Analysis of Multiculturalism in Canada - Essay Example

Multiculturalism in Canada This is refers to the act of relating or constituting several ethnic or cultural groups. It is understood best neither as a political discipline nor a philosophical school with a theory of the man’s place in the world but on a way of viewing the human life. It has three central insights. First, humans are culturally embedded in that they are brought up and live within a culturally structured world and they are in a position to organize their social relations and lives with regard to a culturally derived system of meaning and significance (Tierney). Second, different cultures are a representation of different systems of meanings and visions of good life. This means that each culture needs other cultures to help it have a better understanding of itself and expand its intellectual horizon hence saving it from narcissism. Thirdly, each culture is plural internally and in a great way reflects a continuing conversation between its strands of thought and different traditions. Canada is among the increasingly ethnically and culturally diverse nation. The major response to the diversity is the official multiculturalism which was introduced in the early 1970s. Despite the fact that multiculturalism is almost 40 years old, it nevertheless remains one of the highly controversial and debated issue in the country (Tierney). This paper analyses the various symbiotic derivatives with regard to the Canadian multiculturalism include issues of racism, ethnic and cultural diversity, belonging, immigration, colonization, and hegemonic power. Canada is a country of immigrants who have in a great way altered the ethnic makeup. This makes it a constitution of wide array of various group with own social and political practices. The pattern of immigration has led to diversity in ethnicity and culture. It has also resulted in cultural and ethnic discrimination which has been a major drawback. These ideas relates to a monument or cultural space in Ottawa which is manifested in various spaces in the country which include: The Parliament buildings This space helps us to understand the national and regional identity through the stone carvings on the parliament hill. The country has the only Parliament buildings in the world where the stone carving is still in application continuously. This is a unique feature that helps us identify the parliament of Canada. The peace tower has more than 350 carvings. The parliament does not explain the various cultures associated with specific art work. The parliament has been undergoing various renovations even though the process is difficult and expensive when the building is still in use. Through this, the government has played a great part in giving the Canada’s parliament a facelift to ensure that it is well maintained through renovations (Tierney). Many people take guided tours in the various blocks especially the center block. Visitors can watch the action when the house of common is in sitting from the galleries while a guide explains key activities and players. This has made very popular and hence people feel connected to it. The parliament building is therefore a good representation of the culture of the country through the stone and wood carvings of the fauna and flora images among others. These present a good manifestation of the different culture that is appreciated by every citizen in the country. An exhibit at the National Gallery This gallery will be the first in the world to exhibit Caravaggio paintings which was lost long ago and rediscovered in 2010. This was a genuine work by an Italian hence a good manifestation of multiculturalism. The gallery has various exhibitions of French artists and embellishing architectural decorations and ornaments of an Italian architect. This is a manifestation of the combination of the various cultures achieved through the immigration (Tierney). The gallery was designed by the architect Moshe Safdie and houses the Canada’s rich art collection. People feel a connection to it since it explores the world’s extensive collection of the Canadian art. It offers in a broad way a journey of exploration via the imagination of the Canadian artists. The gallery in granite and glass reflects the rich diversity of the Canada’s heritage and culture and thus making it appealing to the people in the world. The War Museum This houses resourceful information regarding the military history of Canada through collection of artifacts, works of art, personal stories and photography. The combination of the various military techniques from different cultures makes them accumulate resourceful and a lot of war materials in the museums and this had made them have a strong military force. With its rich architecture, the museum provides a spectacular setting for the various exhibitions, public programs and events which illustrate in a clear way how human conflict has really changed the face of the world. They are well maintained by the state as a preservation of the countries culture so that the generation to come can learn much about their country. People find the museum appealing since they are in a position to learn the Canada’s contribution in the First World War that led to international recognition, growing anatomy but at a great cost and hence empowering them to learn the effects of colonialism in the country. The Ottawa City Art Gallery This is a great place in Canada where one can experience theatre, art and music. It has a broad option to choose from depending on a person’s interests, age and season. The gallery houses the 20th century Canadian art which comprise of the firestone collection as well as other contemporary collection (Tierney). It offers a good environment for creative Sundays that are held there and citizens enjoy new experiences of Canadian art hence helping us understand its national identity. It is located in a structure of granite and glass that was designed by the celebrated architect Moshe. It has been well maintained and renovated and therefore it is a beautiful place to go for tours. The people a connection to the gallery since it has a growing collection of works that are associated with the country. It houses the Firestone collection of the Canadian art which is clearly presented through various changing exhibitions comprising of 1600 works of art that were assembled by Ottawa collectors Isobel and O.J. Many families drive there to discover various artworks and artists. The location is also a major factor that appeals to many people in the county. The above spaces are present a perfect representation of the various derivatives that contributes to multiculturalism. The various spaces present a collection of the various art works of different people having different culture. The adoption of the different culture develops and emerges with a unique art work. This has been contributed by the ethnic and cultural diversity of the county. Multiculturalism has made the country to accrue many benefits and therefore should be highly encouraged and adopted. Reference Tierney. S, (2007). Multiculturalism and the Canadian Constitution, UBC Press. Read More