Good Example Of On Being Canadian: Canadian Nationalism: Case Study Review On Culture Research Paper

Not surprisingly influential, the robust and richly influential nation of Canada has offered many qualities of which other member-countries of the world may envy. While it is true, Canada has annotated the globe’s perception of her as the embodiment of a world-class healthcare system, Canadian culture extends much further and impressively so. For one, Canadians realize that language matters. According to one source the originating root of the word ‘Canada’ derives from the Iroquois word “kanata,” meaning village (“Canada Culture Name”). Scores of people would agree that is there is such a thing as a model nation, Canada would gloriously top the list. This research paper examines several aspects, as follows. Firstly, a definition of what a Canadian signifies covers the scope of social, political, cultural, and values aesthetics. Second, the investigation takes the reader on a journey of Canadian historical influences, covering the English/French dichotomy and brief commentary on two additional major events that had an impact on shaping Canadian identity, policy, and culture. Next, the discussion identifies two challenges. And the last section peruses Canadian influence upon the world stage today.

Definition of Canadian

National identity is at once subjective, from outside perspectives, and objective from an insider’s viewpoint. However, factual approaches clarify a cogent analysis. Every nation has social standards. Canadian social customs has set the bar quite high for peace-keeping, politeness, respectfulness towards other people of differing cultures, and for these reasons “many Canadians feel that its values are what make Canada an attractive place to live” (“What are Canadian Values?”). The political demeanor and policy-shaping has proven that the Canadian government has based its laws on “democratic values,” which coupled with the vast geophysical landscape and comparatively small populace makes its federal approach quite unique (“What are Canadian Values?”). It is no secret that culturally, most of the inhabitants speak English and French, given the fact that her English heritage stimulated from “the ambitions and idealism of the educated young,” and an understanding of what it might mean to the nation if it were absorbed by the United States in the mid-1800s (“History since Confederation”). Embedded in Canadian culture lays a propensity for equality for human rights and voices to speak their mind, honoring traditions of all Canadians (in-born or immigrants), and a basic enjoyment of freedoms coupled with non-violence. These values have extended to police conduct of law/order, as well as to the court system. But, what are some historical influences that allowed Canadian nationalism to evolve thus?

Historical Influences

The English/French dichotomy has been a curiosity to outsiders. Canadians take this scheme in its society very seriously. The core of this historical dichotomy stems from the “Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759” when the colony of Quebec would have none of it, as British victors in the realm tried to impose language regulations on them (“What New Canadians Can Tell”). French thereby grew even more vigorously, and has remained to this day in public and private life-circumstances as well. As history moved forward, the late 1960s witnessed the law known as the ‘Official Languages Act’ which set a precedence – politically – for giving both languages equal status. For example, on Canadian government websites and written documents French and English are portrayed. Obviously, these historical factors have played a strong role in Canada today, as both languages share a part in shaping Canadian identity.
Also, apart from the Official Languages Act of 1969 having a deeply abiding effect on the Canadian culture, a major historical event which most outsiders (or even some insiders of Canadian citizenship) may be unaware. A series of designed forums held according to region, “between 2007 and 2012” stipulated a 30-50 person participant base in a discussion on ethno-cultural groups in Canada and the conversation on whether English-speaking Canadians could or would be willing to learn French (“What New Canadians Can Tell”). This critical recently historical detail chronicles a meeting of the minds of leaders who put both negative, and positive aspects of the English/French dichotomy in an open discourse. The positive aspects as a result showed that overall, there was a deeply entrenched appreciation for being Canadian, and embracing her identity as nationals, according to the same report. The negative aspects of these forums’ outcomes influenced who Canadians are today by advocating that “Bilingualism and multiculturalism were praised as valuable and complementary civic ideals” (“What New Canadians Can Tell”). In other words, at the end of the day, the dual-language reality in Canada is a strength, not a weakness, especially when you really think about the socio-economic globalization of the world today.
It is interesting to note, that the so-called ‘negative’ aspects resulting from this series of conferences were not antagonistically treacherous. The disagreements of “negative feedback” arose when the discussion took a turn in trying to solve the “problem of implementation,” or how to smooth over the process from theory towards a fruitful reality. See how it works? Nevertheless, communication supremely reigns as a key factor in getting things done in terms of policy and politics, as well as explaining how events have shaped who Canadians are today. What rang out loud and clear, was a widespread endorsement and understanding that Canada, indeed, is a bilingual nation. Yet, no nation is perfect, and having said that what are some Canadian challenges which this lovely country must face nowadays?

