Screen grab from Facebook comments made in 2010 by Lorrie Steeves, wife of Winnipeg, Manitoba, mayoral candidate Gord Steeves. Image from Darlene J / Twitter
Author, broadcaster and mother Rosanna Deerchild responds to the controversy over racist comments made by the wife of Winnipeg, Manitoba, mayoral candidate Gord Steeves:
Let’s face it, that same old privileged and pampered opinion is a dime a dozen around these parts. Just read the endless list of ugly comments following the story about Lorrie Steeves’ racist rant on Facebook that recently came to light, casting a long shadow on her husband’s mayoral campaign. Still, it would be four days before Gord Steeves addressed the controversy. Finally facing the media for the first time Tuesday, Steeves, a seasoned politician and lawyer who should know better, first tried to avoid it. Head down, he dove into a campaign announcement before the throng demanded answers. “My wife was scared, and she was very angry,” he repeated over and over, trying to justify her 2010 post. Steeves said the racist remark was sparked after she says she was accosted by aggressive panhandlers on two occasions, including once with her children. He assured media that his wife is not a racist and that she made the comments out of fear. Then, Steeves dismissed it, “She has apologized.”Get the Story:
Rosanna Deerchild: Indigenous mom responds to Steeves: Got change? You got my vote (CBC 8/12) Another Opinion:
Dan Lett: Duck-and-run strategy is far from mayoral (The Winnipeg Free Press 8/13) Also Today:
My wife is not racist: Steeves (The Winnipeg Free Press 8/13)
Steeves breaks silence on ‘drunken native guys’ Facebook post (The Winnipeg Sun 8/13)
Apologize, lead us through Winnipeg’s racism: Aboriginal leaders to Steeve (The Winnipeg Sun 8/13)
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'drunken Natives' post (8/12) Mayoral candidate's wife apologizes for 'drunken Natives' post (8/8)
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