Mar.4 Questions
by C. Kwon ~ March 4th, 2011. Filed under: Notes.Stein, Searching for Equality (pp.1-22)
1) Would you agree with Stein’s observation that de-politicization of multiculturalism is stemming from Canadians’ accommodation into a pluralistic society? Is the word ‘tolerance’ used to characterize Canadians because people often have to maintain a impartial position or even be indifferent about the clashes between their moral values and respect for diversity? Is this conscious/good-intended/polite ignorance what sustains the current Canadian multiculturalism?
2) Stein argues that Canada is in the phase of “easy multiculturalism”, which raises “no hard questions at all”. Is politicization of multiculturalism necessary for a transition into a “deep multiculturalism”?
3) Should Canada outline a set of national-wide shared values and expect citizens to abide by it, or would such imposition of rules infringe on the respect for values that are unique to various religious/cultural groups? Who’s moral ruler are we using?
Small group discussion:
4) While Stein states “multiculturalism in Canada is inclusive, rather than exclusionary”, she later states that cultural and religious communities tend to form “closed patterns of associations” that hinders “opportunity to talk across cultures”. By including your reflections on professor Toope’s strategic plan and the dialogue with the representatives of cultural clubs at UBC, how would you plan a curriculum at UBC that would foster cross-cultural learning experience? (Give concrete examples)
Kymlicka, Disentangling the Debate (pp.137-155)
1) Where do you feel the line is drawn between political correctness and being too careful? Do you think that when you have to be too careful of what you say in order to avoid offending someone, it is in its own way an insult?
2) How do you feel about the idea of certain organizations picking and choosing their teachings? (ie. religious schools not teaching about contraception/sex education) How do you think that relates to multiculturalism?
3) Why do you think it is that second generation Canadian immigrants still don’t feel Canadian? How long do you think this takes? Are there any factors that may change this?