Downtown Toronto: Some Truths
I worked in downtown Toronto for 2 years as an immigrant.
Here are some unsolicited incidents that happened to me:
- Racial slurs on the subway – just for being Asian.
- Middle fingers. Random shouting: “Get the f*** outta here.”
- Fake smiles at work when I spoke with an accent.
- A woman once told me to lower my headphones volume on a noisy streetcar. She did not speak kindly. It was as if I didn’t belong.
(I asked if she had sunscreen on, provoked her – her legs looked like they’d burn.)
There’s more. Worse. But for now, I’ll just say this:
If you’re a newcomer, an immigrant, someone trying to stand your ground in a new place –
I see you.
You don’t owe them proof.
Just keep learning. Keep growing. Every single day.
Even when no one claps.
That quiet strength? That’s power. 💪
👉 Try it
Write down one thing you got better at this month. Nobody clapped. You still did it.
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