Transformative Essay: The Changes In Canadian Culture

As the 20th century comes to an end, Canada is a transcontinental nation whose interests and representatives span the face of the globe and extend into every sphere of human behaviour. However this was not always the case. When the four colonies of British North America united to create Canada on July 1, 1867, the new country's future was by no means secure. Canada was a small country, with unsettled borders, vast empty spaces, and a large powerful neighbour, the United States. Confronting these challenges was difficult for the young country. Though Canada was independent in domestic matters, Britain retained control over its foreign policy. Over the next fifty or so years, Canada's leaders and its

Many people across the globe argue that nationalism within Canada is simply not feasible. It is said that we as a people, differ so greatly with our diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds that we cannot come together and exist together as a strong, united nation. In his book, Lament for a Nation, George Grant tells the reader that “…as Canadians we attempted a ridiculous task in trying to build a conservative nation in the age of progress, on a continent we share with the most dynamic nation on earth. The current history is against us.” (1965) Originally directed towards the Bomarc Missile Crisis, the book argues that whatever nationalism Canada had was destroyed by globalization as well as the powerful American

As time goes on, some countries become more relevant in the global sphere while others start to fade away. Canada is a country that only becomes more relevant as time goes on. Since being granted full sovereignty, Canada has had a growing role as a major world player. Much of their international growth has to do with its close ties to the United States and the United Kingdom. However, the country has also undergone huge change and refocusing on a domestic level. With influence from both Europe and the United States, Canada has a very unique system of governing. This paper will focus on a few major areas of Canada. It will look into the history of Canada, the structure of its government, its politics, and many of the major issues it faces today.

Canada is internationally recognized as a culturally diverse nation that emphasizes the concept of “The Mosaic”. No other country in the world encompasses inhabitants from so many different backgrounds who exhibit strong loyalty towards Canada, while still preserving their cultural heritage. This is contrasted to the American ideal of the "Melting Pot", which attempts to shape all of their citizens into a set mold. Canada’s philosophy is believed to be more effective and respectful than that which is possessed by our American neighbours. The following will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, and analyze the impact of the structures on each country’s society.

Multiculturalism" is the existence of a culturally diversified society where people from different backgrounds and races come and live together. However an insight of this integrated society reveals that everyone seems to have a different opinion on the issue of how this diverse community should operate. One of the countries of North America called "the mosaic" is Canada. It has earned this distinct name because of the mix of races, cultures and ethnicities residing in it. Canada's geographical features and its harsh climate became a disadvantage to its population growth many years ago. Compared to its size, the population of Canada was not sufficient a few decades ago. However, when immigrants wandered about searching for a better

Although Canada and the United States share the same continent, they are divided by their unique ideas and views. After WWI ,Canada broke its ties with Britain and new independent nation was born with a unique culture. This new culture developed through the Canadian citizens. As a Canadian citizen, Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie helped achieve autonomy from Britain and solidify national unity at home. Canadian inventor ,Fredrick Banting ,maintained his culture as Canadian and contributed to the world through his invention of insulin. Many artists, authors, actors , actresses and athletes have played their part in Canadian culture. During the 1920s and 1930s, Canada asserted independence from Britain and the United States to develop

Canada’s identity comes in many shapes and forms. Multiculturalism has been adopted and is at the forefront of Canadian identity. Following the Second World War, Canada’s multiculturalism policies became more acceptable and even successful in, not only accepting, but inviting multiple ethnic cultures in. In contrast to other countries, multiculturalism adaptation works for the Canadian culture. Canadian policies on multiculturalism have shifted over the past few decades; policies are now implemented for integration, not discrimination.

Aboriginal-Canadians have an excessive history of mistreatment and discrimination in Canada. Europeans considered Canada’s First Nations as savages, eventually residential schools were created which in extreme cases were comparable to Prisoner of War camps. According to Evelyn Kallen, “Substandard housing breeding disease and death, closed schools due to lack of teachers, heat, and/or running water are only two examples of continuing, dehumanizing life conditions on many reserves” (198). Although, extensive improvements have been made to reservations and Aboriginal rights, more improvement remains necessary. Allan Blakeney stated, “An important starting point of course, is that Aboriginal people in Canada do not, as a group, occupy high

Today Canada and the United States are major trading partners, allies, and two neighboring countries with a long history of cooperation with each other. But is it possible for Canada to protect its independence and culture living next door to the country so powerful and rich as the United States. Since the Canadian confederation, Canada started developing relations with the U.S. As the years passed by, Canada began to relay on the United States in the national defense. Many Canadians think that the military, political and economical dependence would not make a difference to their daily life. But today more then even Canadian culture is affected by the American influence. Media, American artists,

most part, these forms of history are less biassed and they tell the story as it

Years 1939 to 1945 marked the beginning and end of World War II. Not only was Europe left broken and destroyed, this was also a time of change for North America. Specifically for Canada, World War II was not just battles and deaths, it was also a time period for growth. During World War II, Canada emerged as a stronger nation by events that illustrate growth. This can be seen through the following three examples: the changing role of women, the Hyde Park Declaration and the Battle of Ortona.

As Lester B. Pearson once said “Politics is the skilled use of blunt objects.” Politics may create disagreements and conflict between two countries, but it can also affect countries relations. When Canadian Prime Minister Diefenbaker refused to accept American warheads it has set back Canadian and American relations. However In many ways we still help each other out. Canada benefits from close ties to the United States of America because it helps our economy, forms our culture, and they provide military protection.

The world as humans know it is seldom at peace, and numerous parties worldwide attempt to settle these conflicts in attempts to achieve global unity. In the past, there have been multiple outbreaks of war, some examples being the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Afghanistan War. Canada plays a crucial role in aiding war-struck nations, in efforts to mediate conflicts and terminate war, ultimately achieving peace and concord.

To start with, China, which scores 80 on IDX, ranks higher than Canada by 41 points. This highlights the fact that the society views inequalities among people as a normal thing and the subordinate-superior relationship tends to be polarized which leaves no space for defense against power abuse. Rigid hierarchy with formal authority influence individuals, and they believe in the capacity to lead and control of their own leaders. It is a society in which people are expected to stay at exactly where they are placed. In contrast, Canadian culture believe that everyone should receive equal rights and be treated equally. Similar to countries that score low on this aspect, Canadians build their hierarchy for convenience. Managers are approachable, and are expected to consult and exchange information with their staff members as they work as a team. Straightforward exchange of information is also preferred. In terms of individualism (IDV), Canadian culture is considered as an individualist one in which people look after themselves and their immediate families. For that reason, self-reliance and initiatives are vital in the workforce. Hiring and promotion decisions are primarily based on one’s merit and competence. On the other hand, scoring very low on this dimension, it can be said that China is a highly collectivist culture where people focus on group interest rather than self-interest. Hiring and promotion decisions can be based on how close an individual is to the superior

History is a subject in which I have high interest in. I enjoy learning not only about the events that have shaped Canada, but also the rest of the world. Like many others, I have high interest in the project that you have recently mentioned in class, because I enjoy learning about war history. Not only is this an opportunity for me to discover more about a man who endured something I could never dream of, it is an opportunity for me to help others do research that could shed some light on his life.