If we plan on bridging the cultural divide in the future, we must realize that social media is one platform that has never been explored.
By Ken Herar
A year ago I was interviewed on CBC Radio, The Early Edition with host Rick Cluff concerning being denied access to a Christmas party because I was South Asian. During the program, he asked me whether or not I believed that Facebook was a contributing factor towards the cultural divide in the Lower Mainland. I didn’t see this as being the case, however, I do see this as an avenue in which cultural polarization can be addressed.
I decided to do some quick research through some of my friend’s Facebook lists to see what kind of cross cultural friendships are being developed through a click of a button. I discovered that most cultures actually stick within themselves (especially youth) and some of my friends who are over the age of 30 seemed to show some improvements in how they reached out on social media.
If we plan on bridging the cultural divide in the future, we must realize that social media is one platform that has never been explored.
On another note, Facebook can be very self absorbing at times. People become caught up talking about themselves rather than focusing on others. For example, in most of my personal postings, I found that it is the same dozen or so people who leave a comment or give me a “thumbs up”. It’s kind of discouraging when I have over a 1000 Facebook friends/acquaintances that have the potential of reaching out and choose not to. I have made every effort throughout the years on Facebook to reach out to almost every contact at least once in the year.
Jassi Hera, a grade 12 student from Rick Hansen Secondary School shared these comments: “I personally think everyone should get along with each other. We only live once, why not get to know some new people and even learn about their culture. Facebook is one of the best ways to actually meet new people.”
I have some sad news to share, the tree that was planted on May 18th to celebrate the Cycling4Diversity ride to Victoria which was vandalized in August did not make it. I would like to thank the District of Mission for doing their best to save the tree. Another tree is scheduled to be planted in the spring as a replacement.
Since the completion of the ride, the momentum hasn’t stopped. We have some exciting announcements to be made in the New Year. Sarina Di Martino Derksen, the Executive Coordinator is planning on revealing the schedule, a new logo, as well as other events scheduled to take place. One of the many highlights of this trip was when the winner of the Cycling4Diversity bike offered to sell the bike. Di Martino Derksen stepped up and advised me that this would be a wonderful opportunity to help out the winner as well as keep the bike for the rides to come. Di Martino Derksen personally purchased the bike and will be loaning the bike each year to the team.
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I would like to congratulate the Sikh community for the official opening of the Sikh Heritage Museum at the Gur Sikh Gurdwara which took place last Saturday. My father and several of my close friends enjoyed the celebrations. I look forward to re-visiting the landmark temple where I played as a child.
Ken “Kulwinder” Herar is a Mission-based writer and a winner of the champions of diversity award for his columns in the LINK newspaper and other Fraser Valley newspapers. Herar can be reached at [email protected] or view his blog at http://www.kenherar.blogspot.com
