jdd@db.toronto.edu (John DiMarco) (07/28/89)
The multiculturalism of Canadian society arises from Canada's bicultural nature. From the foundation of this country, Canadians have had to live with two principal cultures: English and French. Because of this, Canadians have developed a relatively tolerant attitude towards all sort of different cultures. If we are to remain a multicultural society, we must not allow the divorce of French and English Canada. Let me explain. In any group, if one and only one 'culture' (culture = customs and traditions, language, religion(?)) becomes dominant, it becomes the norm of behaviour in that group. The social correctness of any member of the group becomes determined by his/her conformance to this norm. If, however, there are multiple (2 or more) 'cultures' in the group, a certain tolerance develops. The correctness of any member of the group can no longer be acertained by his/her conformance to a cultural standard, because there is no one such standard. Essentially, 'being a member' does not require 'conforming to a culture'. If a multicultural group with two dominant cultures (and perhaps others as well) should fragment into two groups, each with one dominant culture, there will be considerable pressure in both groups for all members to conform to the dominant culture. In each group, the majority belonging to the dominant culture will no longer need to maintain the cultural tolerance that was required to maintain the cohesion of the larger, bicultural group. All minor cultures in both groups run the risk of being excluded from membership. This is the situation Canada is in. Because we have two principal cultures, Canadians have developed a cultural tolerance which has permitted a multicultural nation. If we should fragment into 'RestOfCanada' and 'Quebec', our multiculturalism, both in Quebec and in Canada, is at risk. As a Canadian of Italian and Dutch descent, I value our multiculturalism. I hope that we (Quebec and the rest of Canada) can get our relative acts together, and co-operate in peace. John