by kquinn | Thu, 02/26/2009 - 3:35pm
Looking for feedback about a name change for Race Relations Week!
This year during the planning meetings for Race Relations Week 2009, there has been a lot of discussion around changing the name of Race Relations Week.
People would like to get away from using the word race because it is tied to unequal power relations and historically was used to justify the rule of white people over so called inferior races. For many people, the term anti-racism means a rejection of racial categories and the stereotypes that come with them. This makes it unhelpful to stick to the concept of race when promoting understanding and working to bring people together.
The most popular suggestion for a new name is ‘Right Relations Week'.
Some reasons in favor of going with this name are:
- that it is inclusive and expresses the idea of overcoming all forms of discrimination that might be barriers to a healthy and vibrant community (for example discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, class, ethnicity etc.)
- that the term Right Relations is most commonly used in the context of improving relations with First Nations peoples in Canada so that it would express SLARC's mandate as well the goals of Race Relations Week
- that it's close enough to the old name that we hopefully wont lose the work that's been done over the years to develop Race Relations Week as a brand
One concern is that ‘Right Relations' may not be a term that is familiar to people.
Your thoughts about this name change would be greatly appreciated!
Please forward this email to anyone you think would want to be a part of the discussion.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing your feedback.
Katy Quinn
Projects and Partnerships Coordinator
Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee
Box 1194, Sioux Lookout ON, P8T 1B7
(807)737-1501(P) (807)737-2600 (F)
www.slarc.ca
Great to see feedback....
Great to see feedback.... inspired me to carry on with brainstorming because nothing quite captured the overall meaning / intent of the week for me... although many suggestions touched on it..... THis is a special week in Sioux Lookout and I think it is important that we continue to give it lots of thought.
THe week's name is like a handle that needs to be straightforward and easily understood by everyone - even newcomers (and easy to say / remember!).... the name however does not have to preclude a special focus - or emphasis that occurs in any given year - that comes with the proclaimed theme which results in explaining the intent of that year's week more fully... as in last years "Let's CHAT - Create Harmony Around Town". I think that the year to year name of the week needs to reflect it's occurence around March 21... (the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination) and it's historical purpose in Sioux Lookout which was about building relations.... building understanding - raising awareness between Nishnawbe and non-Nishnawbe people.... I think that building relations between people in our community (and building cultural awareness in general) is what year to year the week continues to be about ... hence the many "informative" type of happenings... and in future years if we are able to secure some funds perhaps we can have more little workshops again.... Anyway... before my e-mail becomes too long with explanations..... I'll just throw out to everyone the idea of calling the week... CULTURAL RELATIONS WEEK.
Thanks..... Monika