Canadians for decades have read various media stories stating the “Pro and Con” on immigration, in particular multiculturalism. Canadians’ all have difference of opinion on this hotbed issue.
Is it unfair to paint all cultures with the same bad brush, based on the examples of a few?
To understand this story, one has to understand the past. The past in which many on the liberal left feel being Canadian, in many cases being Whitey according to the liberal left is a cancer and what many say is a crime against nature.
The recent Canadian media article this December 28, 2009 offers points of view on immigrants, multiculturalism, its Pro and Con, as well what it means to the Canadian economy.
Canada must learn from other countries mistakes when it comes to accepting immigrants in order avoid the trials and tribulations these countries are currently undergoing.
Many will think racism, but in the words of British Columbia’s previous Lieutenant Governor David Lam “ When a Canadian is concerned about his own way of living, this concern is not racism!”
These words quoted by a proud loyal Canadian of Asian descent immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1967 and made Canada his home for himself, his wife and children.
Perhaps some examples in which immigrants and cultural groups used Canada’s Charter of Rights to their own means created a firestorm of controversy, much like the featured media article today “The Decade when the face of Canada changed.”
On the subject of loyalty, it was a scant two years ago Charles Roach enraged the sensibilities of Canadians when he refused to take the "Oath of Allegiance" and to add insult to injury launched a class-action lawsuit against taking an oath to an "offshore queen," and went public with a tirade of insults against Canada and Canadians, in addition to arguing that the mandatory oath is a violation of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms' provision of freedom of conscience.
Mr. Charles Roach a non-Canadian, but long time permanent resident of Canada is a citizen of Trinidad.
CKNW 98 " Radio personality “Adler Online" interviewed Charles Roach, who compared loyalty to the off shore Queen is similar to Canadians giving a loyalty oath to a descendant of Hitler and then implied immigrants to Canada have to change our western society values and culture and adopt aspects of the worlds immigrant culture and values.
This is Mr. Roach's spin on what multiculturalism is all about. During this interview Mr. Adler (who could not get a word edge wise and sounding visibly upset) finally had enough, stating Mr. Roach, "Man to Man" and repeating to Mr. Roach many times, Sir, Sir, SIR, I am really, really trying to contain myself here...... finally Mr. Adler ended the interview with no solution in sight.
Canadians across the nation listening to the show called in and were furious at Mr. Roach, telling him to go back to Trinidad. Canadian’s demanded change!
Another example was the April 2007 Sikh festival which featured Terrorist organizations banned in Canada and well attended by Canadian politicians of every political stripe.
Certainly when it comes to the ethnic vote, this speaks volumes of how “Unclear of the concept” some Canadians are, especially politicians, who only see potential votes, with little understanding who they are dealing with.
The downside were Sikhs who had nothing to do with the terrorist aspect (By a few who spoiled it for the rest of the festival participants) of this festival were all branded with the same brush, when all they were doing is celebrating a wonderful cultural holiday, much like Saint Patrick’s, Chinese New Year’s, Jean Baptiste, Canada Day etc.
Does one remember the Christmas greeting fiasco, with Christmas trees banned from public buildings in Ontario so as not to offend other cultures? One culture who spoke out against this insane ruling by a lefty judge were Toronto Muslims, who thought this judge was a moron, many agreed.
The media correctly pointed out the terrorist link to the Air India Bombing at this festival, asked Politicians did they notice this obvious link? To be fair the media should have mentioned that not all in attendance were celebrating terrorism, they were just ordinary Canadians having a good time, good food and a festive party atmosphere.
Does anyone remember the worldwide slurs of racism and slings and arrows thrown by the media, cultural groups and the public aimed at a small Quebec village called Herouxville?
Andre Drouin, Town Councilor, on behalf of it’s townspeople drafted a Town Charter which stated: All immigrants are welcome to live as valued citizens to Herouxville, with the caveat that immigrants must not try and change Herouxville's 200-year old established Judeo-Christian way of life and adapt to the town laws and moral codes drafted by the ingrained in the Herouxville charter.
The media, public, and politicians went ballistic on Herouxville calling them racist. Yet the Town Charter (In French) clearly stated all are welcome regardless to race. Needless to say the villager’s were quite distressed at these charges of racism. Many countries citizens from around the world agreed with the citizen’s of Herouxville, including some media.
