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MULTICULTURALISM AS A DISCOURSE OF DISGUISE: A POSSIBLE CANADIAN SOLUTION
France to the unknowing visitor is simply carved stone. Vimy Ridge becomes
a place — where thousands of Canadians died during WW1 - through the
knowledge, memories and the stories that each visitor brings to it.
Canada as a Place
We are now in the conceptual arena required for understanding the identity
of ‘self’ in relation to an ‘other’. ‘Self’ can be an individual culture. The ‘other’
is a concept of Canada, imposed and in possible opposition to many cultures.
The concept of Canada as a place is a synthesis arising from the dialectic
of the above oppositions. Canada is a place where the freedom to choose
activities, the safety to associate with others through shared interests, and a
rational maturity with respect for endless questions, ambiguities and possible
shared understanding, are provided. As a house, gradually through years of
events, becomes a home, so the place called Canada over time can become a
home as immigrants begin to take on new challenges and acquire the body
of knowledge that informs Canadian culture.” Yes, cultures bring different
meanings to the same event, but once those meanings are transfigured into
recognized knowledge, newcomers can access a better understanding of the
possible changes in their lives new meanings might offer. Canada as a unique
place enables a sense of belonging slowly, in conjunction with multiple other
cultures, and yet, each individual can develop their own idea of their new home.
The synthesis of place provides protection (the freedom to learn and adapt)
from the exploitations and dissent that multiculturalism can foster and
disguise. When locked into historical rooted identities, when ‘difference’ is
the only celebrated idea of Canadian culture, one is not encouraged to learn
about others, and the different meanings they bring to events. Without a
unifying idea, we remain a fragile collective with no identity.
No matter what costumes one wears (kilts or jeans, leather boots or tennis
shoes), or which beer one chooses, or who one prays to, Canada is a place where
asking questions and sharing answers can create bridges across differences.
All different cultures, both longstanding and recent arrivals, need to receive
and respect that message. Errors have been made with regard to cultures in
Canada, thus questions and discussion are needed. Immigrants need to be
encouraged to focus on the potential for adaptations and change. They need
not shelter their children from self-determining their own future or creating
new places for themselves.
7? See Witold Rybczynski, Home, A Short History of an Idea, New York, Penguin Books, 1987.
Home is an informative and engaging analysis of the transition from the concept of house or
dwelling to the idea of home.