Culture Shock
Critically discuss the experience of “culture shock” as described in 1 Reading by Frances Henry, and the Lecture on “Culture Shock”. Plus 1 Additional assigned Reading or Video from the Course
Based on the accounts of many Caribbean immigrants, it is apparent that each individual experienced cultures shock in different ways. Regardless of their experiences, it still remains one of the most common issues they deal with as they arrive and attempt to settle in Canada. Most immigrants struggled with racism while others experienced discrimination. For many Caribbean youth as they arrive in Canada to reunite with their families, unfulfilled expectations of their parents and the host country (Canada) causes them to experience culture shock (Henry,1994). Furthermore, the experience of the harsh winters is one of many culture shocks as expressed by most Caribbean immigrants (Henry, 1994). Therefore, as a group we will critically discuss the experiences of culture shock that Caribbean immigrants face such as the differences in the school system, social interaction, unfulfilled expectations, racism and the weather. We will also explore the negative impact it had on immigrants and its implications to Canadian society. Finally, we will explore different ways in which Canada could have dealt with their culture shock. .
Caribbean immigrants also experience culture shock as a result of the racism that they face after moving to Canada. Racism is not as evident in the Caribbean since Caribbean immigrants are the majority there. The racism they experience in Canada usually involves the color of their skin, language barriers and gender issues. Skin color is a major factor in racism as experienced by Carol (James, 1989). Carol is from Trinidad and while living there, her skin color did not affect her self-esteem since the majority of people in Trinidad were black (James, 1989). After immigrating to Canada, she became more aware of her skin color because of the way
Based on the accounts of many Caribbean immigrants, it is apparent that each individual experienced cultures shock in different ways. Regardless of their experiences, it still remains one of the most common issues they deal with as they arrive and attempt to settle in Canada. Most immigrants struggled with racism while others experienced discrimination. For many Caribbean youth as they arrive in Canada to reunite with their families, unfulfilled expectations of their parents and the host country (Canada) causes them to experience culture shock (Henry,1994). Furthermore, the experience of the harsh winters is one of many culture shocks as expressed by most Caribbean immigrants (Henry, 1994). Therefore, as a group we will critically discuss the experiences of culture shock that Caribbean immigrants face such as the differences in the school system, social interaction, unfulfilled expectations, racism and the weather. We will also explore the negative impact it had on immigrants and its implications to Canadian society. Finally, we will explore different ways in which Canada could have dealt with their culture shock. .
Caribbean immigrants also experience culture shock as a result of the racism that they face after moving to Canada. Racism is not as evident in the Caribbean since Caribbean immigrants are the majority there. The racism they experience in Canada usually involves the color of their skin, language barriers and gender issues. Skin color is a major factor in racism as experienced by Carol (James, 1989). Carol is from Trinidad and while living there, her skin color did not affect her self-esteem since the majority of people in Trinidad were black (James, 1989). After immigrating to Canada, she became more aware of her skin color because of the way
Bibliography: James, C. E. (1989). ‘Angella” In seeing ourselves: exploring race, ethnicity & culture p 86-87.Sheridan College: Oakville. James, C. E. (1989). ‘Angella” In seeing ourselves: exploring race, ethnicity & culture p 88-89.Sheridan College: Oakville. Henry, F (1994). “Immigration and the Immigration Process” In the Caribbean Diaspora in Toronto: Learning to live with racism.(p.26-42). University of Toronto press. Henry, F (1994). “After Immigration: Identity and culture shock” In the Caribbean Diaspora in Toronto: Learning to live with racism.(p.43- 53).University of Toronto press. James, K. (1996). “Dear high school teacher”, In Educating African Canadians (Eds.) Karen S Braithwaite& Carl E. James.(p.302-304) .James lorrimer & company Ltd., Publishers: Toronto. Freshies (n.d.). The experience of Caribbean newcomer youth. Ryerson university Library.Toronto. Joseph, C. (2001). “Recollections – A seventies Black RAP” in BEUNG BLACK. (p.13-35).Insomniac press. Toronto: Canada Prince, A. (2001). “Racism Revisited. Being black in Toronto in the 1960s” in BEING BLACK.(p.25 -36). Insomniac press. Toronto: Canada