when he says we dishonour our history is because of the Truth and Reconciliation for our First Nations — acknowledging that our ancestors treated the First Nations horribly and that we owe them for stealing their land and destroying their families and tribes with the residential schools. I believe that learning about Canada’s history, good and bad, can empower people.
I believe that he thinks we destroy our education because being woke means that we treat each person with respect and love acknowledging that they have a right to live reflecting who they are and acknowledging the LBGT+ and transgender people are living their life authentically and are not evil people because they do so. We also acknowledge that they have human rights that support this.
I believe that Mr. Poilievre thinks that we degrade our military because we acknowledge the concerns about misogyny and racism within the military and look to change the atmosphere in which women and BIPOC people can serve the country without being bullied and left out.
I believe that Mr. Poilievre thinks that we separate people because we think every human deserves to be respected and given the same rights as others despite their sexual orientation, gender, colour, race or religion or any other difference. I believe polarization threatens democracy.
I know Canada has its own problems, but it is still the third global country where people from other countries choose to live. It isn’t broken unless you feel it is broken because it doesn’t reflect your values.
As to woke people, we are people who believe in social justice and work to support and respect all people regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or any other difference.
So, Mr. Poilievre, woke is not a bad word or a bad way to live as it reflects love and respect for all others.
Lenore Pressley
Aurora
