I have been able to witness some amazing and positive changes in North America and the world over the past 60 years or so. Living in Canada, we only saw the civil rights movement from afar, although we did have our own form of more subtle racial bias. Fortunately it was never engrained in our political, housing and educational structures as it was in the USA.  

I can remember reading about the experiences of Fergie Jenkins, one of our great Canadian baseball players, who travelled throughout the U.S. south during his minor league career and as a Black man, the blatant racism he faced regarding meals and hotels.  

Yes, we have come along ways since those days and yet, we still examples of such hatred for other citizens, which is based on a person’s skin colour, religion or gender identity. There are many of us who would still claim to not be racist in any way and are supportive of equality for all. I must question those who feel this way to ensure they are aware of issues such as white privilege and unconscious bias and racism. We only know what we know when we should be seeking a full knowledge and understanding of these issues. 

Our world continues to evolve in many positive ways whether it is in technical improvements that improve our way of life or our own way of thinking about important issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion. There are many resources we can access at the touch of a computer screen or smart phone. While much of our past is painful to learn about it is an essential component of our growing and evolving as human beings. If we can keep the one common theme of the “common good” of all humanity as our main goal, we can all make a difference, whether big or small, that will contribute to a better world for us and our families.  

Please share your comments on these issues with all. 

You are also welcome to join our Facebook page.

About the author:

Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and is a Canadian Vincentian.  He is married to his dear wife Pat and they have six daughters and eleven grandchildren. Jim has been a member of the Society since the 1970’s.

I respectfully acknowledge the traditional, unceded territories of the Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit, on which lands we meet, work and live.