By Mahazib Showmik
There are numerous ways in which discrimination is present in Canada on a systemic and institutional level. For instance, individuals, especially immigrants, have reported facing repeated rejections in professional fields despite their qualifications. This highlights the discrepancy between Canada's claims of equality and the reality of discrimination. Furthermore, South Asian children often experience challenges in the education system, where they often excel academically but struggle to secure jobs due to a lack of community references. The underrepresentation of women of color in STEM fields and the systemic barriers skilled immigrants face in the job market are issues that further explain the role of biases and systemic discrimination in creating oppressive practices.
In terms of strategies for change, social awareness and policies aimed at promoting inclusivity are crucial to achieve mutual respect and equitable outcomes. For instance, schools can promote inclusivity through policies that value accountability and relationship building. Further, youth in the community are a key stakeholder in this issue, as they should be encouraged to share their experiences of discrimination and racism. Social issues are often more systematic than they appear, and divisions within the community hinder productive discussions on racism and discrimination. Additionally, schools should emphasize on providing support systems for students and parents, such as having student councils and parent-teacher meetings to address discrimination. By having transparent school processes, educational institutions can address the inadequacy of existing support systems and create inclusive environments. Overall, we need to prioritize collective action, transparency, and systemic change in addressing systemic discrimination in the community and advancing equity and inclusion.
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