Multiculturalism in Canada
Raymond Williams once termed culture as "one of the most complicated words to define in the English language". It has had a long and complex history of definition, leading to the present confusion of its true meaning among people. The term culture was first linked with cultivation, i.e. crops and animals. It was also associated to the science of biology where it refers "to physical growth of development" (Gruneau, 14). In the 18th century, culture was defined as "a context...through which people might be educated to realize their human or divinely inspired capacities" (Gruneau, 14). However, western societies needed a better interpretation to encompass their understanding of themselves. Thus culture became "a set of ideas, values, beliefs, processes, cultural forms, institutions that comprise a society's way of life (notes). Culture now enveloped an anthropological perspective while maintaining critical aspects of past references. This built a foundation for characterizing Canadian culture. After the Meech Lake debate of the 1980s, Canadians desired a national culture that reflected their place in Canada. Many believed a constitutional agreement would create the establishing pillar in applying national features that were
In the mid1960s, French English relations were weakening in Canada. French Canadians were tired of having their customs excluded from the overall concept of Canadian culture, despite their contributions of being one of the country' founding races (Buchignani, 39). They were restless for a change. The government designated a Royal Commission to investigate these problems and find some solutions. In 1969, the Bicultural and Bilingualism Law was established, ensuring "an equal partnership between the two founding races [french and english races]" (Webber, 63). However, in recognizing these two sets of people, the Commission had completely overlooked all other races in Canada. They made a mere passing reference to "the contribution made by the other ethnic groups to...Canada" (Webber, 64) thus quieting their voice in Canadian issues. Ethnic spokespeople across the country were incensed by this comment and voiced regular complaints with the Commission. The Commission had now created the concrete existence of a hierarchal pyramid to which ethnic groups stood at the very bottom. These groups wanted to belong to Canadian society but still retain their values and beliefs (Webber, 64); they now feared the choices of forced assimilation or severe discrimination. Nevertheless, many hockey fans believe that the game's natural essence has been stripped away by American domination. In trying to pursue the Yankee dollar, hockey gave up its 'Canadianness' (Gruneau, 26). The professional depiction of hockey is now a nostalgic reminder of 'the way we were'. Moreover, in an increasingly multicultural Canada, there is fear of hockey losing its "automatic cultural allegiance" (Gruneau, 2). Still, one can say that these same reasons reinforce the nostalgia that keeps hockey's status as an eternal Canadian symbol. It's "one of the few institutions along with...our public health care...and the CBC that we still imagine to be 'truly Canadian'" (Gruneau, 277). Hockey will forever secure a historically powerful imprint on the hearts and memories of many Canadians. Culture has never been affiliated with sports, especially hockey. Hockey has been viewed as "a game whose sheer physicality and potential for seemingly random violence" (Gruneau, 12) is in direct conflict with culture's intellectual belief that strives for the cultivation of "the finer things in life." Culture is seen as serious art, no
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1619
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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