With the spate of honour killings in Canada, Sharia Law being considered in Ontario following a Toronto Imam stating on National TV on the Michael Coren show that it is okay for Muslims to behead women in Canada for adultery and stated that all of Canada should embrace these values of Islam under Sharia Law made many villages wake up, Herouxville was the only village to speak up and thus were vilified by the liberal left, in particular politicians, resulting in the Bouchard Taylor Commission on reasonable accommodation for cultural groups.
Media reports of abuses of women culturally and non culturally in Canada may have unfairly painted all Muslims with the same radical Islamic brush. Herouxville citizens (who are mostly simple rural folk) Town Charter was directed at those whose traditions, including barbaric traditions against humanity made many decide they wanted no part of these cultures. The other issue was cultures not wishing to be part of Canada, but still live in this country and insist Canada adapt to their customs and beliefs in everyday life.
Many Canadian’s today it seems have reflected on these past and present incidences and feel they would like all immigrants to adapt to the Canadian way of life. Certainly a validation in part for Herouxville in 2009, as the federal government listened and Immigration Canada outlined new rules for all immigrants.
The saying goes "When in Rome", live as Roman, contribute to Rome, be a cherished and valued member of Rome, keep your culture, but respect our culture as well as you are now considered a Roman citizen, regardless of your race or belief.
Canada may be a melting pot, but Canadian’s do not have a caste system, all are equal. Religious differences are not an issue with most Canadians. If a Canadian of any race were to dress in identical clothing and were to line up, many Canadian’s could not tell if the person were Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, Gay, beliefs, culture, straight, vegan, carnivores, NDP, Liberal or Conservative. So does this matter? Not in the least for most of us! But there are cultures who pick and choose who they associate, thus making an opinion in advance.
Ask a Canadian who has been in this country for a generation and ask them when making friends, do they judge them on their religious or cultural beliefs? The answer most likely will be NO! How many of us know the religious affiliation ethnicity or other intimate details of our friends? How many of us care? Certain cultures do care and abide by their culture or religion when it comes to making friendships or dating.
Many immigrants were once attracted to this country we call Canada, either for freedom of persecution by your former country, either their oppressive laws or for economic opportunity for a better life for you or your children. Canada must be doing something right, why change it?. Canada does not force anyone to immigrate here, immigrants come here of their own free will.
So it is not to much to ask “When in Rome”……………. respect our rights, become a loyal and productive citizen of Canada, as Canadians will respect your rights as a Canadian.
National Post Columnist Diane Francis on Immigration and the Inconvienent Truth.
Related link on Dr. Elmasry
http://ensign.ftlcomm.com/editorials/LTE/repo/repo002/elmasry.html
Comments
When Western countries were guilt tripped by the Liberals over our booming economy, we transferred some of the manufacturing to assist many developing countries such as china, now we in the USA are paying for that mistake. China and other countries now produce everything we buy,while we exist pay check to pay check and are reduced to shopping at asian entities like walmart, because that is all we can afford. Wake up America, were getting screwed.
Excellent understanding of the importance of respect for the host culture. Bravo, Barry.
Another great thought provoking article. All of us, except aboriginals, emigrated to Canada at one point or other. Being a second generation myself, I can guarantee that there was no PC when my parents came to Canada. They worked hard, celebrated their culture with their closest friends, but also learned all they could about Canada.
Official multiculturilism has created bastions around the country. It created hyphenated Canadians instead of Canadians. Politicians want the ethnic vote and therefore are willing to give away the store to get it.
The fact that someone can go to court to challenge our Oath of Allegiance should be troublesome to all Canadians, not just Mr. Roach. It's the traditions that make this country not a foreign Monarch.
What would Parliament look like in the summer without the changing of the Guard, the ceremonial guard at Rideau Hall for the Governor General, who by the way is born in Haiti,crew up in Qebec and is the essence of what a Canadian can
Those who break our laws, avoid swearing allegiance,do not embrace our culture should be deported, after all why did they come here in the first place? There are many who hide behind our Charter of rights,whether religious or otherwise for their own selfish purpose. Mark Steyn tried to expose them for what they are, was sued and hounded by them for telling the truth. This is Canada! Love it or leave it. Plain and simple.
Thanks for the story Barry! You say many things that need to be said and that are indeed being said, nowadays, in reaction to this modern day plague known as PC.
I can't speak for Canada, however Americans are now at the point where they're sick and tired of being called racists, xenophobes, NAZI, etc. simply because they defend their culture and traditions and dare to question the proponents of multiculturalism.
Terms such as multiculturalism and diversity are nothing more than euphemisms which the PC crowd use to mask its true intent of tearing down Western culture and building, in its place, a new world. The words racist and xenophobe are simply weapons in the PC crowd's arsenal.
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