My Experience with Racial Profiling by Police as a Lebanese-Canadian Immigrant

As a Lebanese-born Canadian immigrant, I have experienced both the best and worst of Canada. On one hand, Canada is a beautiful country that prides itself on diversity, equality, and inclusion. On the other hand, I have experienced discrimination, prejudice, and racism firsthand, which has left me with a deep-seated distrust of the police and government.

Growing up, I was taught to respect authority figures like the police and government officials. However, as I got older, I realized that not all authority figures were deserving of my respect or trust. I have been subjected to racial profiling, discrimination, and unwarranted suspicion by police officers who were supposed to protect and serve me.

In one instance, during a routine workday as a courier, I was pulled over by a caravan of police officers. The officer who approached, claimed that I matched the description of a suspect they were looking for, but I knew it was because of my race and ethnicity. After their inspection & checks, they informed me that a bomb threat had been called in to the building where I had parked in front of while on delivery. However, their treatment towards me during the interaction was unsettling.

I felt humiliated, violated, and angry. I did nothing wrong, yet I was treated as a criminal simply because of the color of my skin and my Middle Eastern heritage. This experience left me with a deep sense of distrust towards the police and government officials.

Moreover, I have seen how the government’s actions and inactions can negatively impact the lives of marginalized communities. The government’s failure to provide adequate support and resources for immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups can lead to a sense of hopelessness, despair, and anger.

For example, the recent explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, which killed hundreds and injured thousands, was a devastating blow to my home country. The Lebanese government’s negligence and corruption contributed to the explosion, leaving many people without basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical care. This tragedy only reinforced my lack of trust in the government’s ability to protect and care for its citizens.

In conclusion, my experiences have left me with a deep sense of mistrust and skepticism towards the police and government officials. It will take a lot of work to rebuild that trust, but until systemic issues of racism, discrimination, and corruption are addressed, I remain skeptical of those in power.