SS30: Culture in Canada

The background … Canada is a nation made up of many different ethnic and cultural groups (Pluralism). In many Canadian communities, different ethnic groups live alongside each other and learn to adjust to each other’s ways. This is acculturation.

That term again is Acculturation … Simply put, acculturation is the change that occurs to cultures as they adjust and adapt to each other.

Acculturation … There are four main ways in which different cultural groups can deal with each other. They are …

Annihilation … In its most extreme form, cultural annihilation is not only the attempted destruction of the beliefs, values, and attitudes of another culture, but the physical destruction of the people who hold these beliefs, values and attitudes. The common term is genocide. For such extremists all cultural differences are offensive. These people believe that to ensure preserving one’s culture is worth destroying somebody else’s.

Annihilation: an example The Holocaust - The mass murder of Jews under the German Nazi regime. More than 6 million European Jews, as well as members of other persecuted groups, were murdered at concentration camps such as Auschwitz.

Segregation … Segregation occurs when one culture is separated from another.

segregation: an example One of the most famous examples of segregation is that of the African- Americans following the emancipation of the slaves in 1865. People of the dominant culture rationalized the exclusion of Black culture by allowing people to be convinced that the African-American culture was inferior.

assimilation … The people who promote assimilation believe in a homogeneous culture. People are taught that assimilation is in their best interest. They feel that conformity is a way to ensure that society operates effectively. Assimilation is usually done through the school system, church or community. It is through these organizations that people’s ideas and beliefs can be directly influenced.

Assimilation: an example The United States views themselves as a “Melting Pot”. New cultures move in and become a part of the American culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQl6XBo64M

accommodation … Accommodation is the least elitist of the models. It is supported by those who believe that in order to survive cultures must evolve with time. These cultures become rich and vibrant. They are open to new ideas and experiences that expand opportunities and potential for its people.

Accommodation: an example In Modern Canada, we call ourselves a “Mosaic”. There is a place for each group within our nation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEOw8tL5hWY

Canada’s accommodation model consists of the following … Culture Conflict – Because all cultures are different and unique, there will be conflicts and an on-going process must be maintained to solve those conflicts in a constructive way. Cultural Flexibility – Cultures must have some flexibility in dealing with the differences between cultures so that they do not destroy the integrity of either culture. Cultural Growth – Cultures change and grow as they come into contact with new cultures; the change is natural and healthy. Cultural Diversity – Diversity is seen as enriching to all cultures involved.

Some Reactions to acculturation … Culture Shock: Culture shock occurs when different groups come into contact and they are shocked and surprised at how the other culture deals with events or daily activities. The process of dealing with different cultural values can cause feelings of uncertainty, fear, anger, and a desire to withdraw from the situation within the individual. Prejudice: Prejudice is an attitude or belief toward a group or person which is thoughtlessly accepted (learned) by someone who either refuses to find out whether the attitude is justified or refuses to accept legitimate contrary evidence. Stereotyping: Stereotyping is forming a fixed mental picture about the reality of something (usually a group of people). Stereotypes are negative, rigid, and are applied to everyone in the group regardless of whether it fits or not. Scapegoating: Scapegoating is expressing one’s hostility, anger, and violence against a group for some wrong for which it is partially or totally innocent.