M1 P2
Hi everyone,
Perhaps a controversial post…
I recently came across this video and thought it was an interesting representation of what a lack of knowledge and respect can look like. The first 15 seconds demonstrate how “leaders” in the Commonwealth reacted to two Inuit Throat Singers.
Please note, this video is over 5 years old and I am hoping there was some growth since then. I would like to give Charles and Camilla the benefit of the doubt and say that they lacked knowledge and that this was a new experience (rather than making assumptions about discriminatory practices). But I also wonder if that is the settler in me trying to empathize… perhaps it is better to not give it the benefit of the doubt and assume this is a representation of continued racism in our commonwealth.
I thought this video was important because it helps to show the continued struggle that Indigneous communities face when it comes to gaining respect, equity and understanding from the government; a group and organization who’s values are vastly different from Indigenous Communities. It is also a representation of how “seriously” our government takes Indigenous communities, their culture and their forms of governance.
Natascha, I remember watching this video and having a very uncomfortable feeling. I get maybe not understanding or being aware of certain traditions in a culture but I think this speaks to the lack of education and also basic humility when it comes to experiencing new things. Especially as “world leaders”, I feel like being respectful even if we don’t know is not that difficult.
This video makes me very uncomfortable and a little bit angry, also embarrassed on behalf of humanity that adult human leaders are unable to control their internal dialogues.
All of those feelings you both described I felt too, discomfort… anger… frustration.. embarrassed and confused at how this type of behaviour is still occurring…
I also just don’t understand how people can blatantly just laugh at others! What a lack of basic respect