Racism In Recruitment

     Racism In Recruitment. The name says it all. Canadians from coast to coast were eager to serve their country by doing their part in the war. They registered to serve in the war and were accepted if they passed the extremely basic requirements. However, not passing the requirements wasn't the only reason that some citizens were turned down. Cultures/Races that were considered minorities in Canada at the time, were rejected. In my opinion this was absolutely pointless and benefited Canada in no way whatsoever, especially since they were in need of troops at the time. I believe that the only real reason that this was happening was due to the selfish pride of the racist recruitment officers. Racism is completely wrong in every way, but what I don't understand is that even when the "minority" races wanted to volunteer to serve their country by fighting and even possible dying, were not allowed to do so. The war was believed to be a "white man's war" by most of the troops and officers (obviously white) in the army at the time. This just doesn't make any sense to me. Canada was a diverse country, yet a "white man's war" ?

    After the racism issue was brought to light, excuses were made by the recruitment officers as to why accepting "minority" races into the army would be a problem. This made me quite upset simply for the fact that they couldn't even just get rid of their selfish pride and admit that what they were doing was inconsiderate and extremely disrespectful towards their fellow citizens. Apparently, blacks fighting enemy whites would "promote violence against whites in their home country" and "if aboriginals were captured during war they would be treated poorly". Excuses excuses excuses, but this stopped during 1915-1916 when casualties on the battlefield mounted. Then miraculously... the officers realised that what they were doing didn't make much sense and that they needed more troops. Can you guess what they did? Yes, the ban on Aboriginal Canadian enlistment was lifted, and a few months later the other minority races were able to join. I believe that the casualties and conflict could have easily been prevented, although it eventually was resolved, it cost many lives and broken spirits. I hope nothing like this ever repeats itself, it is pointless, selfish, and disrespectful.