There is racism, then there is the racism industry.

The UGLY Chinese Canadian is *really* tired of some who ejaculate the term “racism” at every opportunity as a first line of explanation for failure. This only stops open discussions and stops truth. Throwing the ‘R’ word only creates an atmosphere where everyone pretends to be politically correct – and encourages a dumbing down of people.

Apparently, there is recent talk of “racism” in our past civic election. Even talk about legal action.

Oh my.

That’s nasty.

We’ve a suggestion … think about first engaging yourself in the community (not just your own, but with the rest of our world), and earn a reputation of engagement, real knowledge of issues before you start crowing “racism”.

There’s no denial that racism occurs, but let’s not always blame it all on racism, perceived or otherwise

Upon reflecting on the past civic election, one of the candidates may attribute his low support to some racist elements. But some others are also using the same argument. It is the “others” who has captured the irk of the UGLY Chinese Canadian.

Was racial attitudes a true, but ugly reality, or a convenient excuse for some’s own inadequacies?

As per the article published in the Georgia Straight, racism certainly played a part in Vancouver’s recent election. But what is more disturbing is the opportunity it has created for some who are hopping on the bandwagon. These coat tail riders will only diminish the real issue, and will take away the integrity of the real discussion.

One of the individuals who is joining the racism chatter, appears not to have made a hearted effort to engage himself in the community BEFORE he ran for office, and even more important, during the election, made no attempts to reach out to prospective supporters. This same person who earlier, never replied to any queries from engaged political observers. The UGLY Chinese Canadian’s blogger network agree that this individual never attended any all candidates debate. Maybe that’s a reason why this person received such a low voter support.

30+ years ago, our City elected our first South Asian City Councilor, and soon afterwards, our City’s first Chinese Canadian Councilor. Both of whom enjoyed a high degree of respect and engagement with all communities, prior, during and after civic elections.

Maybe chalk it up to being a Political neophyte. Not everyone knows of a candidate’s credentials – it is up to the political wannabe to go out and spread the news. It’s not the city’s lazy voters’ fault they’ve never heard of you.

Those truly affected by racist attitudes only suffer more when this sort of racism crutch becomes the only tool of reasoning. It only underscores and enhances closet racists’ reasons to propagate their distorted perception of our communities.

It’s shameful. And it has to stop. STOP squawking racism.

Think smart. Think about how to put a sock in the mouths of the closet racists without coming across like a sore loser.

We’ve been there. Some of us have successfully shut up closet racists’ mouths by working with them… and our entire City has benefited from our synergy.

Take some advice from the lowly UGLY Chinese Canadian… he’s been there.