Dear Editor:
What seems to be at issue in this debate around Black Peter is a failure to acknowledge and understand distinctions that need to be made between racist intent and racist impact.
In my reading of the articles and letters defending the tradition of Black Peter, the basic argument being advanced is, "We are in no way intending to be racist" (meaning to suggest that supporters of Black Peter have no malicious intent).
On the other hand, African-Canadian and other community members that are speaking out against the featuring of Black Peter in the Sinterklaas festivities are advancing the following argument: "The effects of featuring Black Peter in this public celebration are as follows: trivialization of the historical hardships of people of African descent whose ancestors had to suffer through hundreds of years of being enslaved by Europeans; glorification of the enslavement of Black people by Europeans and; the public perpetuation and celebration of negative and racist stereotypes about black people."
How we understand this event depends entirely on whether we're talking about the intent or the (actual or likely) impact of continuing to celebrate Black Peter in Canada.
In the end, the intentions motivating the featuring of Black Peter are negligible.
If we focus on the effects of Black Peter's imagery and presence (as outlined above), all reasonable and well-informed Canadians will start to see why there's so much resistance to the celebration of this character - especially when such festivities are set to take place in our multicultural streets and community spaces.
Although it is most unfortunate that the Sinterklaas festivities have been cancelled entirely, I think we should all be grateful for the opportunity this issue has provided for all Canadians to develop a more sophisticated understanding of race and racism.
For example, I think many are starting to realize for the first time that someone or something can most definitely be racist even in the absence of racist (read malicious) intent.
That's a positive that deserves recognition.
That we are even having this public conversation without using violence, intimidation or coercion signifies that we are truly moving closer towards understanding and realizing the full spirit of multiculturalism.
Let us continue this exchange with the intellectual honesty, fair and open-mindedness that is characteristic of what brings us together as Canadians.
Anthony Morgan, by email
