​Don’t let hatred divide a lovely Canadian town, says reader

To the Editor:
RE: “Proud of my town”

Jon Farrell’s letter (“Proud of my town,” Sept. 14, 2024) was a thoughtful and positive plea to all residents of Kincardine, and indeed, to all Canadians, to remember the past but not revere it.

Like all tasks worth doing well, with accuracy and thoroughness, remembering takes hard work. There are many tools an individual can use to remember history, and all are readily accessible: books, websites, lectures and re-enactments are a few.

It is most important for the learner of any age or level of education to pay close attention to the perspective or point of view (bias is a strong word, but it means, essentially, the same thing) of the author or presenter of each source. It is critical to learn from as wide a range of points of view as possible.

Learn from authors and presenters from all over the world, where cultures and races are unfamiliar. Use sources that are well-researched and evidence-based, with arguments and statements supported by facts that are provided in a book or website, or explained by a speaker, so the learners can check their accuracy for themselves.

This is called research. It is hard work, but well worth the effort.

When I read Jon Farrell’s letter, I was filled with hope that the community of Kincardine would read it as a guide to a future where all people could learn about, and understand, the past from their own perspective and the perspective of every other resident. What a wonderful world that would be!

All I have seen written, so far, is more hatred, divisiveness and name-calling. I felt it necessary to write this letter to assure Jon Farrell that I, at least, support his thoughts. I hope that others will also support him, if not in print at least in deed, and not let hatred divide a lovely Canadian town.

Respectfully,
Patricia M. Bowley, PhD, History
Guelph and formerly, Kincardine