"If the school had played an Arabic rendition of Baby Shark, would that, too, be deemed a “resistance song”? One could easily find Arabic songs about سلام (peace) accompanied by discussions on Gaza, given it’s a main news topic for many Arab-Canadians affected by the situation. This includes Arab students who attend Sir Robert Borden High School."
November 27, 2024
Re: The left is exposing its moral inconsistencies
Dear Editor,
Mark McQueen’s op-ed reveals his generalized anti-Arab racism through an exaggerated attack on a song.
The song in question, أهذا سلام (“Is This Peace?”), by Japanese-Kuwaiti YouTuber Maryam Shehab, was included in a school ceremony to underscore peace as a universal value. Its lyrics broadly promote harmony, fitting well with Remembrance Day themes. While it is true that the song has appeared in videos highlighting the dire situation in Gaza, labeling it a “Palestinian resistance” song is ridiculous.
If the school had played an Arabic rendition of Baby Shark, would that, too, be deemed a “resistance song”? One could easily find Arabic songs about سلام (peace) accompanied by discussions on Gaza, given it’s a main news topic for many Arab-Canadians affected by the situation. This includes Arab students who attend Sir Robert Borden High School.
The racist backlash against this song, fueled by conservative pearl-clutching and media sensationalism, led to the school’s welcome sign being defaced with the words “Hamas High.”
This reaction exemplifies the double standards faced by Arab and Palestinian narratives. Last year, Ukrainian songs were played in ceremonies without controversy, yet an Arabic song draws manufactured outrage and leads to a targeted anti-arab hate crime aimed at teenagers.
Media and columnists like Mr. McQueen, who frame “Is This Peace?” as controversial only further fuel this needless fire. The anti-Arab rage-bait needs to stop before more damage is caused.
Anthony Issa
Media Advocacy Analyst and Journalist
Candians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East