Oppression can be disguised as free speech

Editor:
These past few weeks, I have watched the news with great interest. With a federal election approaching, political and social tensions seem to be heightened. Within the course of mere days, North America has seen the implementation of restrictive abortion bills, leaders announce anti-immigration policy and failure to take extensive action within the midst of a climate change crisis. While these are elements of North American policy and procedures to discuss and learn about, we need to be attentive to what is happening on our very doorsteps.
Scrolling through social media platforms, it often does not take one a prolonged period of time to find posts that are unwelcoming to new Canadians, blatantly display religious bias that is rooted in fear/hate for other beliefs, or display misogynistic connotations.
Much of these social interactions are rooted in an ideology that is presented as a defence to ‘free speech.’ While we, as Canadians do possess the fundamental human right to share our thoughts as we see fit, I would like to take this opportunity to address the importance of kindness, empathy, compassion and intersectionality when considering ‘free speech’ and how it impacts not only us as individuals but the community around us.
I will leave my community members with this: if we are not condemning speech, actions or interactions which we know to be harmful to our fellow community members, we are enabling oppression and contributing to marginalized existences within Canada. I urge you to consider the existence of those around you when going about your daily life. It is important to actively question the importance of being compassionate before defending and participating in movements which perpetuate problematic hate speech or actions which pray on marginalized communities as ‘free speech’.
How ‘free’ is your speech if it is oppressing, hurting and marginalizing other Canadians? We are all essential pieces of the puzzle to ensuring that Canada is a country in which all can survive, thrive and most importantly: coexist in harmony as we celebrate what makes Canada so diverse.
Rosalyn Martin,
Glencairn.