How prophetic was rapper Vanilla Ice (also known as Rob Van Winkle) in the early 1990s when he released his hit song “Ice Ice Baby”, which included the following phrase?
“All right stop, collaborate and listen?”
Sure, he may have sampled the music from Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure”, but those few lyrics resonate in almost any situation involving a conflict, especially the last one.
Problem with a coworker, spouse or family member? Listen.
Disagreement with someone about vaccines, masks or protests? Listen.
For or against the renaming of Powell River? Listen.
A process looking into the process of possibly renaming the city is underway. A joint working group consisting of city residents and Tla’amin Nation citizens has begun community engagement.
In addition to the launch of a website and survey, the working group and city council have assured residents that a variety of public activities and sharing of information will take place this spring. The working group will make recommendations to city council, who will then decide how to proceed.
No decision has been made on what the next steps will be, or what a potential new name would be, if that route is chosen.
The name “Powell” is clearly hurtful to some and important to others, which indicates a clear conflict, but not one that can’t be discussed in a civil manner.
Everyone needs to “stop” and take a breath. Let the working group “collaborate.” We need to “listen” to the information produced as a result.
Take it all in and then share your thoughts and feelings. There should be no rush to judge an outcome that has not been determined.
All right stop, collaborate and listen. Is it really that hard?
