Visions of National Identity: To What Extent Should We Embrace Nationalism?

Visions of National Identity and the Role of Jane Ash Poitras

  • Jane Ash Poitras Mural: Jane Ash Poitras, a Cree-Chipewyan artist from Alberta, created the mural titled Those Who Share Together, Stay Together.

    • Dimensions: The artwork measures 3.7 metres×4.3 metres3.7\,metres \times 4.3\,metres.

    • Artistic Vision: The mural presents Poitras’s view of Canada’s history and her hopes for the country’s future.

    • Inspiration and Symbolism:

      • Poitras views Canada as part of "Mother Earth."

      • The central section depicts the Canadian landscape, featuring Qu bec as the heart of the country and the Maritimes as the birthplace.

      • Native elements are integrated into provincial shields at the top.

      • A Qu bec Montagnais design is used for the Qu bec portion of the mural.

    • Philosophy on Living Together: Poitras advocates for being "colour blind," stating she sees herself as a person rather than specifically a "Native artist." She emphasizes valuing others' heritage and beliefs regardless of race.

  • Exhibit Context: The mural was created in 1997 for the art gallery of the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. It was part of an exhibit titled Telling Stories: Narratives of Nationhood.

    • Purpose of Exhibit: The gallery posits that Canadian identity—encompassing individuals, communities, and regions—cannot be told through a single story, as relationships among communities are constantly evolving.

Understandings of Nation and National Identity

  • Fundamental Definition: National identity is generally a group identity based on linguistic, ethnic, cultural, religious, geographic, spiritual, or political understandings of nation, or a combination thereof.

  • Case Study: Japan:

    • Civic and Ethnic Nationhood: Japan is viewed as a civic nation due to its parliamentary government and civil law system. However, most citizens share common racial, cultural, religious traits, and the Japanese language.

    • Evolution of Identity: For centuries, identity was tied to regional feudal lords. A unified national identity emerged in the 19th century to counter invasion threats.

    • Education and Patriotism: Patriotism is historically central; in 2006, a law was passed requiring teachers to evaluate students' level of patriotism and interest in traditional culture.

    • Extremism in Media: While most Japanese condemn them, some modern manga books like The 100 Crimes of China and Why We Should Hate South Korea encourage hatred of other cultures.

  • