Arthur Black & his rant

Here is something my down under readers can weigh in on!

On May 22, 2009, the Weekender, which comes out Fridays in Bracebridge and Gravenhurst, published this article by Arthur Black. I am sure it is printed across the country, as he is picked up by many small newspapers unwilling, or unable, to find local writers to discuss issues of import to local, regional, national, and international readers.

As Kerri Macdonald writes in her blog, Rollicking Measures: chew on this
"Black extends an apology “on behalf of all Canadians” to “all 4.3 million” New Zealanders for a series of complaints a Canadian woman made about a popular candy called the “Eskimo” she discovered on New Zealand shelves. Seeka Parsons denounced the candy–which is shaped like a person wearing a fur parka–as an insult to her people."

I agree with Kerri, and Seeka Parsons. Arthur Black is old beyond his time. There is no need to perpetuate outdated notions. Sure, says another blogger, we have "Eskimo Pie" in Is It Racist To Eat Eskimo Pie?, but we need to create an awareness internationally.

CBC says, "The candy's manufacturer, Cadbury/Pascall, has told New Zealand media that it does not plan to change or remove the Eskimo Lolly, which has been a fixture on New Zealand shelves since 1955."

This images is one that is particular to Inuit: a beautiful coat, that has has its thefts of such intellectual property. A 2001 article, Inuit Women Seek Parka Copyright, states the case. The amauti (woman's parka) and the kayak have similarly had its profiteers: Copper and Caribou Inuit Clothing Traditions.

We do not refer to our Northern Aboriginal Peoples as this term is an outdated term referring to 'eaters of raw meat'. Firstly, the correct term is Inuit, as befits an incredible culture, with phenomenal values, lifestyles, artistic talents, and practices regarding food, clothing, and shelter, that reflect a People who have survived many years in cold, barren conditions.

I am really unsure how a candy in the warm climes of this country finds it fitting to use an image of the far north.

We need politically correct writers, especially in local papers, where a balance of opinions are not necessarily printed. Local papers do not often print articles, or points of view, that reflect the larger world view.

C'mon, Mr. Black, get with the modern millennium!
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The full CBC article is here:
CBC.ca says, New Zealand sour on Canadian Inuk's opposition to candy on 23 Apr 2009 ... Seeka Veevee Parsons, 21, came across the Eskimo Lolly at a convenience ... which has been a fixture on New Zealand shelves since 1955. ...

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Photos of Aboriginal dancers/performers from the International Aboriginal Festival in Ottawa, a gr. 6 Field trip - Field Trips for educators: (PPT.htm).