JWBF
Senior Member
Context. Assimilation, like homosexual, has been given a certain context due to their use in derogatory ways. Simplistically, to "fit in" typically means identify as and being part of and supporting of a whole like being part of a multicultural country like Canada. Assimilation on the other hand has come to mean in most cases that the individual or group has or will become as the whole and loose their distinctiveness. Melting Pots are more like the latter, preferring that one, and only one set of values, etc. are expectable; the many voices are changed to the one voice.Honest question, why is assimilation such a dirty word?
I understand coming from a First Nation's perspective, but personally I am proud that my parents having both immigrated to Canada, have assimilated to Canadian society.
Assimilation should be the end-goal of immigration, ideally achieved by the second-generation. And, assimilation is IMO fully-compatible with multi-culturalism.
Differences allow us the evolution, progressiveness and the ability of adaptation, and by extension, the concept of democracy.
On a side this is why I don't like the whole Afro-American/Canadian title as it serves more to divide us than preserve our contributions.
I hope I haven't pissed-off too many people with these opinions.
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