Introduction
Recognition and equity are two hegemonic components that emerge upon a close review of the literature advanced by Coulthard Glen in his article titled ‘Subjects of empire: Indigenous peoples and the ‘politics of recognition’ in Canada’. The author examines how these factors apply to past and present societies. Inherently, issues regarding recognition and equity continue to affect the lives of people, even in modern times. In the discussion, Coulthard analyses how aboriginal communities have continued to fight for their space in Canada. Quintessentially, the author uses Canada to illuminate the challenges that nations face from both the natives and colonialists. Importantly, while the natives struggle for their space in a region deemed to be their heritage, former colonizers institute frameworks that validate their presence. In many countries around the globe, there is a silent struggle between the aborigines and settlers. In some instances, such rivalries turn into violent exchanges mainly from marginalized communities. It is within this context that the paper reviews the applicability of equity and recognition in contemporary societies.
Equity and Recognition and Their Relevance to Contemporary Contexts
Equity
While various scholars may think that fairness and recognition are similar, the two components are different. Notably, equality implies fair treatment of individuals. In nations, impartiality envisions all the activities executed by its leaders. Moreover, it involves how citizens of respective countries receive social services. Healthcare, education, employment, and a range of other activities assumed by the government are yardsticks used to ascertain the scale of equity exercised by state officials and the populace. Notably, when individuals enjoy services indiscriminately, then the subject country has high levels of impartiality. While many nations in the world champion for equal treatment, the actual application of the virtue is complex. Issues such as race, ethnic background, education, and religious orientation still determine how some leaders deliver services to their populace. As such, some smart individuals fail to enjoy state amenities that they deserve owing to their marginalization.
Fundamentally, the optimal application of equity is challenging. The complex process of implementing the tenets of fairness has led to a continued outcry from various sections of people in countries around the world. In Canada, for instance, the natives and the colonialists have enacted various agreements. However, the effectiveness of such laws is complex. While many officials in the government abide by the guidelines of the agreements, others disregard them and deliver services in a biased manner. Issues of unfairness witnessed by communities in ancient times are almost similar to those experienced by modern individuals. Just like in historical moments, disparities in areas of employment, education, and healthcare are still ripe in contemporary times as they were during the medieval era. During the past period, people could not access their desired healthcare, education, and jobs if they did not belong to a particular hegemonic group. Presently, individuals in Canada and some regions of the world still encounter similar issues concerning equity. Fundamentally, dominant groups often try to oppress those deemed as less privileged.
Recognition
Another component that is ripe in the present time is recognition. Just like other communities in the world, the issue of limited acknowledgement has continued affecting people across the globe. In his article, Coulthard (2007) explains that the aborigines need appreciation from the Canadian government. The matter raised by Coulthard in his piece of literature is pertinent and affects people across the globe. Imperatively, recognition entails various spheres of human life. The social and political acceptances comprise the significant types outlined in the article. Just like their Canadian counterparts, aborigines have been fighting for a space in the government and the community. As social beings, individuals expect others to appreciate them. Equally, they desire to express some scale of recognition towards their peers in a particular society. The indigenous communities need to be part of the social setting in the country. As such, leaders in regional and national spheres should include some members from these communities.
In Canada, these communities comprise the Inuit and Metis who trace their origins to the early settlers from Europe. With the advent of colonization, some practices executed by these societies have gradually diminished. Although these people are about 30% of the country’s population, their inclusion is integral. In the piece of literature advanced by Coulthard, the Canadian government cannot downplay the essence of recognizing the presence of aboriginal communities and having some of them in various positions (Coulthard, 2007). Notably, recognition is a milestone in bringing the natives and dominant groups closer and establishing a positive relationship. After colonization, the hosts developed a negative attitude towards people who invaded their region, a sentiment that requires the enactment of policies that foster their access to their heritage. Significantly, recognition is instrumental in addressing the disconnection between the hegemonic group in Canada and the indigenous communities. It is worthwhile to note that the issue of appreciation is not exclusive to Canada but extends into other parts of the world. In every nation, there are natives who without the right policies may become subjects of discrimination from the dominant immigrant groups.
