Last week's historic speech by Barack Obama was seen by many as an overture toward bridge-building between the United States and the “Muslim” world.
Key aspects of the speech, however, pointed to principles upon which people everywhere, including Canadians, must reflect. We shouldn't be satisfied to be mere bystanders of a historic moment, but active participants in improving dialogue within and between civilizations.
As Mr. Obama said, while the fear and anger provoked by 9/11 was understandable, “it led us to act contrary to our ideals.” In particular, he noted that America and Islam share the common principles of “justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.”
Voices calling for internal reform, urging Muslims to be true to the example of Prophet Mohammed, must be far louder than those who chronically blame others. While many in the Muslim world are waiting to see what the U.S. will do, in reality, people should be thinking of what they can do to move forward, in small concrete steps. Taking responsibility for one's actions is the first step toward empowerment and progress.
Has Canada been true to the ideals embodied in its Charter of Rights? One might argue that governments, Liberal and Conservative, have, at times, fallen short in the post-9/11 era. Security has been used as a pretext to justify secret evidence, collusion in rendition and torture, and the defence of Guantanamo Bay. It has led to two-tiered citizenship, in which citizens of Arab and Muslim background are denied rights guaranteed to all Canadians. Yet, the genius of democracy provides for checks and balances, to counteract the excesses of executive power.
We have seen Canadian courts and ordinary citizens rise to the occasion to demand that we do not swerve from the principles of justice and fairness.
What about the principle of inclusiveness? Mr. Obama emphasized partnership, a theme that resonated during his campaign and after he took office, pointing to a new way of governing. Unfortunately, our Prime Minister believes politics is war. Inclusiveness and genuine partnership are not part of his vocabulary. Instead, his party has picked fights with a number of Canadian Arab and Muslim organizations. Mr. Harper's defence of Omar Khadr's detention at Guantanamo, and his unconscionable stance on Abousfian Abdelrazik, have alienated many in a community in need of outreach.
In Cairo, Mr. Obama touched upon women's rights, emphasizing the importance of opportunity, equality and choice. Here, we pride ourselves in the opportunities and choices afforded women. Yet, judging from recent public sentiment, “women in Muslim dress” are the new WMDs who threaten the very fabric our society.
Some, especially in Quebec, would like to ban such clothing, thereby undermining the very foundational principles of a democratic society: freedom of choice and conscience. The marketplace of ideas offers a plethora of “goods,” some reject a narrow vision of the secular ideal and instead opt for a wider vision in which a woman's choice is respected.
Finally, let's consider whether we live up to the ideals of inclusiveness. In reality, it is a work in progress, constantly evolving toward a higher standard. It is hard work that requires looking beyond the surface and probing the common humanity that binds us all. It requires constant vigilance against crude stereotypes, and reaching out to the rich human diversity on our shores.
A check of our actions against our ideals reflects moral courage. Changing to meet our ideals reflects humility and strength of purpose. It also inspires. Governments can do it, witness last year's historic apology by the government of Canada to aboriginal and Inuit communities. Citizens can do it, witness the courageous protest by students of Keswick High School in defence of Jack Kang, or ordinary Canadians who pooled money to buy a plane ticket for Mr. Abdelrazik.
No need to look south for inspiration. We have plenty of it right here.
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