What propelled a member of my own family into the arms of a monster like Donald Trump?
My family member is pinned to my wall, like an insect. It’s a bit clinical, perhaps, but it’s apt. Ever since Donald Trump shocked the world, and rode a wave of white resentment and rage into the Oval Office, I’ve been thinking a lot about my relative. He used to be a Canadian, and normal.…
Individuals and groups cannot simply force a change in speech, language or perception that hasn’t been recognized by the vast majority of society
There have been occasions when seemingly innocuous YouTube videos go viral. The most recent (and unusual) example has been a Canadian academic’s esoteric discussion of a violation of his right to free speech on campus. Yet, there are many logical reasons why Jordan Peterson’s 57 minute, 42 second video, “Fear and the Law,” posted on…Donald Trump seems incapable of seeing that the times have changed
Steller sea lions are the largest of all sea lions, and they have an appetite to match. Close to Skelhp where I live, there is a Steller rookery, a haul-out on the McRae Islets where the local population of more than 100 pinnipeds lounges and collectively demonstrate various types of dominance behaviour according to their…
Changing the status quo also takes honesty, decency, conviction, perseverance – and a united effort on the part of others
There were lots of good speeches at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, but it was Michelle Obama’s that stayed with me. I took an important message from the First Lady’s words that has little to do with the American presidential election. Obama told a story that was both personal and social. As she talked about…
Gender equality in restaurant management makes strategic sense - how else do you fully understand markets and see new opportunities?
Gender imbalance within its leadership ranks is holding back Canada's restaurant industry. Restaurant Brands International Inc., the Canadian-based parent company of Burger King and Tim Hortons, was recently criticized by a Canadian investment fund for having an all-male board. The board's response? To carry on with its business without any changes, thus missing an opportunity to send…
Is the Jian Gomeshi verdict the final indictment of an antiquated patriarchal system that fails to protect women from harm?
Nothing has divided Canadians or provoked such violent rage against Canada’s judicial system as the acquittal of former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi. Defence attorney Marie Henein, whose aggressive, no-holds-bared questioning of the three victims was decisive in securing the acquittal, has been singled out for both praise and censure. To many women, she’s become…