FlickR Album: Racism 2010-04-21

On Sunday, March 21, 2010 a large group of people, organized by Anti-Racist Action, held a protest against the Aryan Guard and racism in general. Unlike the two previous years, only a handful of AG sympathizers showed up, with no real organization. The AG has been largely destroyed by multiple arrests of key members.

Sort of disguised

by Robert Thivierge
Sort of disguised
Many of the anti-racist protesters wore masks, to protect their identity. Given the violent record of the Aryan Guard that's somewhat understandable. But, personally, I see masks as a false sense of security. People have a right to wear them as a political statement or even a fashion statement (which some seemed to be). But, I really don't think they hid anybody's identity. A number of protesters would even take the masks off, then put them back on, as though they would return to "anonymity".

Pretending to have a clue

by Robert Thivierge
Pretending to have a clue
An apparent Aryan Guard supporter tried to dress up (literally and verabally) the group's cause, by insisting it was all about supporting one's "tribe". If you look at the prior photo in my stream, you'll see quite the contrast with a fellow AG supporter. No tatoos. No threats. No assault. Just a new pretty spin, on something old and ugly.

No, you won’t bust my camera

by Robert Thivierge
No, you won't bust my camera
This is a neo-Nazi who had just told photographers that he would bust the camera of anybody who took his picture. Naturally, photographers took his picture anyhow, and he tried knocking a camera out of one's hands (not me). According to news reports, he is accused of hitting a photographer with a skateboard. I don't remember seeing that (just him going for the guy), but was intentionally staying back, and missed some significant details (looking through a long lens limits what you see). The police promptly detained him. He kept on acting tough and threatening, seemingly trying to go for photogs, even when being taken away. On this matter, the cops did a great job. They only interfered with criminals.

A view against racism

by Robert Thivierge
A view against racism
Taken at an anti-racist rally outside City Hall in downtown Calgary on Sunday, March 21, 2010. The ARA (Anti-Racist Action) was countering the Aryan Guard, which previously would stage a 30-60 person "white pride" march on this day of the year, but this year, just had a few random people show up (none in this particular picture).