This is a blog created for ENGL470. The course looks to examine European and Indigenous narratives in Canadian literature, and how they contribute to the notion of identity.
My name is Julia Wong, and I am pursuing a BA at UBC with a major in English Literature and a minor in Visual Arts. When I am not holed up in one of Vancouver’s many cafes, one can assume that I am lost out in the BC wilderness.
As I begin to travel more, I am often confronted with the task of presenting my personal concept of the Canadian identity. This has proved difficult, as there seems to be a lack of a fixed definition of nationalism. However, the fluidity in our identity allows for a constant re-evaluation of what it means to be Canadian- one that allows for reflection and self-criticism.
Although I have taken a Canadian literature class in the past, I am sorry to say that my experience with Indigenous literature traditions are few and far between. Though this class has exposed me to the voices of Canadian authors, like the multi-disciplinary artist Douglas Coupland and the poet Eve Joseph, I am interested in examining the narratives we choose to canonize and of the voices of minorities that may not exist in mainstream media. I believe we have a responsibility towards an accurate representation of these narratives, especially with such a large collection of native art at the Museum of Anthropology on campus. I look forward to debunking stereotypes, examining power relations and notions of privilege, and gaining a more nuanced understanding of Canadian identity, beyond the safe and idyllic
This will be my first online course, and I am interested to see how the web serves and influences the way information is delivered and consumed. I hope that this task of weekly blogging helps my writing become increasingly refined and specific. As Canadian poet Anne Carson says on writing, “every accuracy has to be invented”.
-j
Works Cited
Anderson, Sam. “The Inscrutable Brilliance of Anne Carson” The New York Times Magazine. 14 Mar. 2013. Web. 15 May 2016.
Coupland, Douglas. “What is the Future of Art?” Artsy. 1 Mar. 2016. Web. 15 May 2016.
Nguyen, Danton. “Untitled”, 2015. 30 Apr. 2015. Web. 15 May 2016.
Tregebov, Rhea. “Review: The Secret Signature of Things” The Globe and Mail. 20 Sept. 2010. Web. 15 May 2016.
Hi Julia!
I was drawn to read your blog, well, first because we have the same name and all Julia’s are great, but more importantly by your inventive title. I’ve never heard this word before, but now having looked it up, I’m curious why you chose it as an encompassing theme for this blog. I can guess perhaps why it might pertain to Vancouverites, but I wondered if you had anything larger in mind when you picked it?
All the best, Julia.
Hey Julia,
Glad to hear you were drawn to the blog’s name, though I have to admit, I kind of just liked the sound of the word for the title of my blog. You are right in assuming that I associate rain with Vancouver, and vice versa, but I do feel that rain has interesting symbolism (which I’m sure will reveal itself in some form or another during the course of this class). A few thoughts came to mind in relation to this class- rain has the ability to mold itself and change its intrinsic properties, and it has the ability to reveal and uncover. I felt that this was fitting in our search for other voices, stories, and a more inclusive Canadian identity.
Thanks for the question!
Hey Julia,
I agree that Canada seems to lack a set of fixed standards in how one is supposed to conduct themselves in order to be considered a “proper” Canadian. Beyond the typical self-declaration of being a #1 Canucks fan or a religious coffee-drinker with only Tim Hortons, I think there’s a vast grey area that has yet to be determined when it comes to questioning our Canadian identity. This grey area applies to many people, particularly those of immigrant families. I’m personally low-key struggling with an identity crisis, but I also think the beauty lies within the process of figuring it all out one step at a time, so I’ve decided to observe, absorb, and enjoy as much of it as I can. Do you share the same feelings, too?
Best,
Sandra
Hey Sandra,
I have come to appreciate the lack of ‘fixed standards’ behind our national identity, particularly because of the high number of immigrants that come to Canada. I feel that this gives people the freedom to bring their culture to Canada, and allows for their own definition of what it means to be Canadian. So in short, I agree with you, I think that it’s advantageous that everyone has differing definitions as it allows for a dialogue, and a more inclusive narrative of identity.
Hi Julia,
Nice to meet you! I enjoyed reading your introduction.This type of class setting is also new to me as well, but in a weird way I think we might all get to know each other a little better than we could in a physical classroom setting.
I was reading about the experiences you faced travelling and it reminded me of something I went through myself. I think I also had a similar national identity crisis. I still don’t know if the root of that (for me at least) is based in that I don’t see Canada as having one distinct national narrative, or if it’s that it was the first time I had been on the outside looking in, and trying to make sense of what I saw.
I think that ‘lack of a fixed definition’ is part of it – and I’m excited to dive into the class readings to flesh out that idea. There’s so much more to Canada than the idea of the cultural mosaic.
Hey Ashley,
Glad I’m not alone in being new to this, and you’re right, we get to read through a lot of each others’ thoughts which might prove to be more intimate than a physical classroom. That didn’t really even occur to me, haha.
Right, it’s a bit unsettling when someone asks you what your country’s like and it’s difficult to find the words! It’s probably difficult for people all around the world, but I suppose it’s something one needs to come to terms with when travelling. I’m also looking forward to seeing if and how my opinions on Canada changes throughout the semester.