To Assimilate, or Not to Assimilate: That is the Question

This discussion is inspired by the question posed in class: when does Diaspora end and assimilation begin? I am intrigued by this question because I think in order to respond to this one must consider the various ways assimilation can be perceived. “Assimilation” occurs when a person or group of people takes on the dominant characteristics of the larger group. Since Canada’s adoption of the multiculturalism policy, multiculturalism has become “fundamental to [the] belief that all citizens are equal. Multiculturalism ensures that all citizens can keep their identities, can take pride in their ancestry, and [can] have a sense of belonging. Acceptance gives Canadians a feeling of security and self-confidence, making them more open to and accepting of diverse cultures.” Due to this dominant narrative regarding multiculturalism, assimilation in Canada is often seen to be a threat to Canada’s image as an all embracing nation where new migrants are not encouraged to adopt the characteristics of the European majority but instead maintain their culture and connection to their homeland. However, in putting so much emphasis on Canada’s multicultural identity displaces another very important issue. What about those who wish to assimilate or who come to Canada in the hopes of never having to look back?

An article that I read this weekend in the Markham Economist called, “Town’s ‘Too Asian:’ Complaint too late?” really drives this point home. The article was in response to the MacLean’s article entitled “The enrollment controversy: Worries that efforts in the U.S. to limit enrollment of Asian students in top universities may migrate to Canada,” where the author questioned whether Canadian Universities are becoming “too Asian.” Joe Li, a regional councilor, was offended by the negative stereotyping of the Asian- Canadian community. He wondered “Why the word Asian?” He noted that his children, who were born and raised in Canada, are going to be labeled “Asians for the rest of their lives. But why not [just] Canadians?”

There are many questions that can be raised with respect to the above articles. Firstly, the MacLean’s article suggests that perhaps Canada has not stayed true to its multiculturalism policy as there seems to be quite a bit of resentment towards the Chinese community. Furthermore, the reference to the Chinese population being “Asian- Canadian” points to the fact that despite the Chinese’ intentions, they are still considered to be a diaspora. The question of “when does Diaspora end and assimilation begin” becomes more complex in relation to Canada as its cultural identity is not so easily defined. In this case, when there are so many diaspora communities, to what culture would the diasporas assimilate?