Focal Point

Didi, where are all the brown people?

15 July 2010, 5.19pm, Brookfield Place (formerly BCE), Toronto, Ontario

It was a valid question a few years ago, asked twice in two years by my cousins while visiting my workplace on Take Your Kids to Work Day for Grade 9 students in Ontario. The original question was whispered at my desk along the lines of: "Yo, Aman, where are all the brown people?" Sorry, kiddo, we're not at your GTA high school anymore. Welcome to the professional world where, unlike some GTA high schools, visible ethnic diversity just hasn't caught up yet.

It depends, of course, on the industry you're in and the role that you're playing. Some industries are thought to be more diverse than others; some firms are the exception to the rule. I used to be an in-house editor for a few companies in the Canadian publishing industry. Though I was living and working in multicultural Toronto, at times during editorial meetings, company dinners, and industry events, I would be the only ethnic person in the room.

When I switched over to the financial industry, I thought the guest list would be more diverse. Not exactly. Once on Bay St, while I could see plenty of brown faces passing through crowds along the concourses and food courts, at first look I couldn't see many ethnic faces in any leading visible roles within the firms. Nor were my fellow desi faces in the hallways at work always friendly. (Why, people, why? Smile and say hello, it's not like I know any of your dirty secrets.)

Three years later I have since met, of different ethnic backgrounds, some rising stars and established professionals who stand as role models. Last summer, I lunched with a senior bank executive, who also happens to be a smart, strong Sikh woman. Her advice: "Don't leave Bay St." I now understand what she meant. When I look around, I see the view is slowly changing. I take comfort in noting that I'm no longer the only ethnic person in the room. Or the only brown person in the room. Or the only woman in the room. All of which is awesome.

Yum yum in d'tum tum

30 July 2010, 2.42pm, Charlotte Street, Nassau, Bahamas

Heading down a random side street, away from the honking madness of the market on Bay Street in Nassau, I walked past this place, then turned around and came back to confirm the window at which I had casually glanced actually said "Euro Tandoor". Tandoor? Indian? Really? Here? Yay!

Peering in through the open door, I could see the menu board that proclaimed today's special: "Palak Chicken - Yum Yum in d'Tum Tum". Samosas and Ice Cold Local Beer rounded out the menu. Alas, my friends had already turned the corner towards the pier and back to our cruise ship so I had to rush to catch up and not get left behind (always a possibility with me). This is my sad excuse for not staying and sampling the samosas.(That and my super-sensitive stomach.)

This isn't supposed to be a food blog but has anyone seen/been/tried this place? If so, I'd love to know your thoughts on it.

Hockey? Meh.

24 July 2010, 2.30pm, mock Leafs' dressing room trailer, CNE Grounds, Toronto

Once upon a time, Sandeep was a good Canadian girl who loved hockey, the Leafs and Sundin. Then she woke up one day and just didn't care about any of it. So, what's up with this picture? Nostalgia for what used to be, along with a healthy affirmation that she still no longer cares about hockey.

Sandeep does admit to feeling the peer pressure at times to watch the games and cheer for the teams, but she sticks by what she feels, or rather, no longer feels. More importantly, Sandeep knows that such disinterest in the national sport doesn't make her any less of a good Canadian girl. Amen to that sister!