The Fighting 44s

A follow up to the “nipper-tipping” incidents that were occurring throughout the summer here in Ontario. Looks like the Human Rights Commission have ruled that “nipper-tipping” was indeed driven by racism. Although it may be tough to believe (and though it may seem obviously racist to us), this ruling is a huge step forward. Over the course of the summer there were dozens of reports on local news channels and radio; in each case, however, the general consensus was that the racism behind the act was questionable.

I’m not sure why this sort of fence-sitting continued — a self-righteous attempt by newsmedia to stay impartial, perhaps? What irked me though was that in each report it was always a caucasian covering the story. Interviews with local asian representatives were unsettling. The asians they interviewed always had thick accents, and their status as “foreigners” in a place that has been traditionally red-neck Canadian, was very apparent.

So I’m happy with the ruling. I’m also happy that Barabara Hall chaired it. She’s always been a strong proponent of cultural diversity here in Toronto. Although perhaps not the greatest speaker, her heart is definitely in the right place. The last time I saw her was at “Wong Foundation” banquet when she was making a bid for Toronto mayor, way back when. Although I was still young, it struck me that a white politician would go out of their way to attend an otherwise insignificant celebration put on by minorities.

Racism behind angler attacks: Report
http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/285643

Dec 14, 2007 11:25 AM
CURTIS RUSH
STAFF REPORTER
“Racism and racial discrimination” have prompted physical and verbal attacks against Asian anglers, an Ontario Human Rights Commission investigation concluded today.

In a statement of preliminary findings, Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall said that the attacks “remind us that racism and racial discrimination exist in Ontario and show how harmful such events can be for all of us.”

The investigation began after media reports about a number of so-called “nipper tipping” incidents across south and central Ontario.

“What is clear is that the simple activity of going fishing for some Asian-Canadian anglers has taken on very disturbing racial overtones,” Hall said.

The commission received more than 30 responses after setting up a hotline to gather information about attacks on anglers in southern and central Ontario.

Most of the submissions came from the Lake Simcoe, Peterborough and Rideau Locks areas.

According to the commission, Asian anglers were subjected to racial slurs and stone throwing. In some cases, their fishing equipment was destroyed and they were physically attacked.

Some cases are under police investigation, the report said.

The inquiry found that concerns were raised about conservation and protection of fish stocks.

“It is disturbing that many submissions raising conservation concerns showed the very kind of stereotyping and name-calling that the commission is fighting against,” Hall said in the report.

She went on to stay that “stereotyping any one community by assuming that certain people are more likely to commit illegal activity is not only wrong, it’s against the law.”

In one case, a racially mixed group of Toronto anglers were fishing off a Sutton bridge last Sept. 16 when police say a group of locals approached them and pushed an Asian angler into Lake Simcoe.

A fight broke out, followed by a car chase in which police say a local pickup truck forced the fishermen off the road, leaving one man in a coma.

The commission said it plans to work with community partners to find a solution to these concerns and take action.

Its final report, outlining conclusions and a plan of action, will be presented in the spring.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 14th, 2007 at 1:25 pm and is filed under News, Social Issues. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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