The Editor,
Surrey has social problems and challenges like any growing metropolis. It has been the butt of jokes for decades. Time for that to change!
Surrey is soon to be the largest city in B.C. and one of the best places in Canada to invest. It is interesting that people tarnish all of Surrey due to some of the social problems found largely in Whalley and perhaps Newton.
People do not tarnish all of Vancouver due to some of the social problems found in the Downtown Eastside. There is no comparison between what is happening in Whalley and what is happening in the Downtown Eastside and yet this societal discrimination exists against the people of Surrey by uninformed locals.
As far as I am concerned, clean up your own house and your own city before bashing others. Have we forgotten that the Downtown Eastside is home to the poorest postal code in the entire country, despite being located next to some of the richest?
Some of the comments about Surrey in the news media and social media border on "geographic hate speech." There is even an official Facebook page designed to do nothing but make fun of and bash Surrey and the people of Surrey. This crosses a line because the people of an entire city are impacted unfairly.
Many people in Surrey are hardworking families and just trying to get by. The last thing these families and their children need is your social stigma thrown at them.
If Surrey was so bad, there would not be over 1,000 new residents moving to Surrey every month and Surrey would not be one of the fastest growing and developing cities in the country. Just walk around the new Surrey City Centre and you will feel the pulse of an exuberant city in transition.
With that being said, why do Surrey bashers even exist? Do they feel more important and superior when they put down the people of an entire city? Whatever the reason, I feel Surrey bashers risk having their negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors towards Surrey adversely impact their life energy, vibe and karma.Have you ever met a basher of any type that you liked? The only people they impress are themselves.
Alex Sangha, Surrey