I just experienced humiliation and discrimination at the hands of the people of St Albert, the city of St Albert and the RCMP today. I brought my two kids to the St Albert splash park for the afternoon so that they could have fun at one of their favorite water spots. As a practicing photographer and as many parents do, I brought my camera to take pictures of my children having fun. An hour into my visit I was approached by one of the staff at the park in front of other families and asked if I was with a group or if I had kids at the park. I was informed that people had stated their concern for a male taking pictures of kids and I had to prove that I in fact had children there. I understand that our childrens safety is a priority but I was embarrassed that I was singled out and confronted in front of other people, like I was doing something wrong. I immediately felt sick to my stomach and wanted to leave, but I stayed so that my children could continue having fun with their friends. Never before had I felt like taking pictures of my kids was wrong. The staff member went back to the families and I can only guess explained to them that I had kids and was not of any harm to anyone elses. About half an hour later I noticed the RCMP pull up outside of the splash park gates. I knew that it was about me. I got up and started to gather my kids when the officer approached me, again in front of everyone. She had told me that there was a complaint that I was taking pictures of kids, asked to see my pictures (which I showed her) and took my information (and informed me that it would not be reported, just written down so that she had it). After once again proving that I had children and that I was taking pictures of MY children I had pointed out that this was discrimination, to which she denied. I pointed out that many other mothers had their cameras and phones out taking pictures of their kids and she nor the staff had approached any of them for the same thing. That because I am male I immediately have to prove myself and my intentions to the public and the police. My children and I went out to have a good time in the sun today and left embarrassed and stared at. My kids had to stand and watch their father be approached by the police simply because I am male. I dont know who these families were, but they should be ashamed of themselves.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 00:11:14 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015