"Everyone is entitled to their opinions."
Racism is not a matter of opinion. Everyone can have different opinions as long as the opinions don’t actively harm and oppress others. We’re not talking about whether you like pineapples on pizza, we’re talking about how very real, racist views and systems make it harder for groups of people to exist.
Why is this racist?
Human rights is not up for debate and as American activist James Baldwin once said, “we can disagree unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”
The “Myth of Opinion” perpetuates a dominant narrative and suggests that arguing from lived experience and emotion is less valid.
“To be clear, racism is not a disagreement. Racism is not a difference of opinion… There must be a zero tolerance approach to acts or expressions of violence and hate targeted at Black, Indigenous people and people of colour.” (Source)
Additional Resources related to this Statement