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Pierre Poilievre’s N-Word Slip and the Deeper Issues

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12 months ago

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Pierre Poilievre pledges to honour Trudeau's health-care

In the corridors of Canadian politics, a recent incident involving Pierre Poilievre has sparked conversations about race and systemic challenges faced by Black individuals in political spaces. Poilievre, a prominent Conservative Member of Parliament, inadvertently used the racial slur ‘nigger’ during a speech, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation into the death of a Sikh leader, Nijjar, in Surrey, British Columbia. This incident, though seemingly trivial, serves as a lens through which to examine deeper issues embedded in Western institutions, particularly in politics.

The slip of the tongue occurred while Poilievre was urging the House Speaker and Canadians for a thorough investigation into Nijjar’s death, calling for transparency in the Indian government’s involvement. The paradox of racial insensitivity in a speech meant to honor a tragic event raises questions about the nuances of racial logic within political discourse.

While linguistic missteps are often dismissed as trivial errors, the context in which they occur is crucial. Poilievre’s use of the N-word, even in an unintended context, unveils an underlying racial tension within political spaces. Such incidents are not isolated; they reflect shared discursive practices that contribute to racial inequality.

Drawing parallels to a historical incident involving Mitt Romney confusing Osama bin Laden with Barack Obama, it becomes evident that these linguistic errors can have far-reaching consequences. In the case of Romney, the mix-up fueled a right-wing movement questioning Obama’s identity and qualifications, revealing the potential impact of such mistakes on public perception.

A 2018 study on speech errors, slips, and gaffes, whether explicit or implicit in their racial connotations, emphasizes the delicate nature of addressing racial troubles in public discourse. Ignoring or allowing such incidents to go unchallenged is not an option, as they contribute to the perpetuation of racial inequality.

Examining parliamentary representation in Canada reveals significant disparities, with visible minorities making up only 15.7 percent despite population and citizenship benchmarks of 25 and 20 percent, respectively. This lack of representation can foster an environment where racial insensitivity goes unchallenged.

The historical connotations of the N-word add another layer to Poilievre’s linguistic error. Derived from the Latin word for black, “niger,” its transformation into a pejorative term is intertwined with centuries of racism, deeply embedded in cultural aspects from literature to political debates.

 

Recent debates on the freedom of speech and expression in educational institutions, defending the use of the N-word under these rights, further complicate the issue. The incident underscores the privilege that allows politicians like Poilievre to escape accountability for their racial missteps, much like white professors defending the use of the N-word in academic settings.

In majority-white spaces where white bodies are seldom challenged, the implications of racial slurs, even when unintentional, can be profound. The incident should prompt a reflection on the casual approach to race and racial issues within political leadership.

While the incident might not warrant outrage or a formal apology, it sheds light on Poilievre’s mentality and his handling of racial issues. The pattern of racial missteps, including a recent post on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation where Poilievre misidentified Indigenous elders, hints at a broader issue that should not be dismissed as innocent mistakes.

In this moment, where Canadians are grappling with issues of racial justice, each oversight, no matter how innocuous, demands scrutiny. Allowing such slips to go unchallenged perpetuates a culture of complacency, diminishing the voices of Canadians who seek a more inclusive and understanding society.

 

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Arch Manning to get first start for No. 1 Texas as Ewers continues recovery from abdomen strain

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September 19, 2024

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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — No. 1 Texas will start Arch Manning at quarterback Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe while regular starter Quinn Ewers continues to recover from a strained muscle in his abdomen, coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday.

It will be the first career start for Manning, a second year freshman. He relieved Ewers in the second quarter last week against UTSA, and passed for four touchdowns and ran for another in a 56-7 Texas victory.

Manning is the son of Cooper Manning, the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the nephew of Super Bowl-winning QBs Peyton and Eli Manning.

Ewers missed several games over the previous two seasons with shoulder and sternum injuries.

The Longhorns are No. 1 for the first time since 2008 and Saturday’s matchup with the Warhawks is Texas’ last game before the program starts its first SEC schedule against Mississippi State on Sept. 28.

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Injury-plagued season continues for Jays’ Bichette, now out with fractured finger

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September 19, 2024

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Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette returned to the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a right middle finger fracture.

The move, retroactive to Wednesday, essentially ends an injury-plagued season for Bichette.

He had two hits and one RBI in a 13-8 loss to Texas on Tuesday in his return from a 52-game stint on the IL with a right calf strain.

Bichette also missed nine games due to the calf issue in June.

His latest injury was suffered Wednesday during infield practice. Bichette was a late scratch in a 2-0 loss to the Rangers.

Bichette hit four homers with 31 RBIs in 81 games this season. He posted a .225 batting average and a .322 slugging percentage.

The Blue Jays also recalled outfielder Jonatan Clase from Triple-A Buffalo. He was active for the series finale against the Rangers on Thursday afternoon, the team said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

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Drake London’s shooting celebration violated longstanding NFL rules against violent gestures

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September 19, 2024

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Falcons wide receiver Drake London was penalized after catching a touchdown pass in the final minute of Atlanta’s 22-21 victory in Philadelphia on Monday night for pretending to shoot in the air, a violation of a longstanding NFL rule that prohibits violent gestures.

London immediately apologized on the sideline, according to Falcons coach Raheem Morris, and did it publicly on Wednesday.

“There’s a lot of stuff going around in the world with gun violence that I don’t think I should have displayed there,” London told reporters. “So, I’m not too happy with it, and (you) probably won’t see that again from me.”

The NFL has strict rules for celebrations and players are reminded annually that violations will result in unsportsmanlike penalties.

London’s 7-yard TD catch on a pass from Kirk Cousins tied the score at 21-21. His penalty pushed the extra point back 15 yards but Younghoe Koo made it from 48 yards out to give Atlanta a lead and Jessie Bates intercepted Jalen Hurts’ pass on the ensuing drive to seal the victory.

“We approach player celebrations as expressions of exuberance that are part of the excitement of the game. Rules were modified in 2017 that permitted group celebrations, including choregraphed demonstrations. Offensive demonstrations, celebrations that are prolonged and delay the game, and those directed at an opponent are still penalized,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement. “Players are reminded annually and it’s part of the player manual that demonstrations that constitute taunting or unsportsmanlike conduct, or delays the game, will result in a foul against his team.

“Also prohibited acts that occur anywhere on the field or sideline include longtime prohibitions against throat slash; machine gun salute; sexually suggestive gestures; or stomping or demonstrations on a team logo.”

London’s celebration came 12 days after four people were killed in a shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia. The Falcons hosted the school’s football team at their practice facility last week.

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