The Skin We’re In By Desmond Cole - An Analysis

Written by: Naima Syed

The Skin We're In by Desmond Cole will cause you to reassess your perspective and will leave you feeling frustrated, alarmed, and depressed. You ought to understand that racism still exists in Canada today after reading this. It is well known that white people do not experience systemic racism or police brutality to the same extent as black people do. This is something Cole, makes clear throughout the book. The final results showed that the notion that Black people are free is a hoax and that they must constantly live in fear. Racism still permeates our nation today, despite the efforts of historical activists and leaders. The ongoing fight for racial justice and equality in Canada is emphasized in the book. The book touches on a number of crucial issues, including institutionalized racism, colonialism, white supremacy, politics, police brutality, immigration, the educational system, indigenous peoples, and Black lives matter, in addition to the author sharing his own personal experiences throughout. Cole urges all Canadians to work toward creating a society that is more inclusive and equitable by making a strong case for the need for structural change. He contends that since systemic racism is a problem that impacts us all, it is our duty as a group to act and transform our societies. Cole investigates the experiences of Black Canadians in a nation that has long denied the existence of institutional racism. The Skin We're in, offers a thorough examination of how anti-Black racism operates in Canada and how it impacts Black people's lives across the board.

In Canada, systemic racism has deep roots in the nation's colonial past, which included the enslavement of Black people and the expulsion, exploitation, and oppression of Indigenous peoples. Black Canadians continue to experience systemic racism in a variety of facets of their lives because these legacies continue to influence Canadian society today. Canada has had such an alarming past, that we would be fools to believe that people are not judged based on their ancestry and that there are no preconceived notions about someone's skin colour. Cole affirms in chapter January that Black people are unwanted in Canada because ultimately this land was stolen and colonized from indigenous peoples so how can Black people be free, on page 16 he says “Canada which only exists through the ongoing genocide and subjugation of Indigenous peoples and the theft and destruction of their traditional territories”. Along with the difficulties Black people face Cole also shines a light on Indigenous peoples and the impacts of systemic racism in their lives. He talks about the difficult truth of residential schools and the epidemic of violence against Indigenous Women and girls and the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The rate of violence, homicide, and assault against Indigenous women is significantly higher than non-indigenous women. In chapter July page 110,115 Cole discusses “Idle no more” and “stolen sisters” which became banners for Indigenous peoples and their decolonized struggles. It’s important that Canadians accept these problems exist and should be working towards reconciliation and decolonization by listening and learning from Indigenous peoples as we work towards a more acceptable society for everyone.

Police brutality is a pervasive issue that has been plaguing the world for centuries, with many marginalized communities disproportionately affected. The book addresses the devastating consequences this has on Black and Indigenous communities. Police brutality is excessive and unnecessary force which can result in severe injuries, trauma and death by officers against civilians. Canada has been dealing with police brutality for decades within Black and Indigenous communities bearing the brunt of its impact. In chapter August on page 127 Cole says “ Where Black people and other oppressed groups are concerned, rules directing police behaviour become all but meaningless”. He discusses in the book how police brutality has become normal in our society and the impact it has on Black people. Cole also mentions the horrifying case of Abdirahman Abdi, who was a Somali-Canadian who died as a result of police brutality. In 2016 he was in police custody when he passed, it’s an illustration of the effects of prejudice. Police beat and tasered Abdi at a coffee shop, the killing of Abdi infuriated the Somali community in Canada and brought light to the problem of police violence towards Black Canadians. Another heartbreaking case Cole talks about is the case of police brutality against a six-year-old child; police officers were called to a school to deal with a child due to behavioral issues. Cole says in chapter February page 23 “The shackling of a six-year old black child in twenty-first-century Canada reminds us we are still not free”. Unfortunately Systemic Racism is a harsh reality of our societies. In the book Cole shifts our perspectives and spreads awareness within his readers about the injustices against Black people and Indigenous peoples. It’s important as Canadians and future journalists we understand the extent of these problems and provide solutions. Every man has the right to their freedom, and it’s important to spread awareness on the ongoing struggle in Canada for racial justice and equality. Not only does Cole mention the difficulties Black people face in our communities but also highlights many Black Canadians who lodged a fight against racism and achieved significant victories along the way. It’s important that every member of our community feels safe and has equal rights and opportunities in Canada.