Consider this a follow-up to my earlier article on the same issue. The surge of videos surfacing as summer begins—blaming immigrants for everything from a struggling economy to increased housing prices, to liberals winning the election, to the alleged destruction of cherry blossoms—prompted me to write this piece. It’s not just the posts or videos that bother me—it’s the selective targeting and the deliberate sharing of clips featuring people from specific backgrounds that compelled me to write this second piece.
What truly angers me is the recent trend of selectively targeting and generalizing an entire community — especially through videos of individuals wearing a particular type of clothing. If this isn’t racism, then what is? If you’re genuinely concerned about someone’s actions being “Un-Canadian,” then instead of filming them to score points on social media, step in and stop them in the moment. Taking action shows real intent — recording and posting just reveals your bias.
In the relentless race for attention on social media, a disturbing trend has emerged: racism and hatred are proving to be powerful tools for virality. Whether it’s a tweet laced with bigotry, a video that mocks a minority group, or a post designed to inflame division, these acts often rack up millions of views, shares, and comments. The algorithms reward engagement, and nothing drives engagement like outrage.
But here’s the question that rarely gets asked: after the dopamine of likes and retweets fades, after the screen goes dark and the crowd moves on—can you sleep peacefully?
The Temptation of Attention
Social media is built on attention. The more provocative your content, the more likely it is to be seen. In this attention economy, anger, fear, and prejudice spread faster than empathy or understanding. It’s no coincidence that some of the most viewed content is also the most toxic. Racism, sexism, xenophobia—these forms of hatred are dressed up as “edgy commentary” or “just asking questions,” and they sell.
But attention is not the same as respect. Virality is not the same as value. You may gain a temporary following, but what kind of legacy are you building?
The Cost of Contempt
There is a psychological cost to weaponizing hatred, even if you try to ignore it. Studies have shown that those who harbor prejudice and consistently engage in hostile behavior tend to have higher levels of anxiety, stress, and even depression. Hatred corrodes the hater as much as the hated.
If your content is built on tearing others down, your peace of mind will erode with it. You may sleep, but it won’t be restful. That uneasy feeling creeping in as you scroll through the backlash? That’s your conscience knocking.
The Hollow Victory of Going Viral
Going viral might feel like winning. But ask yourself: winning what?
Thousands of people might be watching, but what are they seeing? Do they see someone brave—or someone bitter? Are they following you for your ideas—or your rage?
More importantly, are they the kind of audience you really want? If the only way to be seen is to poison the conversation, it’s worth asking whether that spotlight is worth standing in.
What Really Lasts
History doesn’t remember the trolls—it remembers the truth-tellers. The ones who stood for justice, who used their platforms to uplift rather than degrade. Social media gives you a voice, but what you say with it is up to you.
Use it to divide, and you’ll find yourself isolated. Use it to build understanding, and you’ll sleep better—because you’ll know you stood for something that matters.
The Final Scroll
Racism and hatred might get you views, clicks, and temporary clout—but they won’t give you peace. They won’t make you proud when you look in the mirror. They won’t help you sleep soundly at night.
And at the end of the day, when the followers fade and the algorithms change, all that’s left is your conscience. Make sure it’s clear enough to let you rest.
*****
Ask Yourself This: What If Every Immigrant in Canada Vanished Tomorrow?
Take a moment and think—really think. Before jumping to conclusions or reacting with outrage, do a bit of research. Ask yourself: What would happen if, overnight, every immigrant—or everyone you consider an immigrant—suddenly disappeared from Canada?
The answer isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s terrifying.
Before you entertain any idea that Canada would be “better off” without immigrants, here are some facts you cannot ignore:
- Over 25% of Canada’s workforce is made up of immigrants.
- Immigrants are more likely to start businesses than those born in Canada—creating jobs, not just taking them.
- With Canada’s aging population and declining birth rate, immigration is essential to sustaining economic growth, our healthcare system, and even the pensions many Canadians rely on.
In short: without immigrants, the country would struggle to function—let alone thrive.
So if you find yourself seething with resentment while reading this—yes, you—ask yourself whether your anger is rooted in facts or fear. Canada doesn’t need more hate. It needs more people willing to build, support, and contribute.
Instead of spreading racism, ask yourself how you can help make Canada stronger, fairer, and more sustainable—for everyone who calls it home.
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