Read more on the subject of DEI
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A phrase we’ve been hearing more and more lately: “You can’t say anything anymore! This sentiment often reflects the perception that certain opinions are restricted in a world where social issues are increasingly discussed. But a closer look reveals that, on the contrary, we’re approaching once-taboo subjects with a new openness. Talking about equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI), as well as other social topics, such as mental health or systemic discrimination, is now an integral part of our public conversations.
The de-tabooing of mental health
Indeed, if we take mental health as an example, which was long stigmatized, today it’s a subject that’s discussed much more freely. In Canada, research and initiatives in the field of mental health have exploded: since the 2000s, awareness campaigns such as Bell Cause for the Cause Day have borne witness to this transformation.
These approaches have now gained in popularity, sparking discussions in both the private and professional spheres. In fact, more and more companies now offer employee assistance programs that cover the mental health aspect in depth, not just the physical.
The #Metoo wave
#MeToo made international headlines, prompting women around the world to publicly share their experiences of sexual assault or harassment. This movement has reproduced itself in several waves and in several countries and industries over the years, and we probably haven’t seen the end of it yet!
The #MeToo movement has been described as a watershed moment for the advancement of gender equality, giving women a powerful platform and demonstrating the extent of sexual assault and harassment in society. Many of Canada’s leading actors spoke out publicly about their experiences of sexual assault and harassment in the entertainment industry. The #MeToo movement has also prompted women across Canada to share their experiences in a multitude of fields, including politic, theater, journalism, music, comedy, sport, gastronomy, as well as the air transport industry.
On December 2, 2017, hundreds gathered in downtown Toronto for the #MeToo march. Participants called for a significant change in the attitudes surrounding sexual assault and harassment, and advocated improved services for survivors of sexual violence. Would we have seen this decades ago? No, because we didn’t say as much!
Black Lives Matter and systemic discrimination in Canada
Black Lives Matter (#BlackLivesMatter) also started out as a keyword that quickly grew into a North American social movement.
This movement sought to improve the living conditions of Black people in Canada, including those who are undocumented, queer, trans and disabled.. Their struggle is, and always has been, inclusive and intersectional.
The impact of the discussions that have emerged from the BLM movement over the past decade is enormous:
- In 2022, New Brunswick’s Commissioner on Systemic Racism published a report containing 86 recommendations to combat systemic racism in health, education and other policy areas.
- In Quebec, the coroner’s report on the death of Joyce Echaquan, an Atikamekw woman who recorded racist insults from nursing staff at a Quebec hospital, condemns systemic racism in healthcare.
- In British Columbia, the Anti-Racism Data Act came into force in June 2022, enabling the provincial government to collect and use racially disaggregated data to identify and eliminate systemic racism.
- The Department of Justice has launched the Canadian Black Justice Strategy to combat anti-black racism in the criminal justice system and ensure that every person has access to equal treatment before and under the law.
In short, governments across the country are beginning to recognize systemic racism and develop strategies to combat it. And for what? Because we’re saying a lot more than we used to!
Social networks: a springboard for a diversity of voices
The proliferation and ease of access to social networks has enabled a real democratization of discourse. Today, anyone can share their experience and express their opinion. This explosion of voices not only helps to raise awareness and educate, but also to challenge preconceived ideas. As a result, conversations about racism, discrimination, and the rights of sexual and gender minorities are taking place publicly, in front of everyone’s eyes. This phenomenon, which would not have been possible in the traditional public arena, now gives a voice to those who never had the chance before.
What’s more, depending on where you live, what country you live in and what resources are available, it’s not always easy to find spaces and people who are like you. Social media make it easy to find and create communities with shared experiences or aspirations, offering essential support and a sense of belonging for many people.
We can’t say any more: a perception of censorship that contrasts with the evolution of public debate
When people exclaim “We can’t say anything anymore!”, it sometimes reflects discomfort with changing social norms. In the past, certain comments went unchallenged, but today, collective awareness makes it possible to identify prejudice or stereotypes much more quickly. Although some opinions are contested, this public debate is essential if society is to evolve. In other words, far from being muzzled, today’s society allows for more numerous and more nuanced dialogues.
So it’s not a question of saying less, but of saying better.
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