Canada isn't a perfect utopia > Why we shouldn’t be glamourizing the nation oe Cazzy Lewchuk Opinions Editor MM?” Canadians (mostly the more privileged ones) seem to think that Canada is some kind of socialist paradise. Surely the problems of racism, a lack of clean water, income inequality, the one per cent controlling everything, homophobia, and environmental destruction aren't a problem in our true and native land! As any news story or visit to an impoverished community will tell you, these issues are far too common. In Canada, the child poverty rate is 19 per cent. In the US, it’s 21 per cent. Our minimum wage laws and tax benefits are better than our neighbours’, but economic inequality issues are pretty much the same, and it may only be getting worse. Our own first family may not be as rich, bigoted, sexually predatory, or stupid as the Trumps are, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect rulers. Trudeau still grew up under extreme privilege, and continues to bea member of the elite. That’s not even getting into his divisive policies, which (shockingly!) are not always progressive, or in the best interests of the working class. Using a photo of Trudeau smiling and holding a child to counter one of the US president making a woman uncomfortable may be nice, but it doesn’t change the reality of context and policy. It would be unfair to suggest that Canada is exactly like the US. In many ways, we genuinely are a lot better. Our health care system, while not perfect, does introduce a single-payer platform so that no one goes bankrupt or dies because they can’t afford treatment. Many of our laws protect marginalized groups in our society in ways that the US has yet to address. Our national attitude is generally more liberal, even though our society is deeply divided on many issues, something common in almost every country. However, the struggle continues in Canada every day, particularly for the underprivileged. It can be incredibly frustrating to hear someone claim that racism isn’t an issue here, that all Canadians enjoy a fair standard of living, or that our government is incredibly progressive on indigenous issues. Social justice and inequality problems are an issue in every society, and to downplay their effects comes from a place of true ignorance. Just because a problem is not as prominent does not mean it is not a serious problem. Saying no to white supremacy with your fists > Is it okay to punch Nazis? Cazzy Lewchuk Opinions Editor Ee avery non-violent person. I believe that using violence in society is wrong and that the way to resolve our differences should involve peaceful resistance and fierce, inclusive communication. There is no room for aggressive physical force in a peaceful society. There are some individuals in our society with truly reprehensible views. White supremacists, neo-Nazis, and members of the “alt-right” often advocate for the actual genocide, ethnic cleansing, and removal of certain groups from existence. These are people who genuinely wish that Jews, people of colour, or anyone else who doesn‘ fit their twisted definition of “purity” would disappear. These views are so extreme that they are discouraged by almost everyone. Extreme racism and genocide are not political positions. Well-known white supremacist Richard Spencer was recently punched in the face during Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. The inventor of the term “alt-right,” Spencer has repeatedly praised Hitler and the Nazis, questioned if “Black genocide” was justified, and has called for “peaceful ethnic cleansing.” The majority of people welcomed the punch and suggested that Spencer should have been punched a few more times, though many questioned if the violence was truly justified. Violence has no place in a healthy society. However, if you think white people should rule the world by eliminating others because they are naturally superior, you are opting out of a healthy society. You are willingly choosing a position that is evil. You are human garbage and you absolutely need to be punched in the face to get that message across to you. If we refuse to punch Nazis in the face, we are suggesting that their views are okay to have. Instead, we are using violence to counter a much more dangerous and violent presence. Such extremists do not respond to open dialogue, because they have opted out of a natural society. If given the chance, these people will form groups and their own white supremacist society. They very much advocate for hurting and even killing people from ethnic groups that they don’t care for. It is the way oppressive governments and regimes form in a society, most famously in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. Violence is only necessary when other methods don’t work. Some people may respond to open communication and education on why their views are wrong. However, extremists know that their views are morally disgusting to society, and choose to embrace them anyway. That’s when force becomes the proper way to respond, to take a hard stance and say “No! Extermination of entire groups is absolutely 100 per cent not okay!” I don’t encourage manhunts or specifically targeting people because you think they might be a Nazi. That’s a good way to cause mistaken identity and incite unnecessary violence. But if you observe someone or know for a fact they Image via Thinkstock And hey—if you think that the election of someone like Trump—a super- rich, arrogant fellow with zero political experience—to highest government office could never happen in Canada, lll remind you that the super-rich, arrogant, politically-inexperienced Kevin O'Leary is currently leading in polls for the new Conservative leadership. The US and Canada are really not that different. Screenshot of “Raiders of the Lost Arc” were specifically advocating for a racially- pure society, suggesting certain folk’s existence should be eliminated, or even just repeatedly using incredibly hateful language referring to dehumanizing certain people (slurs that can’t be printed here), a punch is definitely okay. If you were observing someone shouting angry things at a Jewish person and being violent towards them, punching them would be justified. It’s the exact same thing, even if the “alt-right” is too cowardly to say it to their faces (though they are probably afraid of being punched).