Systemic racism exists in Quebec and Amnesty International intends to prove it by putting it “on the map” using the Google Maps application.
“It remains a concept that is not always well understood, systemic racism, in relation to individuals who have racist comments and gestures,” explains France-Isabelle Langlois, director general of Amnesty International Canada Francophone.
In order to unravel the roots of this evil, his team is launching a new campaign on Wednesday to raise public awareness: “Systemic racism, Qc, Canada: a place that should no longer exist”.
A landmark has been placed on the popular mapping application, at Parc de l’Esplanade, just in front of the Parliament in Quebec. We invite the public to write a review in order to denounce examples of this social failing.
Three ambassadors have already shared their perspective on this virtual geographical landmark. Andy Basora, columnist Dalila Awada and the Grand Chief of the Atikamekw Nation Council, Constant Awashish, testify to the consequences of systemic racism on their lives or their communities.
The Amnesty International team plans to monitor the publications so as not to allow them to “put anything against anyone”, mitigates France-Isabelle Langlois. “It has to happen again. […] Systemic racism is something that takes place over time. »
For example, “if the episode of Joyce Echaquan came next week, it would be an opportunity to point the finger at systemic racism”.
The launch of this campaign is also not chosen at random. It coincides with the second anniversary of the death of George Floyd.
“We invite people to point out where there is systemic racism, whether within the Quebec or Canadian government or municipalities. […] There is systemic racism here, as there is in all societies. We find it unfortunate that there is this refusal to recognize it. As long as we have not recognized it, we can take all kinds of measures to combat it, but as long as we do not recognize it, we will not be able to overcome it,” concludes France-Isabelle Langlois.