Canada's Multiculturalism

Growing up, I did not want to identify as Canadian. I thought that it was not a good descriptor of who I am because I do not fit the mold of a “regular” Canadian; after all, I have dark skin and immigrant parents. My differences ultimately made me feel like an outsider because I grew up in a predominantly white community. This feeling lead me to hate the texture of my hair, I could see the difference in how people perceived my hair’s short, kinky texture in comparison to the other childrens straight, long hair. I was tired of answering questions about my hair, I hated when people would pet it without warning, and I resented the comments that it felt like wool, or like a dog’s fur. So after years of hurtful comments, I decided to chemically
This has made me value Canada's multiculturalism. With multiple cultures comes many different opinions and different looking people. Normally these things cause great issues amongst people, yet it has not extremely divided Canadians. I believe the primary reason for this is that multiculturalism in Canada is law, not just some ideology. All people in Canada, no matter their race are promised equal protection and benefit of the law. My group of friends is a perfect example of the success of Canadian multiculturalism. All of my friends are of different races, ethnicities, and religions than mine, but I still value their friendship. I recognize that someone's culture does matter - it is part of their identity, but I don't treat them as inferior because of it. Instead, I have attempted to celebrate their cultures with them. Thus, I have attended an Italian family gathering, a Greek festival and a Hindu celebration. I used to think that the Canadian identity was not yet discovered because we are a relatively new country and a country that has only recently allowed immigrants from non European countries. Yet, by researching and reflecting for this assignment, I realized that Canadian culture is much more focused on Acculturation, rather than Assimilation. My father has not had to assimilate in the same way Americans must, neither has my sister. As well, neither have my friends- all of whom are first generation Canadians. I do not believe there is one thing that can summarize what and who Canadians are. I think there are characteristics and symbols that we have adopted such as, Tim Hortons, hockey, maple syrup, and poutine. However, those symbols are not a genuine testament to Canadians. The Canadian identity is not about what people look like, or the religion they practice, but rather it is based on our values. I have realized that there is not true