Much sorrow and fear has arisen out of the recent mass shootings in Paris, France. With fear often comes intolerance and misdirected anger.
When news began to spread that one of the Paris attackers may have entered Europe as part of the current influx of refugees, the reaction by some was to call for Canada to close its borders and not let refugees into the country. Petitions began to circulate online asking the federal government to tighten or even cease Syrian refugee efforts and tens of thousands of Canadians have already supported the campaign.
In the aftermath of the attacks, which left 129 dead and have been linked to extremist groups ISIS and al Qaeda, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been steadfast in his campaign promise to take in 25,000 Syrian refugees by the year’s end.
While our leader is calling for acceptance and tolerance for people who are fleeing the same kind of terrorism that Paris came face to face with last week, others are taking the opposite approach and letting misdirected anger and fear dictate their opinions and actions.
Tightening screening procedures for refugees on the remote chance there could be dangerous individuals among them is a precautionary measure worth taking, but shunning and scapegoating refugees is rooted in ignorance and fear.
The tragedy in Paris last week and the recent attack on Beirut, as well as the daily attacks on Syria, Iraq and other war-torn countries from which innocent people are trying to flee, is an opportunity for Canada to show the world what we do best. We’re Canadians: we help people.
If we can aid refugees by providing a safe solace from a life of constantly fleeing from terrorist attacks, then we are helping people escape the same kind of violence Paris experienced last week.
Trudeau has expressed compassion for those trying to escape war-torn regions. The rest of Canada should follow his example rather than letting fear cloud the instinctual nature to help others. This empathy begins at home.
The fifth annual Celebration of Cultural Diversity takes place this weekend in Powell River. While browsing food and art booths showcasing the people who have chosen our city as their new home, reflect on the cultural richness of our community and how intolerance and fear of others could have long-reaching effects.
Closing borders is admitting defeat to extremists, and closing our community is a mistake, for ourselves and future generations.
