The Trudeau Scandal, 1

 
 
 

Vocabulary

hastily	major (2)	controversy
gala	dress up	surround (2)
turban	yearbook	private (2)
robe	makeup	accusation
attend	press (2)	press conference
excuse	arrange	campaign
theme	costume	recognize
put on	threaten	disappointed
wish	apologize	progressive
admit	election	stance (2)
hit (2)	discover	pissed off
vote	scandal	intolerance
get to	incident	at odds with
refugee	support	minority (2)
focus	kind (2)	demonstrate (2)
forgive

 
 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

This morning, a major controversy in Canada, as accusations of racism surround its prime minister, Justin Trudeau. This photo newly discovered by Time Magazine, shows him in brownface nearly two decades ago.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada: “It was something that I didn’t think was racist at the time, but now I recognize it’s something racist to do.”

The picture from the 2000-2001 yearbook of a private school where Trudeau was a teacher shows the-then twenty-nine (29) year old wearing a turban, robe and dark makeup.

At a hastily arranged press conference, Trudeau made no excuses.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada: “I attended an end-of-year gala, where the theme was “Arabian Nights”. I dressed up in an Aladdin costume. And put makeup on.

I’m disappointed at myself. I’m pissed off at myself for having done it. I wish I hadn’t done it.

But I did it. And I apologize for it.”

Trudeau admitting it wasn’t the only incident.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada: “When I was in high school, I dressed up at a talent show, and I sang Deo. With makeup on.”

That song a hit by Harry Belafonte.

Now this scandal threatens his re-election campaign.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada: “Canadians once again get to vote for the kind of Canada they want to live in.”

The photo, at odds with his progressive stances on social issues, welcoming refugees and supporting minority groups during his nearly four years as prime minister.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada: “I’m going to be thinking about how much harder I’m going to continue to work to demonstrate to Canadians that I‘m focused on building a better world with less discrimination, less intolerance and less racism.

I’m going to be asking Canadians to forgive me for what I did.”
 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

 

Questions

1. In the report, Justin Trudeau had called African-Canadians “n _____”, and Middle-Eastern people terrorists. True or false? What had happened?

2. Has this erupted into a major scandal? Why had it become a scandal?

3. Justin defended his action. Is this right or wrong?

4. Was this a one-off incident involving Justin?

5. Is there a possibility the indicent might cost him the general election?

6. There is a paradox or hypocrisy surrounding the affair. Is this correct or incorrect?

7. Does Justin want Canadians to focus on his past, present or future?

 

A. What kind of person do you think Justin is? Is he a racist?

B. Should he step down as Prime Minister, or should he run for Prime Minister?

C. Have there been issues of politics and race?

D. What might happen in the future in politics?

E. What will happen in society