John Tory, Faith Goldy and white privilege in Toronto

Incumbent mayoral candidate John Tory’s inability to grasp the existence, extent, and implications of his white privilege is akin to white Toronto’s inability to grasp mayoral candidate Faith Goldy.

Both are rooted in a conflict-averse fragility that comfortably masquerades as pragmatism.

Do you think I’m exaggerating? Consider this:

A white man, along with his white cabinet, elected by white Ontario, enacted a bill that rigs Toronto’s imminent election in favour of white candidates. The bill was then struck down by a white man, on the grounds that it violated a Constitution written by white men.

Alas, more white men later ruled to stay the decision (effectively reversing it) so that the two white front runners for mayor could enjoy the “balance of convenience,” as they vie to lead Canada’s most diverse city.

Are you feeling defensive yet?

Now imagine how "defensive" those 577 refugees felt when a white person recently attempted to set the local hotel they are staying in on fire — while they slept.

With the table now set for him, incumbent mayoral candidate John Tory need not be bothered to even leave his house, let alone put forth an idea.

After all, the kids are asleep; the cops are about; the taxes are low; the gas tank is full; and all is well in white Toronto.

Alykhan Pabani
Toronto, Ontario