There’s an old saying I’m fond of using, although it’s probably considered overtly racist by a strong and vocal population.
Sensitive parties may very likely debate how appropriate it is to use in print or even think. And what do you mean ‘overtly’ racist!”
The phrase in question came to mind yesterday when Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff announced a truce of sorts that will avoid another wasteful election.
They’ve been sabre-rattling these past couple weeks over the Tory government’s economic wheel-spinning and a volley of Grit spitballs.
Iggy was threatening to vote against the King’s budgetary guesswork, lack of employment insurance reform and whatever else came to mind, forcing a summer of election polls documenting apathy and irritation.
Young Canadians must be growing up with the notion that federal elections are an annual event after last fall’s pre-recession folly and a sequence of recent soirees at polling stations.
Election sign production, billboard rentals and ugly bus wraps must be our most active and profitable industries.
So, when our two most powerful political figures decide to appoint several friends each to a special committee focusing on common ground, we’re supposed to be relieved and generous with our appreciation.
It pushes the election threat into October at least and we can celebrate Canada Day without campaign speeches.
Before the thought police could stop me, the unrestrained voice in my head said: Well, that’s mighty white of them.”
It immediately brought to mind my previous use of rule of thumb” a reader connected to an alleged old English law allowing husbands to beat wives, as long as the rod or stick wasn’t thicker than a thumb.
Subsequent research led me to believe such an origin is mythical, and certainly not the modern use.
Regardless, it taught me to think a little longer about political correctness before writing columns, a practice I detest. It erodes freedom of expression more than it heals the underlying social sores.
That said, I Googled the phrase mighty white of you” to get a sense of how other people understand its meaning.
I’ve always used it sarcastically, a rejection of how my European forebears (not forefathers) claimed superiority over people of colour.
I assumed it derived from the so-called master race as a notation of respect, something a white guy would say to another white guy who just did him a favour–such as bailing out his debt-ridden corporation.
I’m fairly confident, however, it’s evolved into a back-handed compliment underscoring how someone may think they are doing a favour when their actions are actually cheap and self-serving.
It’s an insult to my own white race and by extension, anybody who acts arrogant or superior, no matter the colour of their skin.
I’ve even used it to bring a native buddy of mine back down to earth and boy oh boy, does it ever do the job.
FIELDER’S CHOICE
North Bay council picked a grand-slam of a location for its future sports complex.
The Lakeshore Drive property will easily fit three athletic fields and one or two ball diamonds. It beats by a country mile the Cedar Heights option booted around a few years ago.
The 82-acre site (32.8 hectares) beside Sunset Park Public School is much more accessible for a greater number of people.
Unfortunately, nothing good comes without challenges and there’s likely going to be some debate about the loss of wetland near La Vase River.
Callander, Powassan and East Ferris residents will surely enjoy its proximity to their rural abodes. And many North Bay residents may find the Highway 11 route to Lakeshore Drive quick and convenient.
But I predict the intersection at Pinewood, Lamorie and Lakeshore will need some redesign eventually. Big tournaments might create a very long stacking of cars.
LUMINARIES
You don’t have to be on a Relay for Life team to participate in the annual event Friday evening. And it’s not necessary to spend the entire night there honouring cancer survivors and those who lost their battles.
Individuals and families are welcome to join your friends, family members and neighbours who are gathering at the 22 Wing track.
Drop by for an hour or so sometime between 7 and 10 p. m. and spend $5 to sponsor a luminary to honour a person you know who has battled cancer.
There’s also a lot of great talented performers there for entertainment.
Every gesture of support is appreciated.
(THIS BLOG WAS FIRST PUBLISHED AS A SOAPBOXING COLUMN JUNE 18)