Canadian Challenges

Beyond the linguistic affiliation of Canadians, whether English or French, it situates on the planet like every other nation, and the electronic digitalization modes of communication and exchange of commercial goods has affected us all. At this juncture, it is important to acknowledge Canada’s three main symbols of her culture: (a) the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, (b) Hockey, and (c) the beaver. Symbols of a love for sports, law enforcement nobility, and industriousness one must also remember that Canada has a multiplicity of ethnic and cultural groups, in addition to the “French-English sides of the Canadian coin” (“Canada Culture Name”). The first challenge is that Canada continues to grow with a peaceful understanding of its development of accepting the bilingual designation. Mostly common knowledge, the French region of Quebec has desired to break away from Canada altogether and form its own separate government (“Why Quebec’s New Government Wants to leave”). According to Blackstone, in one news report, “Quebec’s 8 million strong” see things differently and feel their culture is distinctive from English-speaking ones (“Why Quebec’s New Government wants to leave”). Despite the passionate plea of many residing in Quebec, its departure would place a strain (if not a hardship) economically on the already established economic and strategic reliance on Canada’s federal government. Also, the article mentioned the national debt crisis in Canada which seems to have hit most countries with the global recession, makes the move unlikely in the near future.
The second challenge Canada faces is how to deal with possible terrorists trying to hide out in the country, or how to deal with electronic security in all its forms. This is common sense. For example, although it is true that the electronically communications has made life quicker and easier in most cases, it has also presented myriad problems. Medical records stored electronically presents crucial concerns for both Canada and the United States. Also, identity theft has been a serious concern, as well as national peace/safety concerns particularly since the 9/11 event in the United States.

Canadian Influence & Conclusion

The Canadian influence, as a truly Western yet peace-loving nation, has made it a jewel among the earth’s countries. No one will deny that Canada and Canadians themselves are quite highly respected and admired by individual people and governments alike. Canada has certainly represented a model of healthcare coverage style, especially to the United States, which in contrast has experienced a big mess in its national medical system. Whether the popularization of winter sports endears people to the Canadians, a warm fondness for maple syrup, or admiration for the common sensibility to wisely pursue peace in the world – matters little. Any combination or single feature of the above has undoubted secured the highest regard of the Canadian culture among everyone of sound mind on the planet.
One fabulous stamp of Canadian culture which has greatly influenced the world, comes from her expertise and amazing sense of architectural use of space and urbanism design. According to one report, “space has symbolic importance for Canadian culture,” but also tensions have arisen when city hubs were constructed haphazardly (“Canada Culture Name”). For example, since Canadian cities’ spaces tend to be privatized there are no “large communal spaces in which social interactions occur” states the same aforementioned article. Thus, restaurants, personal homes, or other public commercial venues serve as spots wherein folks can mingle and socially connect with one another. Movements and services drive Canadian urban space network designs, which much of the time limits or impedes foot traffic – such as one might encounter in a district for walking by shops and casually enjoying a cup of coffee. Nevertheless, its systems of higher educational and scientific institutions offer excellent opportunities for study.

Bibliography

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“History Since Confederation – the Story of Canada Since 1867 is, in many ways, a Successful One.” Thecanadianencyclopedia.ca Historical Canada, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2015.
Raney, Tracey. “As Canadian As PossibleUnder What Circumstances? Public Opinion on National Identity in Canada outside Quebec.” Journal of Canadian Studies 43.3 (2009): 5-29. Academic Search Complete. Web. 30 Mar. 2015.
“What are Canadian Values?” durhamimmigration.ca Durham Immigration Portal, n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2015.
“What New Canadians Can tell us about the Canada of Tomorrow.” Ocol-clo.gc.ca Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2015.