Genocide 101

Genocide is the deliberate and organized killing of a group/and or groups of people, with the intention of destroying their identity as an ethnic, cultural, or religious group. The word genocide itself comes from the ancient Greek word GENOS (which means race, tribe) and CIDE (killing).

The Murder of Memory: The Burning of the Jaffna Library

The final stage of genocide is the destruction of memory, the denial of wrongdoing, and the burial of evidence. The Murder of Memory is the last and final victim in genocide. Libraries and museums are the epitome and embodiment of culture. The destruction of it cannot be taken lightly, because when libraries and museums become targets of violence, the entire culture and history is at risk.

Remembering May Massacre: ‘April showers brings May flowers’

April showers brings May flowers. May 2011 has arrived. This past week it rained a lot, yet today, the sky looked much clearer, and the likeliness of it raining today seemed to be slim. But, I could still feel the wetness on the ground, and could still smell the stale rainy air. No matter if it rained today or not, the unpleasant wetness of the rain would still be lingering in the air today. Things just do not completely disappear, what happened yesterday, affects today. Likewise, May 2009 may have happened two years ago, however, the pain and suffering of the people can still be felt today.

Education is a Gift

Written by: Mathusan Mahalingam

My “freedom” from school did come, and it is only then did I realize that the education many students, including myself take for granted and dread, is a gift that we should enjoy and embrace.

Diversity – a burden?

In fact, recent headlines in the European media debate the issue of whether or not the governmental tolerance for distinguished racial and cultural values within a particular country, for example, Britain, is likely to promote a risk for national security. That is, does the prevalence of deep cultural and religious values within immigrant families in such countries, encourage the growth of terrorism? Evidently, this has sparked much controversy within the Western world, and much shock within many immigrant families. Yes, this is bound to create problems in Europe, but considering the interconnectedness of nations through globalization, this call against multiculturalism is not that far away from us in Canada.