What is Citizenship?
From the perspective of Denise Chong, citizenship can be defined as the shared values, norms, and experiences that connect people from a certain country. In a way, it can be defined as the way in which people view themselves and the society they live in and act accordingly based on the type of social identity that is identifiable to the majority of the populace. As such, being a citizen of a particular country can be considered the manner in which one chooses to follow a particular social construct and define his/her connection to others within society based on this construct.
The Rights of Canadian Citizens
It is actually rather interesting to note that Canadian citizens have a great deal of leverage regarding their freedoms as compared to people from China or some areas in the Middle East. Many people within Canada practice the following freedoms:
- Religious freedom;
- The freedom of speech;
- The ability to practice various aspects of their ethnic culture;
- Lastly, the right to openly criticize the government.
In fact, compared to most countries, Canada has a fairly liberal set of rights guaranteed by being a citizen of the country.
Requirements of Citizenship
Chong further elaborates on the concept of citizenship by indicating that citizenship requires an individual to do “works of citizenship” in that they should help to contribute towards the concept of a shared society. This means sharing experiences, working towards a better society, establishing methods of acceptance, empathy, as well as learning to understand, forgive and finally realize that being a citizen is more than what is written on a piece of paper. It is something that someone helps to build up to enhance it as a whole.
How are Canadians viewed by other Nationalities?
Chong mentions that people outside of Canada actually have a rather curious reaction towards those with Canadian citizenship. Thus, those who possess it are viewed as individuals from an enlightened and gentle society. The development of this particular point of view could be done due to Canada’s relatively peaceful history and minimize conflicts with other members of the international community. From a certain perspective, this view regarding Canadians can be construed as an advantage since it sets a precedent from which people from other countries would look at Canadians in a positive light. On the other hand, it can also be detrimental since it can also be assumed that Canadians will be viewed as individuals that easily back down from a fight or can be easily taken advantage of.
Internal Policies
From my own personal perspective, I believe that the most important internal policy that defines what it means to be a Canadian is the idealism attached to becoming an open and free society. The reason behind this is the fact that a number of laws and traditions can be enacted, but it takes a certain degree of “spirit” that can only be achieved due to idealism that helps to put the idea behind such laws and traditions into effect in the first place.