Re: “Exposing economic racism” [March 20-27]

To all of “us”: I’m not quite sure how it happened. I don’t remember paying any kind of dues or learning any secret handshake, but somehow I have been adopted into an elite(ist) club comprised of individuals who are pig-mentally challenged and whose born socialization into the English language seems to make them superior to anyone whose first language is another tongue.

Unknowingly, and certainly unsolicited, I’ve been sworn in and subsequently assumed to subscribe to the same beliefs as the rest of “us”, particularly those beliefs in relation to “them”. In the past month, I have had complete strangers whisper, yell, or otherwise indicate to me how different, weird, or ignorant “they” are in comparison to “us”. I have witnessed several of “us” berating “them” for failing to accommodate “us Canadians” by speaking perfect English. Well, I’m putting all of “us” on notice: I object and I withdraw.

Although, like you, I have the privilege of living up to your expectations of what a true Canadian citizen should look like, we are nothing alike. I value my citizenship because it makes me part of a country that strives to encourage a culturally and ethnically diverse society. I withdraw my membership from your club, although I don’t remember signing up to begin with, and no longer want to be associated with you. I want out.

> Rebecca Haskell / Vancouver