Racism reference in Halifax success story sets off sparks

All of us would recognize certain slurs or actions as racist. The "N" word is verboten unless it's sung by a black rapper. Slavery has been long outlawed. There have been official apologies for past examples of racial discrimination such as the destruction of the former black community ofAfricville.

We've come a long way when it comes to combating racism. So it's upsetting when the good news story of revitalization in Halifax's north end is tainted by the suggestion that African NovaScotians, who make up a large proportion of the area's population, aren't represented in that success.

Information Morning'sPhlisMcGregorsaw that for the most part they don't work, eat, or drink in the new restaurants, cafes, or bars that have sprung up in the neighbourhood.

• Halifax: A city with two north ends - Part 1
• Halifax: A city with two north ends - Part 2

Shespoke with community and business leaders, both white and black, and restaurant owners. All agreed there's a problem

But some who heard or read her stories don't agree.

"This is a NON ISSUE," writes one person in the comments section of Phlis's story. "Nobody is being prevented for applying for jobs at any of these restaurants. This is not Apartheid South Africa, African Nova Scotians aren't being prevented from going to or working at any business in this province and to suggest that is ridiculous."

"If someone decides to ignore and not frequent new businesses in their local area, isn't that their decision as a patron?" writes another. "And if they're making that decision based on skin colour or religion or language, aren't they simply segregating themselves through their own discrimination?"

Comfort zone

Yes, on the surface that may appear to be true but it's a human trait to be more comfortable with people who talk, look, and act like ourselves. And while, as one person quoting Bob Marley points out, none but ourselves can free our minds, that's a hard thing to do if the people who raised you experienced blatant and overt racism, or if you've repeatedly seen the best opportunities go to those in the dominant racial group.

Social researchers say the people most privileged by the system are often the last to recognize when it excludes others in subtle ways. We live in an individualistic society and want to believe that people are rewarded by their efforts or merit. And if they fail, well that's somehow their own fault.

Many comments to the story suggest that the menu or the prices are unattractive to African Nova Scotians, or that they don't have the courage to stand out in the crowd. Perhaps that's more comfortable than acknowledging that the enigmatic remains of racism continue to have an impact, and we still have work to do.