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1. Ug, on two counts « Urban Prairie Animal on 07 Oct 2009 at 5:31 pm

   [...] guess who? – Stephen Harper. As per our local paper on Saturday, and other sources (notably Jessica Yee at Racialicious, because she’s fab and so is their commenting community), he stated on September 25th at the [...]

Comments

1. Leah wrote:

   That made me cringe.

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 12:11 pm ¶

2. Jadey wrote:

   This was all over my Facebook feed last night. At first it boggled my mind, but then I thought about who was speaking and had to stop being shocked. The man’s on a complete ego trip — he’s convinced himself he’s the coolest dude in the universe, and pretending that Canada is a special little snowflake is part of that fantasy. Unfortuately he’s forcing us all to live it with him.

   Canada has more than a colonial history — it’s a living, breathing, oppressive monument to on-going colonialism. Feh. I’m sick of elections, but I’m sick of him too.

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 12:20 pm ¶

3. Jadey wrote:

   Not to mention, GREAT job at demonstrating how bloody “self-effacing” we are, Harper. Passive aggressive, you mean.

   Just wake me when Steve Paikin is Prime Minister.

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 12:22 pm ¶

4. Reiter wrote:

   That cat he’s holding sure looks damn uncomfortable. Drop the kitty and back away slowly, Mr. Harper.

   Canada has its own racist/colonist baggage and to deny that is to deny so much of history it’s staggering. Add to the fact of ill treatment of Inuit and other First Nation peoples, you still have garbage like “nipper-tipping” going on north of the border. Canada is no racial utopia and still has a ways to go, despite this guy’s delusional claims.

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 12:44 pm ¶

5. Lloyd Webber wrote:

   Jesus H. Christ on a pogo stick. How clueless is Harper? He’s one of the few things that embarrasses me as a Canadian. He should say that to a group of Native Canadians. I’m sure they’d have a different point of view. What an Idiot

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 1:44 pm ¶

6. Evan wrote:

   Harper is saying that Canada is a kinder, gentler version of the United States.

   In this aspect, he is spot on. But this is like saying that Ted Bundy wasn’t as sadistic as another serial killer like Jeffrey Dahmer.

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 1:49 pm ¶

7. Restructure! wrote:

   Another unqualified white man ignorant about the history and current issues of our country, running our country.

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 3:11 pm ¶

8. Nic Slater wrote:

   If only Harper could imagine sending his children to the colonialist residential schools and how they would have been impacted by the cruel and abusive policies and people in charge of those schools. Then he might have a better idea of how damaging and colonialist Canada has actually been with the First Nations People.

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 3:41 pm ¶

9. ztastz wrote:

   *Slow clap*

   Way to rewrite history, Mr. Harper. Who remembers Native Canadians, right?

   Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 5:50 pm ¶

10. jvansteppes wrote:

    That Harper kitten picture has haunted me for months now.

    Those unfamiliar with Canadian politics might be interested to hear of Harper’s close relationship with Tom Flanagan, author of ‘First Nations, Second thoughts’. Flanagan argues that the indigenous peoples of Canada were simply the first immigrants to get here (never mind that they arrived, according to the Bering Strait theory on which he bases his argument, thousands of years before anyone else), therefore there’s no need for any aboriginal rights. He has also been called as a witness to extinguish Metis and Native land claims in Alberta and Manitoba.
    I would call this guy an extremist, and I think it ought to be pretty shocking to people that Harper is so close to him, although few are aware of these links.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 5:51 pm ¶

11. Monica Roberts wrote:

    African descended Canadians also have a different view of the ‘Great White North’ as well.

    And Harpo conveniently forgot that the Canadian government paid an African-American minister to travel around the United States and dissuade Black people from emigrating to Canada.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 6:17 pm ¶

12. Jha wrote:

    Canada is nice, ya’ll, and I do like it here, but–

    WHUT.

