Copies of a book that promotes the white nationalist ideology in library boxes led by the community in neighborhoods in parts of Ottawa have been placed, which caused a police investigation.
Christine Young found several copies earlier this month when she decided to visit some small free libraries near her home in Barrave.
Small free libraries are placed on the sidewalk by housing owners and are an invitation for anyone to leave and take a book.
Young, a federal government consultant, never expected to meet the same book, one who denounces immigration, multiculturalism, the defenders of a white ethnostatemy in which racialized Communities would be classified as second -class citizens.
“I simply thought: ‘This cannot be what I think is. I must be in a bad head space,” said Young. “Then I found a second [little library] with exactly the same book “.
The book is written by an American author known for the publication of works that promote white nationalist ideology.
“I can’t believe we have white supremacists in the area. It’s disgusting,” said Young. “I get so angry, I will tear the book. I didn’t want it in my house.”
Police investigating
Young reported his findings at the Ottawa police service (PAHO), which has since launched an investigation of hate crime.
“Until now, the affected areas of which we are aware are found in the neighborhoods of Barde The spokesman said in an email to CBC News.
Young said that the police can identify whoever is responsible.
“We need to face white supremacy,” he said. “We need to be loud. We cannot simply sit and see this happens.”
CBC discovered that seven out of 10 small libraries in the neighborhoods of Barrhaven and River contained the text.
Several of the owners who operate small libraries where copies of the book were found declined to speak in the registry, but said they had no idea that the book was there.
BARRHAVEN WEST COUN. David Hill described the “disturbing” incident.
“Little libraries are a way to unite our community, and hate certainly does not take place in Barrave,” he said, encouraging the owners of the library to regularly verify their shelves.
“If you see the garbage there, they should throw it in the trash,” said Hill, adding that residents who find similar material should inform the police.
Barbara Perry, director of the Hate Center, Besism and Extremism of the Technia de Ontario University, said the book is an attempt to normalize white nationalist ideologies.
She said that captures “very similar issues” to the manifestos often written by “mass shooters”, which details the complaints and anxieties of the alternative right.
“It really is an exhibition of the sensation of white victimization … a railing against multiculturalism, EDI initiatives, non -white immigration specifically, feminism and progressive policies,” said Perry, using an acronym for policies that promote equity, diversity and inclusion.
Physically distributing the book in public spaces, he said, it was a strategic and “bold” choice aimed at attracting as much attention as possible.
“It is an attempt to go back, in the communities where they think there could be support for progressive policies,” said Perry.
‘It’s not just offensive, it’s dangerous’
While the book does not contain “a call to direct violence” or “a call to the extermination of communities,” Perry said it aims shock “of the movement.
Héctor Addison, the founder of the Canadian African Association of Ottawa, said he is “deeply concerned” about the circulation of the book throughout the city.
“It is not just offensive, it is dangerous. Racism and fear feeds in our city, and we cannot wait and allow hate to take root in our communities,” said Addison. “I am horrified by that behavior.”
Addison believes that there should be consequences for anyone responsible and said he was particularly disappointed that the incident occurred during the month of black history.
“Despite hate, be it an hateful attack or speech or whatever, we are not afraid. We are stronger when we are together,” said Addison. “So we will continue to build Ottawa to be that multicultural city in which everyone here can live.”
