Anglocentrism In Canadian Confederation

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Recommended: Canada before and after confederation

Critical in the development of a nation, the date of July 1st, 1867 has a connotation any other in Canadian history. A civic celebration of unification, the anniversary of Canadian Confederation is a nationwide display of history. Tainted by Anglocentric representation, the story of confederation has become biased. Furthering English hegemony, the exclusion of French-Canadian ideals from public commemorations has become overwhelming. Favouring homogenization, Canada's diversity has become streamlined through the Anglocentric presentation of Canadian Confederation. Unifying cultures, Canada's portrayal as an undivided country makes it lack a crucial perspective. The distortion of history through Anglocentrism has belittled, misrepresented and …show more content…

Presenting Anglophones as leaders, French-Canadians have their historical roles modified to conform to Anglocentric history. Wishing to ascend Macdonald to a level above Cartier and assert him as the sole Father of Confederation, Anglocentrism modifies the role of Cartier. Presented as conciliatory and objecting, Cartier is likened to a follower of Macdonald rather than a leader. This disgraceful modification is evident through the manipulation of Cartier's character in Historica Canada's Heritage Minutes. Highlighting the differences between the two figures, Cartier's conventional methods and demeanor are in stark contrast to Macdonald. Standing apart due to his rebellious tendencies, Macdonald's portrayal is one of a likeable and courageous leader. When questioned by Cartier, Macdonald brushes the Francophone off as it to silence a follower. Portraying Cartier as an objecting follower rather than an insightful partner, Historica Canada alludes to Macdonald's greater role in confederation. Favouring English hegemony, Historica Canada weakens the role of Cartier and strengthens Macdonald's in favour of Anglocentrism. Interpreted to fit Anglocentric ideals, bias also shadows Cartier in his own Heritage Minute. Modifying his character, Cartier's bold intentions are discounted in favour of an Anglocentric picture which presents him as a …show more content…

Perverting history in the public sphere, the distortion of Cartier's character has heightened the opinion of Macdonald. Recounted on a Kingston plaque as the frontrunner in Canadian historical memory, Macdonald's influence is further increased by casting aside his partner Cartier. As contended by Morgan, the memorialization of figures in Canadian history through physical tributes reflects the aspirations and sociopolitical influence of a group in Canadian society. Asserting Macdonald as the only Father of Confederation, English hegemony has presented history according to Anglocentric ideals. Detracting from the influence of Cartier in his hometown, Macdonald's statue in Montreal's Place du Canada stands twice life size. Underscoring the influence of Macdonald, the looming sculpture emphasizes Anglocentrism in public history. Presenting Macdonald as a figure greater than any other, the statue's central placement serves to remind citizens of English hegemony. Promoting the Anglophone figure, the statue calls to attention the professionalism of Macdonald through its style. Differing from Cartier's in Parc du Mont-Royal, the Macdonald Monument depicts him as a state dignitary with a document in hand. Contrasting Cartier's portrayal as a parliamentarian, Macdonald's underscores his status as the foremost figure in Canadian Confederation. Comparing Macdonald as a

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