Shafia Family Culture Analysis
Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world (Pavlich, 2011). As a result, Canadian society has continued to evolve over the years to match the population changes. Canadian laws are universal and it governs everyone; regardless of cultural differences and practices (Pavlich, 2011). Therefore, the laws are expected to be upheld by everyone to maintain order in its society. Furthermore, immigration laws have made it considerably easier for people to settle in Canada. As a result, the negative and positive aspects of each culture are exported with the immigrant population. Furthermore, commitment to social justice, freedom and respect for cultural differences makes Canadian society unique. However, cultural practices differ in each
…show more content…
Therefore, the Shafia house was an unbearable living environment for some of the females in the family due to the oppressive nature of their culture which the dad exhibit. After immigrating to Canada, some of the women in the Shafia family were open to the new westernized culture and lifestyle. However, Mr. Shafia saw the women’s behaviour and attitudes as a form of dishonour and to regain his family honour, death was the only solution (Dimanno, 2016). As a result, the Shafia’s took it upon themselves to be judge, jury and executioner of teenage behaviour disregarding Canadian laws. Mr. Shafia was heard on record after the murders saying that “they violated us immensely,” and “nothing is more dear to me than my honour” (Friscolanti, 2011). Those quotes symbolize the importance of honour to this family, Mr. Shafia especially. Therefore, the Canadian criminal justice system should send a message that any cultural practice that violates the law is unacceptable. Furthermore, giving these individuals a free pass for breaking the law sends the wrong message to society. It also shows that our justice system as gone soft on crime and immigrants in the country can get away with murder. The criminal justice system should use this case as a deterrence to individuals that participates in extreme culture practices that violates the law (Dimanno,
Therefore, the Shafia house was an unbearable living environment for some of the females in the family due to the oppressive nature of their culture which the dad exhibit. After immigrating to Canada, some of the women in the Shafia family were open to the new westernized culture and lifestyle. However, Mr. Shafia saw the women’s behaviour and attitudes as a form of dishonour and to regain his family honour, death was the only solution (Dimanno, 2016). As a result, the Shafia’s took it upon themselves to be judge, jury and executioner of teenage behaviour disregarding Canadian laws. Mr. Shafia was heard on record after the murders saying that “they violated us immensely,” and “nothing is more dear to me than my honour” (Friscolanti, 2011). Those quotes symbolize the importance of honour to this family, Mr. Shafia especially. Therefore, the Canadian criminal justice system should send a message that any cultural practice that violates the law is unacceptable. Furthermore, giving these individuals a free pass for breaking the law sends the wrong message to society. It also shows that our justice system as gone soft on crime and immigrants in the country can get away with murder. The criminal justice system should use this case as a deterrence to individuals that participates in extreme culture practices that violates the law (Dimanno,