Diversity march is not `reclaiming our space'

Diversity march is not `reclaiming our space'

Dear editor, Re: Diversity march planned for Saturday (Sept. 13 Independent & Free Press). "Georgetown and a lot of Halton is known for racism". How insulting! I honestly don't believe that this statement is a fair or realistic statement to make of our community. And I'm also sure that none of the residents of Georgetown will agree with it. It is true that a few members of the Ku Klux Klan made an extremely brief appearance in Acton and Georgetown 13 years ago, but if you will recall, they were quickly chased out of town by the residents. They were not residents of our town and were not welcomed by any means. I doubt that Delta Hillyard remembers that though, as she was only about 5 or 6 years old at the time. I think it's very admirable that these young people are attempting to "reclaim that space", but the reclamation was done at the time of the KKK's appearance. There will always be zealots and fanatics making appearances to promote their cause. The Diversity March is no different. We can only hope that this event includes respect for the community and its culture. Georgetown is predominately white- there is no doubt about that-- and that is our culture. Do not thrust your beliefs and ethics upon us with little regard for our culture and heritage. Do not make the same mistake the KKK did. Another interesting note that also appeared in the paper that day was an employment ad for Fraser Direct Ltd. Very clearly displayed in the ad were the words "no students please". Is this not discrimination against age? Yet Fraser Direct's Lois Fraser is a partner in organizing this march. I suppose diversity is a good thing as long as it's not in her backyard? Sarah McLean, Georgetown