Jason Kenney On Throne Speech: Intersectionality A ‘Kooky Academic Theory’
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney had a lot to say about this week’s Liberal throne speech, which stressed advancement for women, climate action and COVID-19 pandemic recovery.
The Alberta premier is facing online criticism after calling the speech’s intersectional focus a “kooky academic theory.”
During a press conference Thursday, the premier slammed the throne speech, suggesting the emphasis on systemic racism and women came at the cost of attention to the oil and gas industry and transfer payments.
“There was space for every bright shiny object, every possible political distraction, kooky academic theories like intersectionality found their way into yesterday’s throne speech,” he said.
Critics were quick to take to social media and call out the comments.
The Premier of Alberta thinks that the experiences that arise when your race, class, & gender intersect and the disadvantages that can result when these characteristics overlap is "kooky". And he thinks that saying so makes him look clever. What a time to be alive! #ableg#abpolihttps://t.co/Fcx0IjXHwv
— Mimi Williams (@MimiProbably) September 24, 2020
jason kenney three months ago: racism is a problem, is systemic throughout canada's history and we need to fix it
jason kenney today: intersectionality is a kooky academic theory. and how could people in india drive a tesla when they're surrounded by cow dung begging for our oil— count jaspula🧛🏻♂️🎃 (@watrich) September 24, 2020
So Kenney called Intersectionality a “kooky academic theory” and then went on to spout racist conspiracy theories about COVID being the Fed govs fault for being too close to WHO and China? Yeah he knows who his base is, and he refuses to lose them.
— Austin 🇨🇦 (@LilBisonBoi) September 24, 2020
University of Calgary political science professor Melanee Thomas says Kenney’s comment toes a dangerous line into dismissing systemic racism and is “inexcusable.”
“It’s either gross ignorance on his part,...
