Blog by Shabosthi Das. Youth Community Animator – TERT, BCS
I have committed myself to the betterment of youths by aiding them in their fight against racial bullying. My goal is to make the vision of unity a reality. I have experienced racism in the form of racial bullying in school, which I had to endeavour through alone. My journey of advocacy against racism, specifically racism-induced bullying, is to prevent any youth from going through what I have experienced. Unlike me, many victims are never able to persevere through that trauma.
As a youth animator, I focus on community service projects that amplify youths’ voices against racial bullying and empower them to stand against it. The unity in their resilience is the strongest form of revolution and activism. Through my service, I have found closure to my traumas while empowering others to fight against theirs. I remember, that when I moved to Canada, I was treated like an exotic clown at my middle school. My clothes, how I looked and my accent, were mocked to bully me. They made an Instagram account filled with inappropriate posts mocking my appearance, insulted me for anything I did not know, and excluded me from group projects. I did not realize what I experienced was bullying until I got separated from my bullies. Since then, I have taken the initiative to help new immigrant students with anything they require to adopt. Racism is a reality in Canadian schools that many immigrant parents and youths do not understand how to navigate. My journey of activism is focused on raising awareness among youths and parents while building a resilient soul that stands up against racism.
If you have any feedback about this blog or would like to contact the TERT campaign, please email us at YouthResilient@bangladeshi.ca. Thank you!
Together End Racism in Toronto 