Alice Munro’s Betrayal: A Shocking Example of Bystanderism That North Huron Refuses To Condemn #EndTheAbuse

(Wingham, ON) The issue of bystanderism is not just a matter of moral failure; it is a grave dereliction of our collective duty to protect the vulnerable and uphold the values of freedom and democracy. North Huron’s inaction in the face of such a clear moral imperative is nothing short of cowardice, and it is destroying lives.

Alice Munro’s failure to protect and support her child from a pedophile, despite being fully aware of the abuse, is a shocking betrayal. By standing by and doing nothing, she abandoned her most fundamental duty as a parent and a human being. This inaction is a clear example of how bystanders make people feel alone, unprotected, and unloved. 

If we cannot stand up to protect our children, then what good are we? What kind of society allows a Nobel Prize winner to be honored when they have failed so egregiously in their most basic human responsibility? North Huron should have immediately obscured or removed Alice Munro’s name from any place of honor. By failing to do so, the Corporation of North Huron tacitly supports pedophilia and sends a message that such behavior is acceptable.

The removal of all references to Alice Munro from North Huron’s property must happen immediately. If there must be plaques and markers, let them be placed at the town hall, where the world can see that North Huron agrees this behavior, rather than at the edge of town, giving the impression that Wingham supports it in any way, shape, or form.

Replacing all mentions of Alice Munro with signs or plaques that read “Don’t Be a Bystander” is a step in the right direction. Schools, in particular, need to take a firm stand against bystanderism. No child should have to walk into a school—a place that should be a sanctuary—and be confronted with posters and books by Munro, a person who failed to protect and support her own child. This is not only a betrayal of the children but a clear signal that bystanderism is tolerated.

Schools should spearhead an anti-bystander campaign, making it clear that they do not honor those who refuse to help a child in need. The message must be unequivocal: we stand up for our children, and we do not tolerate those who fail to protect them.

North Huron, it is time to act. Take a stand against bystanderism, and show that you are committed to protecting our children, preserving our freedoms, and upholding the principles of democracy. Your inaction is a stain on our community and a betrayal of our values. It is time to make amends and take decisive action.

The next council meeting is Monday 6pm at the old Public School.