SCS part 2

What are the three Tier-1 types of superficial tolerance?

A) Labelling – Reducing cultures to simplistic or stereotyped identities
B) Segregating – Keeping cultural groups separate instead of integrating
C) Scapegoating – Blaming cultural minorities for societal issues

What is shallow multiculturalism?

A superficial approach to diversity that celebrates food, flags, and festivals but avoids addressing structural inequalityor meaningful integration.

What are the risks of shallow multiculturalism?

• It allows tokenism

• Reinforces stereotypes

• Can be used to blame multiculturalism for social problems without acknowledging systemic issues

How is multiculturalism blamed for social ills in the media?

multiculturalism causes segregation, radicalization, or a breakdown of national identity, using immigrant communities as scapegoats for broader economic and political issues.

Who is Anders Breivik, and what did he hate?

A far-right Norwegian terrorist who killed 77 people in 2011. He expressed hatred toward:
A) Multiculturalism
B) Islam
C) Liberals

What does Breivik’s case show about the dangers of misrepresenting multiculturalism?

It demonstrates how fear-mongering about diversity can fuel violent extremism and justify authoritarian, exclusionary ideologies.

Why is multiculturalism not a threat, especially in Canada?

• Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects cultural expression

• Evidence shows high rates of integration, low crime in immigrant communities

• Canada promotes official multiculturalism as a national value

What’s the key takeaway from Lecture 10?

True multiculturalism requires deep structural inclusion, not just symbolic gestures. Superficial tolerance is unstable and can backfire if not accompanied by justice, equity, and dialogue.

What characterizes Mark Steyn’s brand of Islamophobia?

• Portraying Islam as inherently violent and incompatible with Western democracy

• Promoting demographic fears (e.g., "Muslim takeover")

• Encouraging distrust and hostility toward Muslim immigration

How is Bill Maher’s Islamophobia different from traditional right-wing Islamophobia?

He presents a left-wing critique that frames Islam as oppressive, dangerous, and inherently intolerant—using progressive language to justify broad generalizations about Muslims.

What do empirical studies generally say about Muslim views of ISIS?

Research shows the overwhelming majority of Muslims globally reject ISIS, viewing it as extremist, violent, and unrepresentative of Islam.

According to research, how do most Muslims view violence against civilians?

Most Muslims strongly oppose violence against civilians, with clear majorities condemning terrorism and extremist violence across numerous global surveys.

What does the Environics Institute’s Survey of Muslims in Canada (2016) reveal?

• Canadian Muslims strongly identify with Canada

• High levels of pride in Canadian identity

• Strong rejection of extremism and violence

What are demographic trends of Muslim populations in Western nations like the U.S., Canada, and Europe?

Muslim populations are growing moderately due to immigration and birth rates but remain relatively small minorities (e.g., around 1–5% in most Western nations).

What is the "Sanctity of Life" ethos?

The belief that life is inherently valuable and must always be preserved, regardless of circumstances or quality of life.

What are the three normative assumptions of the Sanctity of Life ethos?

1. Life is intrinsically valuable.

2. All life is equally valuable.

3. Human life must be preserved under all circumstances.

What are the modern exceptions to the Sanctity of Life ethos?

• Allowing withdrawal of life-support systems

• Acceptance of "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) orders

• Limited acceptance of assisted dying or euthanasia in specific jurisdictions

What is the "Quality of Life" ethos?

The belief that life’s value depends on factors like dignity, autonomy, freedom from pain, and personal happiness—not merely its biological continuation.

What are the three normative assumptions of the Quality of Life ethos?

1. Life’s value is relative and can diminish based on conditions.

2. Individuals have the right to choose to end life when quality is severely compromised.

3. Autonomy and individual preferences should guide end-of-life decisions.

What key ethical debates arise from these two ethoses (Sanctity vs. Quality)?

• Euthanasia and assisted dying

• Withdrawal of medical treatments

• Patient autonomy vs. medical responsibility

• Defining acceptable conditions for ending life

How do supporters of Sanctity of Life view assisted dying?

They typically oppose it, believing it undermines society’s fundamental commitment to protecting human life unconditionally.

How do supporters of the Quality of Life ethos view euthanasia or assisted dying?

They generally support it, believing individuals have the right to choose dignified death when their life no longer meets their own standards of quality.

Why do debates around Sanctity vs. Quality of Life become legally and ethically complex?

They involve balancing personal autonomy, societal values, ethical medical practice, and diverse religious or cultural beliefs.

What was significant about the Nancy B. (1992) case in Canada?

Nancy B., suffering from a debilitating disease, fought legally and won the right to have life-support withdrawn, highlighting patient autonomy in medical decisions.

What ethical issue was central to the Rodriguez case?

