Chris D'Souza

Books

New Book!

C.R.A.S.H. Course on Anti-Oppression- Examining Classism, Racism, Ableism, Sexism and Heterosexism. This brand new text released in May 2022, is a compilation of my life's work and is designed to increase one's meta-cognition around mechanisms of power, privilege and how oppression can impact those with potentially marginalizing identities. It can be read in a day and is divided into three parts: 1) C.R.A.S.H- which names the oppressions and includes key tenets and thought catalysts. 2). Unpacking the "B.S." in Bias which examines bias construction and de-construction and 3). Stories and events that caused me to become an equity and human rights strategist.The book is perfect for educators, managers, parents and anyone who wants to sharpen their equity lens. It can be used a core text for book study groups as well.

Chilli Burn Me Tongue

"Chilli Burn Me Tongue" takes a fun look at West Indian and East Indian food culture. Included are fun food facts that link the history of spicy food to equity and inclusion as well as environmental ethics.

Cadence eat the chilli, and the chilli burn her tongue..early next morning chilli burn her bum. (Its called the double-burner)

She run to the bathroom and she call her mom. Screaming, “Mommy, Mommy, Chilli burned me bum.” She wished someone had warned her.

Cadence in the bathroom screaming “Mom I’m done!.” But then she changed her mind because it still burned her bum. (Chilli nearly ruined her).

Why Are All The Taxi Drivers...?

"Why Are All The Taxi Drivers...?" examines commonly held sterotypes and is designed to be a conversation starter for parents/guardians and educators with children.

One day while Dakota was watching T.V., she suddenly jumped up and said: “Hey Mommy, why are all the taxi drivers brown?”

And her mother thought about the question and frowned. And she was about to reply... But Dakota interrupted her and said: “Why is it always a certain suspect that the person on the news is looking for? Mom, I’ve started noticing it more and more...” And her mother thought about the questions she couldn’t ignore. And she was about to reply... But Dakota interrupted her again and said: “Are people treated differently because of the colour of their skin, or whether they are tall or short or large or thin?”

Kicking the Elephant's Ankle

An allegory that critiques the impact of colonialism on Indigenous peoples globally

"Kicking the Elephant’s Ankle" is a children's storybook that examines bullying and processes to combat it. It is made up of an allegorical narrative that critiques colonialism (as a form of bullying) and its impact on indigenous people globally. It follows the relationship between "Euro" the elephant and "Adam" the ant and his colony (tribe) of ants.

Euro the elephant asked Adam and his tribe if he could graze on their land ‘cause the trees were real ripe. Adam said, “Sure thing, as long as you share the fruit. Just watch out where you step and be careful where you poop. But when Adam returned the next day to his mound he found that his anthill had been squashed to the ground. The imperial elephant kept all of the wealth, and had posted a sign claiming the trees to himself. Now Adam and his ancestors had forever toiled this land and they refused to be displaced, so they took a firm stand. They shouted and demanded that the elephant shift but the hegemonic beast did nothing but resist.

They could not understand why Euro would not share but the ants soon realized that it just did not care. They chewed on his ankle and they chomped on his toes but the behemoth kept on eating only stopping to doze. So Adam put the word out to the other colonies around and begged them to come help his tribe take back their mound. He texted and he emailed, he blogged and he tweeted, he was ADAM-ANT that his colony would not be defeated. They came from the west, and they marched from the east, North and South came together, to get rid off the beast. They crawled up the ankle and marched up his shin. In a matter of hours they had covered his skin. In a synchronized attack they all a bit him on cue, Using razor sharp teeth they began a unified chew. The elephant screamed and dropped to his knees he cried and he pleaded and admitted defeat.

The ants retreated humbly and returned to their homelands leaving Adam with Euro to work out a plan. The two of them negotiated a treaty that was fair in which the elephant and ants would get an equitable share. Euro would eat from the tree but would knock down some fruit and he would be careful where he stepped, and careful where he pooped. I wish I could say that the treaty was honored forever but history is proving that this could be a life long endeavor.

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