    I really mean, WHUT. D: *facepalm*

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 6:21 pm ¶

13. julia wrote:

    jadey said it all when she wrote this: “Canada has more than a colonial history — it’s a living, breathing, oppressive monument to on-going colonialism.” that is what the real problem is with statements like this made by our prime minister. we, unfortunately, have this conservative minority government that not only denies the colonial projects of the past (after “apologizing” for them) but in turn works to try and deny the fact that there are current racist and oppressive government policies in canada.

    also, slightly off-topic, but my partner is thinking of going as stephen harper for halloween. i don’t think there could be anything scarier, personally.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 6:29 pm ¶

14. karolyn wrote:

    While this is absolutely disgusting, it comes as no surprise that the Prime Minister of a colonial state would actively participate in the social construction of the ‘moral superiority’ and ‘benevolence’ of an imperial regime. As many have noted, Harper is obscuring the historical and ongoing practices of colonization. In order to (re)present itself as a tolerant nation, colonial and racist foundations and ongoing practices have been erased. This violence is tied to the misrepresentation of Canadian history as one wherein the “two founding nations” (France and Britian) are portrayed as “peaceful” people who simply “got together” with Indigenous peoples. Clearly, this ideological representation of the emergence of Canada obscures the reality of historical and ongoing colonial acts of genocide, land expropriation, segregation, discrimination and the denial of Indigenous peoples’ right to self-government. The national narrative also removes any responsibility by French and English colonists – as well as current nationalists/settlers – for the oppressive conditions and exploitative social relations which Indigenous peoples continue to face. Ultimately, Harper uses the myth of Canada as tolerant to maintain relations of ruling while denying such power relations altogether. Sneaky, insidious, and violent – Harper certainly represents the Canadian imaginary.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 6:56 pm ¶

15. Sobia wrote:

    I think I reflect the sentiment of many Canadians when I say I wasn’t all that shocked, once I realized we’re talking about Stephen Harper. There is no doubt in my mind that Harper is a racist and under him the Progressive Conservative party has become more racist in its policies. This guy’s fantasy is to see an all white Canada.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 8:35 pm ¶

16. Barbara Low wrote:

    This is not a mistake.

    This is genocide by linguistics.

    Harper is channeling Tom Flanagan.

    We must convince the NDP to vote with the Liberals this Thursday, to remove Harper from power.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 8:39 pm ¶

17. Jo wrote:

    I really know now that Harper is truly an idiot. Any one who says that Canada has no track record of Colonialism seriously has a problem. I thought he was an idiot before, but now I know he is a heartless idiot. It just goes to show that his apology last year to residential school survivors was nothing but a hoax. If anything he needs to step up to the plate and apologize and face his demons for this remark. Better yet why doesnt he step down, that would even make vetter sense. Our government is so oppressive towards First Nations in particular that of Aboriginal women…will this counrty ever get a leader who really knows what he’s doing. Its time to get real!

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 9:47 pm ¶

18. Melusina wrote:

    Everytime that man opens his mouth, I die a little inside.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 10:00 pm ¶

19. Pegasaurus wrote:

    During last year’s federal election, our local conservative candidate was being angry and whiny to one of my co-workers about how First Nations people rarely vote conservative. And how it was basically “insulting” that a polling station at one of the reserves in our area gave him only two measly votes during the 2006 election.

    The stench of entitlement was overwhelming.

    I wonder if that cat senses the evil.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 10:06 pm ¶

20. Anamaya wrote:

    Steve! oh not AGAIN, Steve! Not only is our country FOUNDED on Colonialism, but since you have been in office you personally have tried to expand colonialism, You are still trying – to colonialize immigrants, to colonialize women, to colonialize the poor, etc.
    Shame on you, Stephen! You really are a total embarassment to the large majority of Canada. Go away.

    Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 10:32 pm ¶

21. Evan wrote:

    I’m torn. I want this monster out of power NOW, but I’m afraid that he might just get that majority he’s after if we go to the polls any time soon.

    Posted 29 Sep 2009 at 4:10 am ¶

22. Dianna Goneau Inkste wrote:

    Maybe, that is Harper’s game:: Make the broke NDP so mad it forces Harper out and we are into another election. It all begins with education. If we don’t study our colonial past–no one above has mentioned Canada’s take over of Newfoundland and Labrador 60 years ago–of course, we won’t challenge Harper.

    Posted 29 Sep 2009 at 4:43 am ¶

23. mathilda wrote:

    Oh Canada. Hmmm. My country. The same country that secured the Port au Prince airport so the Americans could kidnap the elected Haitian President. The same country that invests in mining companies that were violently evicting Quechi Indians from their land in Guatemala. The same country who refuse visas to people who are starving and then claim their pride in their multi cultural attitude. Oh Canada.

    Posted 29 Sep 2009 at 5:56 am ¶

24. Jha wrote:

    *sigh* I had to have a Twitter exchange last night with someone who “only superficially” agreed with Harper but felt the need to play advocate for him. Yes, because the most powerful man in Canada really needs someone to defend his racist remarks. WTF.