Do suffering individuals have the right to physician-assisted suicide, challenging Canada’s previous prohibition on assisted dying?

Why is the Robert Latimer case notable in discussions of assisted dying?

He euthanized his severely disabled daughter, sparking national debates on mercy killing, compassion, and ethical boundaries regarding caregivers making life-ending decisions.

What was the Supreme Court ruling in Carter v. Canada (2015)?

It legalized physician-assisted dying under specific circumstances, recognizing Canadians' right to dignity and autonomy in end-of-life choices.

Which principle guided the Supreme Court’s decision in Carter v. Canada?

The right to personal autonomy, dignity, and relief from intolerable suffering as a fundamental human right.

According to J. Brian Scott, what is consciousness?

Dynamic, universal energy intentionally shaped into form; all physical and non-physical matter.

What is "softening the hardening of categories"?

Remaining open-minded, sharing and reconsidering beliefs, and being receptive to feedback to expand one's understanding.

What does Dr. David Hawkins’ Map of Consciousness describe?

the progression from negative emotional states (like fear, shame) to higher states (such as joy, love, enlightenment).

What does "moving up the ladder" in consciousness entail?

Advancing from subconscious reactions toward universal or cosmic awareness, thus achieving greater emotional and spiritual growth.

What is supercoherence?

The harmonious operation of universal principles, where distance is irrelevant, and all systems naturally align for greater collective good.

What is the "ripple effect" in consciousness theory?

Individual actions create widespread impacts; positive intentions ripple outward influencing broader outcomes.

How do perceptions and beliefs influence outcomes according to Scott?

Beliefs and perceptions subconsciously shape reality—"thoughts become things," thus directly influencing personal and collective outcomes.

How can negative attitudes (fear, doubt, hate) be transformed?

By consciously shifting them into positive states (faith, hope, love), creating improved life conditions and outcomes.

What does "transforming ego into spirit" mean practically?

Replacing selfish individual control with collaborative cooperation and collective benefit in community or organizational contexts.

According to Scott, how should leadership operate in transformed systems?

Through demonstrating values-driven behavior at all levels, embracing teamwork, providing recognition, and developing internal talent.

What is the "nutshell" concept in communication and consciousness?

Summarizing complex ideas into clear, actionable insights, enabling focused action and tangible progress.

What is the significance of "raising vibrational levels"?

Higher vibrations (emotional, intellectual, spiritual) lead to higher-quality outcomes and richer, more fulfilling life experiences.

What major Canadian case significantly shaped abortion law?

R. v. Morgentaler (1988), where Canada's Supreme Court struck down restrictive abortion laws as unconstitutional.

Why was the R. v. Morgentaler decision important?

It recognized women's autonomy over their bodies, removing criminal penalties for abortion in Canada.

What is the historical trend of abortion laws in the U.K., U.S., and Canada?

A gradual shift from restrictive, criminalized abortion towards recognition of reproductive rights and legal protections for choice

How did the United States historically influence abortion debates globally?

Through cases like Roe v. Wade (1973), which legalized abortion and inspired reproductive rights activism worldwide.

What role does the Religious Right play in abortion debates in America?

They advocate strongly against abortion based on religious/moral grounds, significantly shaping political debates and policies.

What are Rick Santorum’s views on abortion?

He opposes abortion entirely, viewing it as morally wrong and supporting restrictive laws.

What stance has Alabama Governor Kay Ivey taken regarding abortion?

She strongly opposes abortion rights and supports strict laws, including laws effectively banning nearly all abortions in Alabama.

How do these abortion debates illustrate tensions in liberal democratic societies?

They highlight conflicts between individual autonomy, moral/religious beliefs, and state intervention.

How does Canada's abortion approach differ from the U.S. post-Morgentaler?

Canada has no federal abortion law, relying instead on medical standards and accessibility policies, unlike the contentious legislative battles in the U.S.

What broader societal issues does abortion debate often intersect with?

Women's rights, religious freedoms, healthcare access, socioeconomic inequalities, and governmental authority.

What are the three feminist paradigms on prostitution?

• Oppression paradigm: Prostitution exploits and harms women.

• Empowerment paradigm: Prostitution can empower women through autonomy and financial independence.

• Polymorphous paradigm: Prostitution experiences vary widely, thus neither universally oppressive nor empowering.

What is the viewpoint of Radical Feminists and Conservatives regarding prostitution?

They view prostitution as inherently violent and oppressive, objectifying women. They argue laws should target male demand rather than the prostitutes.

How do Liberal Feminists and Academics view prostitution?

As legitimate "sex work," emphasiziAs legitimate "sex work," emphasizing autonomy, consent, and advocating for decriminalization to enhance safety and rights for sex workers.

