Media urged to fight racism
By Amy Cook
Amira Elghawaby, communications director for the National Council of Canadian Muslims, is expected to participate in a public discussion about the portrayal of Muslim Canadians in the media on Feb. 23.
The exchange is part of a series called Ask Women Anything. It will also address the need for government action following the deadly shooting at a Quebec City mosque last month.
Media Action, an organization that promotes respectful media representation of all people, launched the series three years ago.
Elghawaby, also a freelance writer and former CBC journalist, said she will address issues the council recently raised in an open letter to the government, emphasizing the importance of standing up to Islamophobia and racism.
“We’re working very hard to make fellow Canadians and our parliamentarians understand that this is really about quelling a form of hatred that is on the rise,” Elghawaby said.
She said she’s troubled that Canadian Muslims only feature prominently in the media when something goes wrong: “I’ll reflect on what it’s like to constantly be in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons, and how it’s so important to try to include more positive narratives.”
The NCCM sent an open letter to all levels of the government on Feb. 8, suggesting areas where decision-makers can take immediate action.
Elghawaby’s talk is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Bar Robo, 692 Somerset St. W.
The open letter recommends police training on hate crimes, publicly released annual reviews of hate crimes, the creation of provincial Anti-Racism Directorates, and for Parliament to support Motion 301, which calls on the government to find ways to reduce systemic racism in Canada.
The letter urges Parliament to declare the day of the January 26 shooting, which left six men dead, “National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia.”
“If the shooting doesn’t alert everyone there is something going on and that we need to be proactive, then nothing will, and we’ll stay in this place of complacency,” Elghawaby said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the act as cowardly and contrary to the diversity and religious tolerance Canadians value.
Amanda Parriag, the president of Media Action, said the Ottawa community is in need of a discussion about what has happened in Quebec.
“Having Amira there to lead the discussion and to bring her insight to the table is huge. We need to have these types of forums where we can openly talk about our hopes and fears in this community,” she said.
Elsa Taylor, a volunteer at Media Action, said she believes having conversations with people directly involved with community issues is important in order to end stigma and build support for those who need it.
Taylor said Elghawaby will be speaking both as a representative of the NCCM and as someone who has firsthand experience with the issues she will be addressing.
The discussion will take place on Feb. 23, 6 p.m., at Bar Robo, located at 692 Somerset St. W.