KAMLOOPS — LANGUAGE IS NOT the boss of us.
We follow its rules when they suit us. We change language through common use and misuse. The English of today is much different than it was 100 or 200 years ago.
This week, we’re changing the definition of “genocide.” Up until now, the word has referred to the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, cultural or political group.
The final report on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls uses the term “Canadian genocide” to describe the subject of the inquiry.
The term has stimulated a national debate on whether use of the word is accurate.
In discussing the “G” word it’s important to note the debate goes way beyond the title of the inquiry, referencing colonialism, racism and historic grievances. According to the report, “Genocide is the sum of the social practices, assumptions and actions detailed in this report.”
In other words, it chooses the word to describe its findings, then concludes that therefore the definition is accurate.
We can easily get bogged down in this debate to the detriment of the report itself. By giving such an inflammatory word such prominence, the authors undoubtedly believe it reinforces the need for action.
Instead, it detracts from it — the 231 recommendations are virtually missing in action from the debate.
Whether or not “genocide,” under our previous understanding of the word, is an appropriate definition for the record of violence against indigenous women is less important than doing something about the problem.
If we want to redefine “genocide” within the Canadian experience, we can do so. We can define a “Canadian genocide” for ourselves. Better to spend less time agonizing over that and spend more on the report’s recommendations.
I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.
Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.
Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.
