PolyDommesgirl
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Joined: 6/17/2011
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Gungadin09
I want to mention, the following before I answer your questions.
Nearly 50% of our media stems from American sources, 50% of our trade is done with Americans and the last I heard 80% of the oil in Alberta Canada is exported to the USA.
The general populace of Canada knows an immense amount about the U.S.A.
I even know a few Canadians who recite the "American" Anthem, better than "God Save the Queen". At one point in my youth; be it very brief; I thought I was a US citizen.
I once heard an amusing comment from an American, “at certain times of the year, there are more Canadians in Florida, than there are Floridians.” He also said, he could always tell who the Canadian’s were. Although he cited many examples, the one that stood out in my mind was Canadians were the only ones willing to swim in the ocean from November to February.
Bo knows sports and Canadians know Americans.
The Discussion was not limited to Canadian Multiculturalism, but all countries that have a policy of Multiculturalism. And whether; as some else put it; it’s a failing experiment for those countries.
Multiculturalism was being compared to the Melting Pot Model, as seen in the USA, only because I don’t know another country with an immigration policy with the same nature. I suppose the Asian Countries could be called Melting Pots. I have been told by many people from Asia you are expected to assimilate into those cultures should you choose to immigrate.
It is commonly understood, Culture means, an integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behaviour that depends upon the capacity for symbolic thought and social learning, an the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization, or group
What do you perceive the difference to be between American and Canadian attitudes towards cultural assimilation? Because i'm not sure it really is a melting pot here.
It was described to me by a University instructor, a Melting Pot/Monoculture [SIMPLIFIED], is in essence a culture, from many different backgrounds, that expects all new members to conform to one Culture. A simple example. The national language of the USA is English, or as my friend from Texas says, American. Despite having a very large Spanish speaking population.
Multiculturalism [SIMPLIFIED] is in essence a culture, from many different backgrounds, that accommodates all the cultural backgrounds of its members. Furthermore laws, at least in Canada, have been enacted to help those New Members of Society perpetuate their previous culture.
Example:
Recently a 12yr boy brought a concealed 20 cm/8” knife to school. The teachers only became aware of the knife, after it fell on the floor. In Canada, the child’s right to carry this 20 cm/8” knife to school is defended because of religion. The boy is Sihk, and the knife is a Kirpan.
Many immigrant communities here remain relatively isolated from mainstream American society.
The USA has many cultures, but is not "Multicultural", at least as defined by Canadians and the U.K..
From my view, this is the melting pot/Monoculture side effect. Immigrants choose to either assimilate into American culture, or they don’t.
Those who don’t, create “a pocket of culture outside American contemporary culture. An example of this is the Mennonites, the Quakers, and people who are First Nations, a.k.a. native Americans, who have chosen not to apart of American Culture. Can you tell me if there are there Federal or State laws to protect ALL those peoples?
In Canada, (except for Quebec) New Canadians are encouraged to work in their native dress, speaking their native language, and listening to their native music, in all regions Urban, Suburbs and Rural. In Urban areas we have Media Broadcasters for Non English or French speaking people, and in smaller community, our national broadcaster offers Non English or French speaking programing.
You really think that immigrants to the U.S. are that much different than immigrants to Canada?
For the most part yes. The key factor is their needs and their wants.
Internationally, the USA is stilled looked at as the “Wild West“. A “dog eat dog” kind of environment. Every day we hear how the Americans are proud of their right to bear arms. Furthermore how they will fight to the death to keep it that way. (Likely a Rural stance more that a Urban Stance).
Militarily the USA is seen as the international Police.
American’s pride themselves on innovation and improvement, whether necessary or not.
American politics is also very polarized and from my view, and based on God and Christian Values.
Internationally, Canada is seen as the non-violent and quiet people with free health care. We are frugal, resourceful, negotiators, and communicators due mostly in part to our rural environments.
Our pride lies in our international aid, our peace keeping efforts.
Militarily Canada is seen as the peace keepers and liberators.
We are also proud of hockey, our coffee, our beer, and our BC Bud. (Although that could me and a select few others).
Canadian politics is based on 3 different views of socialism and in the last 40 years less and less based on Christianity.
If you are an immigrant from a 2nd or 3rd world country, you are going to look are these “propaganda s” and evaluate which you resonate best with.
Like buying a new home, immigration to a new country is a big step for many, and not taken very lightly.
I have asked many Canadian neophytes, “Why Canada, it is so cold here.” The common answer was, “a better life, then all other available options.” Of course, that is their opinion.
i disagree. i think there is a security blanket.
Yes the U.S.A., does have social securities. But the U.S.A. heavily influenced by capitalism, corporations and the bottom line. Having said that, what the USA calls social securities, are not to the same scale or caliber as Canada or many other 1st world, or G8 countries.
If you have any more questions, I am open to answering them.
Thank you for being apart of this string.
< Message edited by PolyDommesgirl -- 11/29/2011 10:33:33 AM >
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RE: Multiculturalism, Melting Pot, or Hybrid - 
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