What was the significance of the Bedford Case in Canada?

It struck down several Canadian laws restricting prostitution, emphasizing sex workers’ rights to safety and autonomy, leading to legal reforms toward safer work conditions.

What were the findings of sociologists Barbara Brents and Ronald Weitzer on prostitution?

Their research suggests legalized and regulated prostitution (e.g., Nevada's brothels) creates safer conditions, reducing violence, exploitation, and harm to sex workers.

Why would some still lobby for criminalizing prostitution, despite evidence suggesting decriminalization is safer

Primarily due to moral, ethical, or ideological beliefs—often viewing prostitution as inherently exploitative and harmful regardless of legal contexts.

What broader legal and cultural shift is Canada experiencing, as evidenced by cases like R. v. Labaye (2005)

A shift from perfectionism toward liberalism, emphasizing individual autonomy and privacy over moral judgments imposed by society or government.

What are the key academic arguments for polygamy (Lori G. Beaman)?

• Advocates personal and religious freedom

• Argues polygamy can be consensual and non-exploitative if properly regulated

• Suggests criminalization infringes on cultural/religious rights

What are the key academic arguments against polygamy (Stephen Kent)?

• Highlights inherent power imbalances and exploitation, especially of women and children

• Notes psychological and social harms within polygamous communities

• Argues it conflicts with gender equality and Canadian values

Where is modern polygamy prominently practiced in Canada?

Bountiful, British Columbia—known for Fundamentalist Mormon communities practicing plural marriage.

What does media coverage (e.g., National Post’s article) generally argue regarding polygamy?

That polygamy inherently leads to abuses and exploitation, and there is "no such thing as good polygamy."

Why is polygamy controversial within Canadian multicultural policy?

It challenges Canada’s commitment to gender equality and individual rights, creating tension between respecting religious freedom and preventing exploitation

How does the Canadian legal system currently address polygamy?

Polygamy remains illegal, reaffirmed by Canadian courts due to its perceived harms, despite arguments emphasizing religious and cultural freedom.

What is cosmopolitanism?

A philosophy advocating global citizenship, emphasizing openness, inclusivity, respect for diversity, and moral responsibility beyond national boundaries.

What are the key traits of a cosmopolitan?

• Open-mindedness

• Curiosity about different cultures

• Ethical commitment to universal human rights

• Appreciation for global diversity

What characterizes the antithesis of cosmopolitanism?

• Closed-mindedness

• Intolerance or prejudice towards outsiders

• Extreme nationalism or xenophobia

• Lack of empathy for global or diverse perspectives

What are the four tenets of a cosmopolitan education?

• Cultivating global awareness

• Encouraging empathy and understanding across cultural divides

• Promoting ethical responsibility towards humanity

• Fostering critical thinking and openness to dialogue

What does Megan Phelps-Roper’s TED Talk illustrate about cosmopolitanism?

The transformative power of engaging respectfully and openly with opposing views, leading individuals from intolerance toward cosmopolitan openness.

What does the HuffPost article, "Know Thy Neighbor as Thyself," argue regarding cosmopolitanism?

That genuine engagement and empathy toward different cultures or individuals fosters greater understanding, social cohesion, and ethical responsibility.

How does cosmopolitanism differ from multiculturalism?

Cosmopolitanism goes beyond recognizing cultural differences—it emphasizes active engagement, global ethics, and responsibility toward all humanity.

Why is cosmopolitanism increasingly important in today's world?

Because of globalization, interconnected global challenges (like climate change, migration), and the ethical need to cooperate across cultures and nations.

What outcomes does a cosmopolitan approach aim to achieve?

Greater empathy, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and collaborative solutions to global issues.

What argument did Anders Breivik use to justify his violent attacks?

He claimed to be preventing "Muslim demographic warfare," seeing multiculturalism as a direct threat to European identity.

What is the primary difference between sanctity of life and quality of life ethos regarding end-of-life decisions?

• Sanctity of life: Life is always sacred; no intentional hastening of death.

• Quality of life: Individuals can ethically choose death based on personal suffering and autonomy.

What does Scott highlight as the current threats to free expression in the USA?

Increasing censorship in libraries, the attack on critical race theory, and ideological divisions threatening democratic debate.

What key historical examples did J. Brian Scott use to illustrate civil rights struggles?

• Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott

• Bloody Sunday march in Selma

• Assassinations of JFK, Bobby Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.

What topic did Lisa Westall specialize in?

She specializes in accessing and interpreting the Akashic Records, a concept of universal consciousness storing all human experiences.

According to Lisa Westall, what do the Akashic Records represent?

A universal "library" of energy or recordings of every event, thought, and experience ever occurring.