    Posted 29 Sep 2009 at 10:41 am ¶

25. Marjannaa wrote:

    It’s never been a doubt in mind, but if there ever was a doubt in anybody else’s: here’s proof that the Harper government’s apology to Natives was nothing but a political strategy to garner favour for his minority government. It’ll, hopefully, never be a majority.

    Posted 29 Sep 2009 at 11:04 am ¶

26. Simon wrote:

    I live in Canada and its culture and heritage is so very much a part of its Colonial roots. To this day most Canadians are rascist about colour. Not about origins but colour. We have immigrants from every corner of the world from Europe to India to Asia to Africa but still the majority of Canadians have a problem with those who are not white.

    Posted 29 Sep 2009 at 6:13 pm ¶

27. Samantha Sansregret wrote:

    Mr Harper has forgotten that 124 years ago the troops moved in at Batoche and used the gatling gun against the Metis people in order to take their home and give this land to settlers.

    Posted 29 Sep 2009 at 6:34 pm ¶

28. effandtee wrote:

    we completely agree. great post!

    we wrote about this a few days ago and have contacted our MPs demanding that the NDP ask Harper to make a public apology for his ignorant and racist comments.

    Unfortunately, the NDP feels that Harper will maybe come to his senses and apologize on his own.

    So, we’re starting a protest/campaign to send Stephen Harper back to high school to retake our simply take the history courses he clearly missed out on.

    We sent letters to his Office as well as to the Principal, Superintendent, and Trustee of Richview Collegiate(the high school he graduated from) suggesting that they invite him back.

    the letter here:

    http://thesepamphleteers.blogspot.com/2009/09/stephen-harper-one-child-left-behind_28.html

    Posted 29 Sep 2009 at 7:17 pm ¶

29. Liam wrote:

    Shows how sincere this was,

    http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/rqpi/apo/index-eng.asp

    Posted 30 Sep 2009 at 12:46 am ¶

30. Winnie Poe wrote:

    I’m not sure why Afghanistan is an example of colonialism. There must be something beyond merely a mix of Western (Canada) and non-Western (Japan) powers invading a country. All four of leading presidential candidates in the last election supported NATO presence, so I don’t believe that qualifies as colonialism. The trouble with blurring the line is that it makes everything from Iraq in 2008 to France in 1945 a monolithic colonialism.

    Posted 30 Sep 2009 at 1:31 am ¶

31. Ajay wrote:

    Here’s a great piece Harsha Walia (Vancouver based social justice fighter). And she raises a good point: How could Harper not sign the UN
    Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (Which majority of the
    member states signed in 2007) YET publicly apologize for the
    governments role in the treatment of 1st Nations peoples through the residential schools?

    No wonder Harper can’t win a majority after so many attempts.

    http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/communityofinterest/archive/2009/09/28/really-harper-canada-has-no-history-of-colonialism.aspx

    Posted 30 Sep 2009 at 6:47 am ¶

32. nature wrote:

    I guess Harper didn’t sing “God Save the Queen” in school either.

    Posted 30 Sep 2009 at 12:48 pm ¶

33. Lxy wrote:

    That picture of Harper holding a kitten is hilarious.

    It’s Canadian colonialism, but with a warm and cuddly LOLCATs smile!

    Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 2:57 am ¶

34. Tlönista wrote:

    Unable to offer anything more profound than AAAAAAAAAAAAAAUGH FUCK YOU STEPHEN HARPER.

    Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 12:39 pm ¶

35. urbia wrote:

    …

    Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 1:15 pm ¶

36. Hugh Shewell wrote:

    Once again Mr. Harper demonstrates his astounding ahistorical perspective. His narrow view of Canada embedded in some sort of twisted view of economics and accounting enshrines him as Canada’s worst Prime Minister to date. This disgraceful statement only reveals that his residential school apology was a calculated political move not a moral position nor an understanding of what continues to be an oppressive relationship between the Canadian state and its original peoples. Kanasatake – hardly the sign of a stable, parliamentary democracy! In addition, he completely ignores the independence movement in Quebec that was/is also born of a colonial relationship. The FLQ crisis – hardly the sign of a stable, parliamentary democracy!

    Posted 01 Oct 2009 at 1:40 pm ¶

37. Julie Debassige wrote:

    Great comments!
    What I would like to know is what these leaders eat at these international summits/events. First, Gaddafi and now Steven Harper uttering such beligerent claims.
    What is most frightening is the media has not picked this up. Harper’s statment has not been challenged in Parliament.
    Evil pervails when the good do nothing.
    Please boycot the Roayal Visit in November.

    Posted 09 Oct 2009 at 9:42 pm ¶