The Purpose of Stories
6. Write a summary of three significant points that you find most interesting in the final chapter of If This is Your Land, Where are Your Stories?
In J. Edward Chamberlin’s novel, “If This is Your Land, Where are Your Stories?”, the author introduces what I believe is a very useful tool or springboard for dialogue through the need for stories which are based on history, but serve the purpose of fostering commonalities. In recent Canadian news, the Conservative majority rejected a bill which was viewed to be beneficial towards dialogue with First Nations and general Canadian law. After reading the novel, in particular the last chapter, I believe that Chamberlin raises important issues and provides useful insight into bridging gaps within communication which is highly applicable to a multitude of circumstances.
Firstly, Chamberlin notes that “the notion of contradictory truths is troubling” (221). I believe this is one of the most central points to the novel- the issues that surround perspectives and perception have been said to potentially be the source of major conflict, in this case reflected upon misunderstandings which surface between inhabitants of land. Chamberlin suggests that instead of two ‘truths’ that there are two ‘stories’, which are rich and deep in meaning to each beholder (222). I believe that Chamberlin’s notion to possess open-mindedness and to be receptive is ultimately and evidently necessary in the climate of politics today and is not solely restricted to relations held with First Nations. It is thus highly applicable in order to prevent a ‘clash’ of any form.
Secondly, Chamberlin states that the most important agreement for individuals or collective groups, is the one possessed between each other (226). This echoes the sentiments of Huntington’s work that mutual understanding needs to be forged between. For this, Chamberlin summarizes as the need for mutual respect (227). Chamberlin suggests that instead of simply adopting or practicing that of the other, one should learn to understand the prevalence of differences, which I believe are indeed hard or impossible to eliminate in our diverse worlds. As such, his sentiments once again resonate on a broader scale of global politics.
Lastly, Chamberlin writes in an impressive manner, stating that his “book has modest ambition” (239). Adopting a similar writing fashion as a famous slave narrative, Chamberlin’s humble attitude most definitely allows the reader to empathize with his sentiments, and opens one up to accepting the broad range of ‘ceremonies’ as practiced by variant cultures, and that the differences in themselves are what separates individuals, yet forms identities for groups and is thus a necessity (239-240). I believe what Chamberlin is trying to say at the end of the novel is that there are inevitable differences which exist and they have to be embraced, and similarly included in our understanding of the world in order to be able to accommodate one another and avoid a ‘clash’.
Through Chamberlin’s novel, a concept of a basis for mutual respect and understanding can be forged through the various stories which fill its contents. Reflecting upon this work as well as this course in general, I believe that perhaps there is hope towards the preservation of the rich history of Canada as well as the progression of the nation towards globalization through the tenets Chamberlin advocates for. Furthermore, in the discussion of relationships between First Nations and Canadian Law, I believe Chamberlin’s ideas have implications on a long and ongoing protest which calls on the need for dialogue and understanding. An inspiring novel, it can be read as one which creates insight for politics on a larger global scale.
Idle No More Protests
Works Cited
Chamberlin, Edward J. If This Is Your Land, Where Are Your Stories? Finding Common Ground. Toronto: Vintage Ground. 2004. Print.
Equiano, Olaudah. The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, The African, Written by Himself. The Gutenberg Project. 17 March 2005. Web. 22 May 2015.
Huntington, Samuel P.. “The Clash of Civilizations?” Foreign Affairs Online. Summer 1993. Web. 22 May 2015.
Lum, Zi-Ann. “Tories Kill Bill Urging ‘Harmony’ Between Canadian Law and First Nations’.”Huffington Post Canada. 7 May 2015. Web. 21 May 2015.
Hi Debra!
I enjoyed reading your post. Chamberlin’s emphasis on “two truths” or “two stories” was also a concept that resonated with me. His rearrangement of the saying “believe it or not” to “believe it and not” (221) encapsulates the possibility of having two systems of belief that do not cancel one another out, but rather- although contradictory- are nonetheless able to co-exist in our understanding of the world. I think this way of thinking cautions against the possibility of superimposing our worldview onto that of another person’s worldview, or of discounting other systems of belief as less valid than ours because they are not “true” by our cultural standards of truth.
You referenced Huntington’s “The Clash of Civilization?” in your post. Have you ever read Edward Said’s response to Huntington’s article? It’s an interesting critique of Huntington’s article.
http://www.thenation.com/article/clash-ignorance
Hi Laura!
Great picking out that difference between ‘or’ and ‘and’. Chamberlain manages to use very subtle but meaningful changes to language to reiterate his point and I believe that in itself is very impactful! Yes I have read Sais’s response! Thank you for posting it up here!
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Debra,
I really enjoyed your summarization of Chamberlin’s novel I think it was very successful in bringing to light the argument presented, it definitely helped me clarify some of the concepts I was struggling with. I also noted the “two stories” instead of “two truths” and I would argue this is exactly the way in which the depletion of the “Us and Them” mentality will begin. I agree with your argument that this is one of the most important ideas brought forth by Chamberlin. I did however hesitate a little with the optimism about the global progression through the arguments Chamberlin presents, I agree that it is a great starting point, but Chamberlin himself argues that a side effect of the globalization of our day is that people can go into overdrive and create even worse “Us and Them” mentalities as the concept of home grows stronger (4). I guess what I am asking you is do you see our world moving in a more optimistic direction or more towards even worse distinctions and judgements? There are so many cases of both sides so I personally can’t say which way I see the world going, I hope in the right direction, but there are no clear signs. I think you presented a really strong point and I really enjoyed reading your post, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Erica
Work Cited
Chamberlin, Edward J. If This Is Your Land, Where Are Your Stories? Finding Common Ground. Toronto: Vintage Ground. 2004. Print.
Hi Erica,
Thank you for your reply! Sadly to say I think it is so hard to make any form of sweeping statements, I think you are definitely correct in saying that Chamberlin’s points are a good catalyst but not a tangible long term ‘plan’ per se. I think in order to eliminate the ‘us and them’ mentality, or perhaps simply to better deal with it, there needs to be more effort placed in understanding and accepting differences, perhaps finding means to not perpetuate but embrace them. Of course this is an idealistic world model and might not be too realistic… I hope we can all stay optimists in this challenge which is faced not just in Canada but on a more global level as well!
🙂
Hi Debra! I enjoyed reading through your post. Whilst reading through, I noticed a common theme about the three topics you chose to write about, from the last chapter of Chamberlain’s book. Referring to your conclusion, you mention that Chamberlain portrays his facts in a manner of mutual respect and understanding. Upon reading Chamberlain’s book, I agree there is a sentiment of that allows readers to become more open to these sensitive topics about Canadian history. Chamberlain does so in an approach, which is extremely respectful and humble (as you mention). There is also an appeal of un-biasedness, which is a tactic that politicians and citizens in our own country could adopt. You did a good job by shedding light on Chamberlain’s gentle approach of historical topics, which have been swept under the rug for so long. The common theme of mutual respect and understanding that Chamberlain’s portrays through his writing is extremely evident in the final chapter of the book; would you agree that he aids readers to sympathize and with change? Would you recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Canadian history, and learning to become more open minded about other culture’s perspectives?
-Arianne LaBoissonniere