So, a lot of data has been spilt about @theJagmeetSingh and him accusing a white Parliamentarian of racism. I will focus on a very narrow issue. The Bloc response that if he didn’t apologize (in good faith), he would face severe consequences. 1/9

This is familiar. Here’s why. Even when BIPOC are allowed a certain degree of influence and power, there are always times when they are reminded that they are second class citizens within the system. They are told that they must know their role. 2/9

Straight white men can argue and call one another names. The next day they come back to work and move on with their lives. Not true for BIPOC, even those who have power. They are at times required to kneel and kiss the ring before they can return as a participant. 3/9

The Bloc required that he apologize (in good faith) or face severe consequences. In other words, he must not only lower his head to the people who insulted him (furthering the insult) but he must make a good show of it. Dance, Brown man, dance. 4/9

Failure to do results in your expulsion from the system. Whatever little influence you had is taken away. Occasionally we are reminded that we exist at the pleasure of those in real power. Let me tell you a story…. 5/9

Many years ago I was running a bail hearing (won’t say where). The Crown submitted that because my client was Tamil there was a greater risk that he would flee jurisdiction because he could hide within the large Tamil community in the GTA. 6/9

I said that this was racist and you would never hear this submission if the accused was (white ethnic group). It so happened that the Crown was a member of that white ethnic group (I didn’t know) and was infuriated that I implied that he was racist. 7/9

The Court offered me the opportunity to apologize BEFORE continuing the hearing. To continue as a participant I had to kiss the ring and it was humiliating. I said that I don’t know whether that Crown was racist but that the submission WAS racist. Dance Harpreet Dance. 8/9

I’ve been vague on details because that Crown is now a Judge. I won’t say at what level or where. He didn’t have to apologize to get there. Meanwhile, I’m still dancing. 9/9