[projekktor id=’15986′]
Some filmmakers from Mississauga wanted to gauge the depth of discrimination in Hamilton after the tragic murder of Corporal Nathan Cirillo. The “social experiment” they posted to YouTube included an actor making public, anti-Muslim comments. And the actor eventually gets punched in the face.
Hamilton police do “not” believe hate crimes have increased since the shooting on Parliament Hill. But one Burlington woman says she was targeted this weekend for the very first time.
“This is based on events that happened in Ottawa. We’re going to see if people feel safe around Muslims or people who look like Muslims. So let’s see what happens.”
“Are you planning to take the bus? I’d suggest you take another ride. Why? Look at how he’s dressed. So what?”
The confrontation is contrived, but unwitting observers react with passion.
“I’m saying this guy looks like a terrorist and it’s not safe to go on the bus. That is ridiculous.
And even violence.
“Whoa! it’s a social experiment.”
Hate crimes detective Carmen Pietroniro says Hamilton police have not seen any new trends since Cirillo’s death, but there were two incidents: “It involved people saying things about the Muslim community and other people who were not Muslims coming to the defense of those comments that were made.”
Khadija Zafar found this note on her windshield on the weekend after shopping at Mapleview Mall in Burlington. It says, “you parked in a baby space for mothers. Tipical (sic) Islamists!”
Khadija Zafar: “When I noticed the note I was pretty shocked to read it, cuz I’ve never had this type of incident and I’ve lived here over a decade. So it’s quite shocking. I had to read it five, 10 times, to be sure this is happening to me. It’s pretty surprising.”
Zafar is seven months pregnant and allowed to use pink parking spaces. But she says that’s not the point.
Khadija: “Even if I parked there and I wasn’t pregnant, you shouldn’t say I parked there because of my religion. Or because I don’t have education. I’m a university student. Did you notice they spelled typical wrong on the note? ”
She believes ignorance blossomed when coverage of the Ottawa event focused on the shooter’s religion as much as his mental illness.
But her Facebook account of the ordeal got hundreds of responses. All in her favour.
Khadija: “It’s pretty upsetting, especially when you’re pregnant. So it’s nice to see the positive outcome.”
