Recently there was a public example of racism in our community. Someone placed a banner hanging over an overpass so that oncoming traffic would see it. The banner read, “Steinbachers vote white, not brown.” Steinbach had at least 2 candidates from racial minorities. It was done publicly so that as many people as possible would see. It was a clear expression of white supremacy. Christiane and I thought it was important that white people express their dissent from these racist views.  How else do people of brown skin know that we don’t agree with this viewpoint?  We thought it was important to let them know they were not alone in a sea of racists.  That was why we sent this letter to our local newspaper:

“Sadly, recent events have made it clear that our home town of Steinbach has been dragged into hateful racism by the rhetoric of ignorant and hateful people.  It is time for all Steinbachers to step up and support all members of our community. Whenever the opportunity arises we must let the haters know that they don’t speak for us. This is no time for any of us to acquiesce to such actions by our silence. We must all speak up. Those of us who have information about the perpetrators should pass that information on to the police.  Those who know members of racial minorities in the community should make it clear we denounce such actions. There is no place in Steinbach for such hate.”

I am not trying to say Christiane and I did anything great or heroic. I just think it’s important to let racists know that we don’t agree with them and victims of racism know that we are not on the side of the racists.  And I do wish more people would speak up. Acquiescing to racists by silence is not a helpful. It encourages them.