Recently Rebel Media reported that students from the University of Alberta were protesting the left-wing nature of some classes – more specifically, Education 211: “Aboriginal Educational Context Engagement.” The students believed the course material was discriminatory against white people. Students’ complaints were specific to the instructor’s suggestion that “white people cannot be marginalized”, and that “aboriginals are incapable of being racist.”
According to the course description, this class is meant to “continue to develop knowledge of aboriginal peoples' histories, educational experiences, and knowledge systems” and “will further develop an understanding of the implications of this knowledge to the professional roles and obligations for teachers.”
As such, the professors touch on the definition of ‘whiteness’ in the context of race relations. On a basic level, I can understand why some students would take offence. If this is the first time a student is confronting these topics, it is justifiable to take collective terms, and apply them on an individual level. Therefore, when students hear the phrase, “white people cannot be marginalized”, they will feel discriminated against on an individual level. However, to do so is to miss the over-arching theme and reality the professor is attempting to communicate.
The reality is that historical discrimination of aboriginal peoples still exists today, and is entrenched in institutions such as schools. By stating that white people cannot be marginalized, the professor is not suggesting that individual white people cannot experience marginalization – white people are subjected to marginalization for countless reasons including class, sex, and ability. However, white people have not, and will not be marginalized as a collective in the same way aboriginal peoples have experienced historically and contemporarily.
Additionally, by stating that aboriginals are incapable of being racist, the professor is referring to the wider concept of reverse racism. Minorities are not truly capable of being racist, as racism has the weight of social oppression behind it. aboriginals, and other minorities are, however, capable of being racially prejudiced. If an aboriginal person were to make a racial comment to me, for example, I may be offended, however, I am ultimately not the victim of social oppression. I am not the victim of inter-generational trauma and abuse.
While these conversations may be difficult and uncomfortable, they are vital – especially for those in education, as they will inevitably be teaching aboriginal students.
For those who are offended, this class is not discussing “whiteness” on an individual level. It is a class built around aboriginal perspective, and therefore it is quite frankly not about you. I understand, to an extent, initial feelings of discomfort when discussing these difficult issues, but they are a necessary part of education in Alberta, and throughout Canada.
Jennifer Hamilton is a local student and writer.
