Loading ...Cynthia Cheng
According to a recent Globe and Mail article, Canada’s visible minority population is set to double in the next twenty years. This is not only due to increased immigration, but also because some cultures tend to have more children than others. However, it’s very interesting that some commentors automatically assume that any recent arrival from a non-western will automatically have more than two or three children. My parents would have been considered “recent arrivals” when I was born – they had only been in Canada for less than a decade. Yet, I am their only child. It is actually unusual in my parents’ circle of friends (which are overwhelmingly from Hong Kong) to have more than two kids. The only thing that *MIGHT* be different from a typical Anglo-Canadian family are the handful of homes where there are grandparents. However, that is changing. No one in my generation would even consider having their parents move in with them!
I do, however, agree with some of the comments about integration. Yes, many immigrants don’t bother to learn “Canadian ways.” And that can be very difficult, especially for the children who grow up here. It’s no wonder that there are major cultural clashes between the generations which spark movies like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Bend it like Beckham. The movies may be funny to watch, but it is somewhat realistic. Another thing I don’t agree with is the assertiveness of some groups, wanting rules changed just to accomodate them. Yes, some rules need to be more accomodating, but if it only affects you, then you shouldn’t bother. I mean, if you’re upset that people kiss in public, or that people aren’t dressing modestly according to your set of rules, don’t try to make changes that apply to all. Just make them apply to yourself. In addition, you should take a look the rules and regulations in the old country. If it doesn’t apply there, it shouldn’t apply here.
When my parents came here in the 1970s, they kept some things “traditional,” yet integrated to mainstream culture as well. Though this is the case for some families, the media have certainly taken it a different direction. Sure, there are probably MORE immigrants who take their time integrating, and yes, that’s probably not a good thing. However, the media has taken this scare tactic too far. What REALLY needs to happen is good exposure to other cultures. People who aren’t integrating are doing so because they are afraid of the unknown (strange, since they’ve made a decision to come to a new country. One would think that they would have done their homework). At the same time, people who are coming up with these scare tactics also need to do research. It will only anger some groups and make them even more interested in changing…for them.
Image © Nancy Louie/iStockPhoto
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