Two new TTC ads are being criticized by some Torontonians, one for perpetuating stereotypes and the other for being pointless.
Earlier this week, a transit rider shared a photo on X of a sign aimed at ending Anti-East Asian racism. The ad reads, “Downing a bubble tea, but won’t shut down the hate? Let’s end Anti-East Asian racism,” and attached is an illustration of bubble tea.
This poster has garnered many mixed reactions from online users, with some who are looking for the person responsible for this campaign.
“No Asians were consulted in the making of this ad,” one user said.
“This whole thing is crazy but taking a popular term and going out of their way to exclude other Asians is the craziest part,” another user commented.
Meanwhile, another TTC sign is also receiving some scrutiny from riders.
Posted on the Weird Toronto Facebook group, the sign reads, “The Silent Commute. It’s a TTC thing. By wearing headphones and talking quietly to other customers, you’re making the TTC better for everyone.”
Some people are saying there are other more pressing issues to shed light on rather than noise.
“Why introduce phone service underground only to start a campaign against noise,” one user pointed out.
“Worried about noise on the TTC but not about suicides, panhandling or stabbings,” another user said.
However, some users also supported the idea.
“Bravo! This sign should exist in every public space!” one user said.
“This just means that we need to be more civil and tone down our big outside voices! What a fabulous idea! There is too much street noise everywhere,” another user commented.
In a statement to Blog TO, the TTC confirms that the silent commute sign is directed towards disruptive riders, such as those who play their music out loud and talk on speaker phone.
