Pluralism

What is pluralism?

A pluralistic society is where members of different groups are encouraged to maintain their independent cultural traditions and differences are valued and protected. It discourages homogenization of people, which is when one culture dominates over the others. Which leads to the marginalization of smaller cultures. Marginalization is when a culture is treated as insignificant, and unimportant. This form of society emphasizes the need for social unity and cohesion by promoting the importance of diversity and respect for differences.

Pluralism in Canada

Canada today is significantly different, in terms of the ethnic races living in the countries, in comparison to 50 years ago. The country has shifted from primarily English and French to a mosaic of the world's people and aboriginal peoples are being recognized. This big shift is primarily caused by the influxes of immigrants accept into the country. 5,448,485 foreign born permanent residents were living in Canada, according to the 2001 census. This figure represents about 18.4% of the total population in Canada in 2001. 229, 091 immigrants and refugees entered Canada to become permanent residents. Between 220,00 and 245,000 new permanent residents per year are the target set by Canadian government. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms promotes a pluralistic society by having laws that are fundamentally built on the following:

Commitments to differences being respected and fostering inclusiveness
Shared values being understood and appreciated
Democratic principles and process being respected

The overall goal of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is to provide a sense of social cohesion by creating a sense of connectedness in our diverse yet inclusive society.

Pluralism: The Pro's

Pluralism allows for the diversity of perspectives and experiences to be honoured
Differences between individuals/groups are valued and protected
Emphasizes importance of diversity
Prevents marginalization of peoples
Creates a sense of connectedness
Promotes social cohesion

Pluralism: The Con's

Threatens to divide the Canadian culture since individuals are separated into different independent cultures. Each with difference traditions, and more.
Possibility of alienation occurring between the independent cultures. The could occur due to the overexposing of each culture. Which can creates friction between these groups
Possibility of favouritism of specific cultural groups over others by the government and authorities

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Visual Rep of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism

Note: Comedian isn't meant to be there, instead the word should have been Canadian This image is my visual representation of Canada's multiculturalism and bilingualism. I will highlight on a few terms that I've selected to add to my visual. Canada's multiculturalism is represented by the words recognition, acknowledgement, aboriginal, diversity, treaties, and cultural mosaic. Multiculturalism is known as a the presences of many different cultural or ethnic groups in a nation. With that, Canada is often referred to as a cultural mosaic, being composed with so many different cultural and ethnic groups. Efforts to acknowledge the importance of respecting diversity in Canada are often made. For example, with the Meech Lake accords aimed to recognize Quebec as a "distinct society". Another example would be the land claim agreements between the Aboriginal peoples and the Canadian government. It allows for the Canadian government to acknowledge the Abo

Influential Canadians: Terry Fox

What has he done that contributes to a national identity in Canada? Terry Fox Terry Fox was a cancer research activist, and used his voice to raise awareness of cancer. When he was experiencing months of chemotherapy he saw the pain and suffering others who had been diagnosed with cancer was going through. This became a driving force in Fox's mission to help. Dick Traum, an amputee that ran the New York City Marathon, had inspired Fox with an idea. What if he would run across Canada on his own feet, to raise awareness and funds for cancer research? In April 1980, Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope initiated. More than 5,000 km were logged on his training runs. He also gained the support of a multitude of companies and organizations: the Canadian Cancer Society, War Amputations of Canada, Ford Motor Company, Imperial Oil, and Adidas. On average, Fox was set on running about 42 km per day. Terry Fox contributes to a national identity in Canada because his actions are what

Promoting an Alternate Canadian Identity: Louis Riel

What were his motives and goals behind creating a national identity for Canada? Louis Riel Canada, Britain, and the U.S were attacking the Hudson’s Bay Company rule in the 1850’s. The HBC decided it would be best to surrender its monopoly, which included Rupert’s Land, the North West, the Red River settlement. This led to the migration of Protestant settlers from the East to move into the primary. They created tension and fear in the Roman Catholic Metis through their aggressive methods. Metis felt that preservation of their religion, land rights, and culture was threatened, as the British and Canadian government didn’t care about the Metis. This mentality of viewing the Metis as insignificant is seen because the negotiations of the Metis land and home were made as if no population existed there. This treatment served as a major motivation. Louis Riel’s main goals: Prevent the mapping out of Metis territory as part of the Canadian colony Preserve the Metis’ lan

National Identity in Canada

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