1 Race, Ethnicity and Aboriginality

Article Review

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1. What does it mean to say that race is a social construct? Race, refers to the physical characteristics that define an individual from other groups of people living in a specific part of the world. The phrase, race is a social construct means that race can be used to categorize or classify an individual or a groups of people according to their physical characteristics e.g. skin color, hair color or the abilities of certain individuals. Societies 2. What are the pros and cons of multiculturalism? Should Toronto have proceeded with Africentric schools? Multiculturalism is the state of having more than one culture in a certain area, institution or gathering. Multiculturalism has certain pros and cons which include Pros Multiculturalism allows for the easy analysis of race and ethnic relations. This is important in understanding the causes of conflicts and hence informs the decision making process during conflict resolution. Multiculturalism been used to deal with racism in areas where cases of racial discrimination are high. Such places include: learning institutions and correctional facilities. Cons Multiculturalism is divisive and it reduces the sense of identity of a society. Multiculturalism leads to the slow death of cultural norms that define a society and with the increased interaction, it leads to a loss of identity for the individuals of that society. The history of an area and the beliefs of a community are embedded in the cultural beliefs of that community and when they are

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lost, the society loses its sense of identity. About the question whether Toronto should have proceeded with Africentric schools, the answer would be a succinct No because this would further encourage racist views and separation along this divide. The paper highlights that racism has been a persistent problem, and the solution does not rely on Africentric schools but rather in a complete overhaul of the peoples and societys thought process and cognitive abilities as far as this issue is concerned. Then and only then, can the tenets of multiculturalism be truly embraced. 3. Is the collective rights model favored by many Aboriginal leaders compatible with Canadas Charter of Right and Freedoms? Canada, being the only country to be the only official multicultural society faces many challenges in dealing with the increasing population of immigrants. The never ending dilemma of retaining its original identity versus integrating the international immigrants into the country has been a major battle in its administration for many years. The government has continually reviewed the policies governing the Aboriginal rights and the Indian rights so as to sustainably manage its resources. The collective rights model has several policies that are not in line with the interests of the majority Canadians. A good example is the increasing Indian expenditure. 4. Where do you situate yourself in the Flanagan/Cairns debate? The Flanagan debate about the Indians living in Canada is a contemptuous issue that has been in Canada for a long time. Whether registered Indians should be recognized as full citizens of Canada should be an issue to be discussed by the government and the citizens. The advantages and the disadvantages of having the immigrants in the country should be weighed and a decision

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made appropriately. With this, Canada will ensure that its international relations are not tainted and also enhance the relationship between the country and other immigrants. 5. On balance is Canada more the good, the bad, or the ugly? Canada is the first country to officially entrench Aboriginal rights in the world. This is an act that many countries would not adopt as they try to retain their cultural identities. This act makes does not make Canada a weak country but it proves that it has the ability to govern immigrants and ensure equality among its borders. Canada is thus diversified country in terms of culture and other countries should follow in its footsteps. KEY QUESTION & TERM: What is the best strategy to deal with racism as a social construct in Canada? Racism is a challenge that has affected many countries for a long time. As a social construct, it cannot be completely eradicated but it can be reduced through public awareness forums and integration of several cultures in major decision making forums to ensure that all their needs are catered for. Through increased interaction, hostility among different racial groups will reduce gradually.