Butler defends multiculturalism
Community Affairs Minister Dale Butler stands up to xenophobic Bermudians:
Most Bermudians don’t have any issues with foreigners. The ones who do are usually working class, Mr. Butler said.“They think the Filipinos are coming in here and doing the jobs, but they won’t do them themselves.”
“I believe about 90 per cent of the population are beyond the bitterness of the Filipinos winning a trophy but 10 per cent continue to blame other ethnic groups for their own plight.”
“We are a multicultural society and participation [by foreigners in the Heritage Day Parade] enhances the Bermudian experience.”
Good for you, Dale.
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The same Dale that said that "European women could do with using some deodorant" ?
Either way..good for him, I wonder if any of his cabinet colleagues will applaud these comments.
Posted by sandgrownan on 14.05.06 at 18:52
I agree. Well done, Dale.
Posted by Uncle Elvis on 14.05.06 at 18:59
Careful Phil, you'll have people accusing you of being pro PLP! :-)
Posted by JJ on 14.05.06 at 21:32
Perhaps there is reason to have hope!
Posted by novote on 15.05.06 at 08:54
Sadly novote, it's false hope..have a look at the other thread "politics of diivsion." I knew it was too good to be true.
Posted by sandgrownan on 15.05.06 at 09:01
How refreshing to read Dale Butler's words. I remember very well one of the most uplifting experiences ever which was the Queens' Jubilee. People from over 100 nations celebrating their own culture within the framework of celebrating the Queen. And so it can be in Bermuda, people from other cultures participating in a local event and enhancing it. The world is a melting pot and we are part of it, the sooner we accept it the better off we will be.
Posted by Ali on 15.05.06 at 09:52
I agree. It's nice to see someone in government do the right thing. Great job!
Posted by silencedogood on 15.05.06 at 11:36
Well Done Dale. They really should have made Dale Education Minister. I don't know why they didn't.
Posted by Combat Banker on 15.05.06 at 15:13
I appreciate him for stepping up to the plate. I just hope everyone realizes that he is speaking to "all" Bermudians.
Posted by SmokingGun on 15.05.06 at 15:29
Combat,
Dale was offered the government post I understand and felt it was too heavy at that time as he was experiencing personal problems and could not accept.
He brings a refreshing personality that even not being a JOCK per se'has done very well with sport.
Posted by Bill Cook on 15.05.06 at 16:11
From the same article:
"One of the reasons the Bangledeshis and Indians aren’t taking part ..., Mr. Butler said given the jobs they do, they usually only get one day off and don’t have time to organize a performance.."
I think not Mr Butler. The other reason is that they are fed up of being stereotyped every time they get a mention in Bermuda.
Don't all rush to congratulate him too quickly.
Posted by toidi on 15.05.06 at 16:19