Ethnic Nationalism In Canada

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Social Studies 20-1 Position Paper

To what extent should we embrace the perspective(s) reflected in the source?

Nationalism is seen through the lenses of both positive and negative. Ethnic nationalism is having a common heritage that unites a nation towards solidarity and sovereignty. However, the ingrained conventions and norms of individuals endeavoring to preserve them, oftentimes arouses tension, violence and atrocities that individuals become ethnocentric and they fail to address their conflicts in a diplomatic manner. This is exemplified in the first article that Quebec citizens desire to reduce the immigration rate, in order to protect their French identity and not be diluted by the overbearing multi- cultures …show more content…

Civic nationalism is the ability to express one’s culture, language and heritage without prejudice. Instead, nurturing the values of respect for diversity this is seen in the second article, in which Trudeau puts forth the ideology that “diversity fuels prosperity not undermines it.” In the upcoming years Canada will be made up of mostly immigrants in order to sustain the population. Canada has a welcoming policy in order to increase its population growth, due to its low fertility rate and aging population, Canada is compelled to increase the immigration rates and take pride in its multicultural nation. This ideology of civic nationalism over ethnic nationalism is an illusion that distorts the reality and it is seen through the third article “the myth of civic nationalism thus exaggerates the value as well as the extent of the form of community that it recommends.” Despite, the third article not in favour of civic nationalism, some nations strive to achieve a civic nation, that they are not bound by the legacies of their ancestors, but they have a choice to express who they are and achieve their aspirations. The desire for ethnic nationalism is detrimental as seen through the FLQ (Front de libération du Québec/ Quebec Liberation Front) in the 1960s. …show more content…

The second article is also in favour of liberal nationalism Justin Trudeau, who is a prominent example of how civic nationalism prospers a nation and aid immigrants from conflicts, such as poverty and warring countries and how the contribution and the diversity of the immigrants provide a unique identity for Canada. The third article displays a negative point of view of civic nationalism, however it is not in favour of ethnic nationalism either, as the article expresses how civic nationalism does not exist, Canada contradicts this idea. Canada is considered a civic nation and it penetrates numerous cultures and takes pride in valuing individuals’ uniqueness that prospers a nation. Civic nationalism should be embraced because it brings about self-determination, harmony as well as, diversity encourages prosperity. Only through civic nationalism will there be fewer conflicts, as it enables tolerance, respect, equality and freedom. It is an effective system that encourage individuals to express who they are within a nation, as well as, it is the moderate views that can truly reflect the complete spectrum of a

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