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
" Culture is seen as serious art, not popular sport (Gruneau, 12). If a national cultural code of conduct was established by the majority, then values of the minority would be seen as un-Canadian and silenced. Canada" (Webber, 64) thus quieting their voice in Canadian issues. It was no longer just a sport; but an activity that was "ours", that was majestically Canadian. what kind of country Canadians want, what values they cherish, and what objectives they seek" (Webber, 183-4). In 1969, the Bicultural and Bilingualism Law was established, ensuring "an equal partnership between the two founding races [french and english races]" (Webber, 63). It guaranteed Canada's position as a "cultural mosaic" (Multiculturalism, 1) - unique parts fitting together to create a unified whole. Nor should they emphasize the individually created meanings of multiculturalism. The structure and meanings of the game paralleled the daily Canadian experience and the integral component of the average Canadian memory. Focus should not be drawn solely to historically shared meanings like hockey. It was the symbol of what it meant to be a Canadian.
Common topics in this essay:
Canadian Culture,
Raymond Williams,
French Canadians,
Meech Lake,
Fame Nevertheless,
Commission Commission,
Bilingualism Law,
According Grossberg,
Night Canada,
Multicultural Act,
canadian culture,
gruneau 12,
meech lake,
canadian life,
amateur hockey association,
aspect culture,
hockey association,
shared meanings,
historically shared,
gruneau 14,
historically shared meanings,
culture set,
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Acceptance Essays