My Understanding of Equity and Recognition
From my perspective, I consider equity and recognition as holistic. I also believe that the concepts are vital in the course of development in all regions of the globe. I hold the view that equity and recognition require participation from all stakeholders in government. The difficulty witnessed in implementation of the two components compels nations to look for strategies that incorporate the opinions of all the leaders and citizens. By combining the views from the citizens, the minority groups, and leaders, the guidelines developed can yield the desired outcomes.
In Canada, for instance, Coulthard (2007) explains that various policies emerged after a collective participation from the government and the citizens. I also have the notion that equity and recognition are not exclusive to healthcare, education, and employment but incorporates matters related to societal interactions. One of the areas that need attention from governments besides those mentioned above is the public relationship. It is imperative to explain that fairness is not only an act demonstrated by the national leadership but is also dependent on the mindsets of the indigenous communities. How the dominant groups relate with their colleagues from aboriginal localities determines their perception of equity and recognition.
Regardless of the superb treatment that the natives receive from the government, unfavorable relationship between them and immigrants renders these initiatives ineffective. If the relationship between the aborigines and hegemonic groups is not favorable then the issues of equity and recognition become unattainable. Therefore, states such as Canada need to ensure that their citizens relate well regardless of their origins and races. Productive association between the natives and former colonizers is a milestone in the quest to achieve the much-desired fairness and respect. Quintessentially, if nations sideline their citizen in the process of developing policies geared towards achieving neutrality, the populace may engage in acts that discriminate the aborigines. Presently, some regions of the world are grappling with negative engagements orchestrated by poor government policies that disregard citizen opinions. Therefore, based on my understanding, I believe that it is significant for countries to ensure that they address the issue of equity and recognition comprehensively owing to their holistic nature.
How to Best Understand the Concepts
The best manner that societies can understand the issues of equity and recognition is through research and inclusivity. While equity and attention are crucial in the achievement of a productive relationship between the natives and immigrants, the process utilized in implementation determines the rate of success. At times, some resolutions fail to yield positive results due to the limited participation from the concerned parties. Therefore, before engaging in a strategy, Canada and other governments need to undertake intensive research and examine the effectiveness of such procedures in other regions. Furthermore, they can pilot these policies in some areas before introducing them fully into their systems. Imperatively, the aborigines have views that can address the hatred held towards their former colonizers. However, without their participation, leaders may not identify these concerns, and the regulations adopted could be impractical. Before establishing any strategy that helps in the attainment of equity and recognition, it is essential to ascertain its effectiveness. Research and prototyping are the cornerstones used to understand best the integral role of fairness and respect in solving the long-lived challenges between the natives and hegemonic groups.
Illustration of the Ideas
The Role of Equity and Recognition in Fostering Harmonious Relationship
In fig 1.0, it is clear that equity and recognition have a pivotal role in addressing the perpetual conflict between the immigrants and the host communities. In various regions, people decided to settle in their colonies after the attainment of independence. The idea of remaining back in these countries led to some level of resentment from the hosts who desired full autonomy. In Canada, many individuals are foreigners who settled after the end of colonization. Their decision to stay was against the wishes of the indigenous communities. The dominance exerted by these societies limited the freedom enjoyed by the natives. However, with a well-designed application of equity and recognition, these communities gradually develop positive relationships and address issues that affect their interactions. Therefore, fairness and respect are vital in resolving the high negativity witnessed between the hosts and immigrants.
Conclusion
Equity and recognition are instrumental in the management of issues that affect interrelationships between immigrants and aborigines. In Canada, the author explains that various treaties established focused on increasing access to freedom, recognition and fairness. While many societies downplay the essence of the concepts mentioned above, their role in harmonious coexistence among communities such as those found in Canada is tremendous. Quintessentially, before the application of equity and recognition, it is fundamental to engage in intensive research and incorporate factors such as all-inclusive participation from the concerned parties. With the right survey, the effectiveness of the components outlined above becomes practical. Through research, governments can undertake the right measures that minimize setbacks. As such, the desired results become attainable.
Reference
Coulthard, S. (2007). Subjects of empire: Indigenous peoples and the ‘politics of recognition’ in Canada. Contemporary political theory, 6(4), 437-460.