We find bullies everywhere – on playgrounds, on sports teams and at the office. We find them in politics and we find them in every country. But what happens when bullies get together and set out to pick on others that are fewer in number or less powerful?
What happens when a minority lives in the midst of a majority whose views and ideas, values and customs are different? Should they be forced to change to accommodate the dominant culture? How does one resolve power struggles that ensue between these two entities?
These questions lie at the heart of issues that relate to us individually and internationally. Beneath world historic conflicts you will see the issue of relations between a majority and a minority. Grave injustices take place when this relationship takes on the characteristics of bullying, or worse. How can we protect minorities and their rights? Why should we care?
Dr. Beth McIntosh, the Foreign Students Advisor at the University of British Columbia, will discuss this issue drawing on her extensive research and experience working with Koreans living in Japan. Her presentation draws on dramatic examples of a minority’’s struggle for justice. Her presentation will help to make sense of our own local examples of minority / majority relations.
For example the ‘‘alienation of the west’’ - voiced by the Separtist Party of Alberta - reflects the frustration felt by a minority of individuals who feel dwarfed and mistreated by Eastern voting and policy making. Why should we care about fringe minorities? That is the question… Pertinent, relevant and gripping in its details, Dr. McIntosh’’s presentation expertly speaks to this topic.
Speaker: Beth McIntosh has Bachelor of Arts in English from Queen’’s University, and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the University of Toronto. She has worked extensively in Japan with Koreans and is currently on a cross Canada tour with a Korean Youth Choir. She has lent her expertise to various non-profit organizations throughout Canada including the YWCA.