Immigration has remained a major human phenomenon for centuries. People have always moved from one region to another in an effort to transform their experiences or escape foreseeable challenges. Canada’s immigration history has resulted in diverse cultural groups that continue to reshape and inform the decisions different citizens make. This discussion gives a personal perspective and outlines the insights on immigration and ethnicity gained in the Canadian context.
Immigration and Ethnicity
New Perspectives
The completed class readings have presented diverse ideas regarding the position of immigrants in Canada. Firstly, I have realized that majority of these individuals encounter diverse challenges or obstacles when pursuing new opportunities. For instance, some job openings tend to be available to the dominant majority. Immigrants with additional skills might take long before being recognized (Statistics Canada, n.d.). Many people who have appreciated this reality take it into consideration when following their career and economic objectives.
Secondly, racial stereotyping remains a common issue in North America. In Canada, many citizens view the Japanese, Arabs, Jews, and African Americans negatively. This mindset has created a scenario whereby majority of the people find it hard to be involved in various social functions (Historica Canada, n.d.). Consequently, members of these racial groups have been keen to develop new or unique identities that can make it easier for them to emerge successful.
Thirdly, I have gained a new form of perspective on the whole issue of immigration and race relations. For instance, the first Europeans to settle in North America began to try new ideas aimed at promoting their original ideologies. With the acquisition of adequate resources, a new malpractice emerged whereby the aboriginals faced different forms of discrimination and even lived as inferior citizens. This became a worrisome trend for Canada’s future race relationships (Abella, 2012). Such a reality will continue to influence and affect the life outcomes of the greatest number of Canadian citizens with diverse backgrounds in the future.
Fourthly, the class materials have presented new terms and ideas to me, such as ethnic retailing. This is a concept whereby people tend to act and promote specific practices that appear to be informed by the notions of race and ethnicity. Individuals from minority groups tend to be on the receiving end since most of the implemented projects and policies fail to meet their demands (Bauder & Shields, 2015). Such citizens will receive less support and been be unable to get additional opportunities. Most of these victims have found it hard to lead better lives and record meaningful upward mobilities in their lives.
These trends and issues have complicated race relations in Canada. Many immigrants have to grapple with diverse obstacles when tying to pursue their goals. The existing social support systems are incapable of fulfilling their needs (Bauder & Shields, 2015). The outstanding lesson from the past is that such groups should develop superior perspectives to survive and overcome most of the challenges they have to experience in their respective communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, racism remains a major malpractice that many people promote in different parts of North America, including Canada. This malpractice makes it impossible for immigrants and their descendants to achieve their social and economic goals. A new way of thinking is essential if such individuals are to transform their experiences and consider additional ways to improve their future lives.
References
Abella, I. (2012). Anti-Semitism in Canada.The Canadian Encyclopaedia. Web.
Bauder, H. & Shields, J. (Eds.). (2015). Immigrant experiences in North America. Canadian Scholars Press.
Historica Canada. (n.d.). Immigration in Canada. Web.
Statistics Canada. (n.d.). 150 years of immigration in Canada. Web.