What You See Depends on Where You Look

I have seen posts by folks who have visited Ottawa to “see for themselves.”

They talk about the friendly atmosphere and kids playing with families. They show pictures of so called patriots wrapped in the Canadian flag. They say how polite and loving everyone is.

With that, they denounce media reports of conflict and disarray.

These same folks don’t report on the desecration of statues and they do not reflect on the impact on the city’s economy and the harms to business there. They also have no comment on swastikas or confederate flags.

There is nary a comment on the manifesto written by the the three organizers who literally called for the overthrow of government. There is no sense of the nefarious backgrounds of those organizers.

Truth is, their views align with one or more groups pictured and reflect their conformation bias.

Their alignment puts them in the company of those who would seek to limit the rights of others based on faith, sexual expression, color of skin and the rule of law in a democratic society.

Meanwhile, I receive private messages from other folks who have seen this occupation first hand too. They are first responders as well as business owners and local citizens.

These folks comment privately for fear of being targeted for speaking out accurately and critically.

They recognize holding to reality, a reality not supported by this small minority puts them at risk of harm.

That, is hardly friendly. That is the result of the tacit and implied intimidation of the occupation group. The intimidation is implied by the presence of swastikas and confederate flags however few.

There is privilege when entering a war zone where you align with the aggressor. You are welcomed and made to feel safe. There are no issues of conflict.

Do not be swayed by reports of those whose views one way or another align with these occupations.

Wrapping oneself in a Canadian flag yet holding values as described above does not make one a patriot. It speaks to the desecration of Canadian values and demonstrates what they would prefer the flag to represent.

While the folks reporting may have been made in good faith and while they may not see themselves aligned with those who wish harm and restrictions on others based on faith sexual orientation or color of skin, these issues remain.

Conformation bias. Look beyond your interest and to the company you find yourself in.

We tell kids they are known by the company they keep. How do you want to be known?

This remains an occupation and does not represent my values or those of the vast majority of Canadians.

No confusion.

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I am Gary Direnfeld and I am a social worker. Check out all my services and then call me if you need help with a personal issue, mental health concern, child behavior or relationship, divorce or separation issue or even help growing your practice. I am available in person and by video conferencing.

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Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert in social work, marital and family therapy, child development, parent-child relations and custody and access matters. Gary is the host of the TV reality show, Newlywed, Nearly Dead, former parenting columnist for the Hamilton Spectator and author of Marriage Rescue: Overcoming the ten deadly sins in failing relationships. Gary maintains a private practice in Georgina Ontario, providing a range of services for people in distress. He speaks at conferences and workshops throughout North America. He consults to mental health professionals as well as to mediators and collaborative law professionals about good practice as well as building their practice.