December 10th, 2008 Laura Harvey
“To what extent do which people’s experiences with nationalism vary in Canada?”
Laura Harvey
Mr. Warner
Social 20
December 10th, 2008
Nationalism in Canada varies distinctly due to its comprehensive mosaic of different cultures. Nationalism can be defined as the collective acumen that people have of their nation, and how the progression of their culture cerebrates their attitudes reflected upon society. Altered perspectives of Canadian nationalism are demonstrated throughout the fundamentals of cultures in Canada such as their beliefs, customs, and traditions. The variation of nationalism in Canada is clearly demonstrated between the perspectives of the Chinese Canadians, the Dutch Canadians, and the French Canadians.
The Chinese Canadians are among one of the many cultures in Canada that carry a very different perspective of nationalism by reason of their historical experiences, customs, and symbols they share. Chinese immigrants have been immigrating to Canada since 1788 in hopes of monetary gain and a new homeland. Originally, the Canadian government felt the immigrants were “substandard” and thus imposed heavy taxes on the immigrants (Levitt, 2008). One form of these taxes, noted as “head tax”, was ordained in 1885 as a classification of racial discrimination because only people of Chinese heritage were required to pay this tax. As the Canadian government continued their effort to prevent further Chinese immigration into Canada, the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 was brought forth. This legislation, passed by the government of Canada, implemented that Chinese immigration into Canada ultimately was to be banned (Levitt, 2008). Even after undergoing this harsh prejudice, the Chinese continued to remain in Canada. This sense of determination and persistence that the Chinese displayed continues to be a significant part of their characterization today. The comeback that the Chinese have taken showcases their sense of nationalism that is evidently different from many other cultures in Canada. Another important aspect of the Chinese Canadian culture that demonstrates their sense of nationalism is the traditions and customs they follow. Chinese cuisine is a notable trait of their sense of nationalism. Dishes such as ginger beef, chop suey, shanghai noodles, and spring rolls have all been altered slightly since the Chinese people’s immigration to Canada. Altering these items have allowed for the Chinese to slightly acculturate with Canadian customs yet still maintain the Chinese origin and tradition that is brought about by the cuisine. Also, the traditions that the Chinese Canadians partake in are very defining of their unique kind of nationalism. The annual dragon boat festival, held in Victoria, British Columbia, allows the Chinese Canadians to express their view of nationalism through the history of the event and through the activities in the festival. The lighting of fireworks, exchange of gifts, and food consumed at the festival are all part of defining the Chinese heritage. Another tradition held by the Chinese Canadians is the Chinese Lunar New Year which is the most widely celebrated Chinese tradition across Canada (Howard, 2006). The festivities acted upon in the New Year are similar to those of the dragon race and thus the Chinese Lunar New Year is a defining trait of the Chinese people’s nationalism. The traditions, customs, and historical experiences the Chinese Canadians incorporate in their lifestyle all help to preserve their unique sense of nationalism.
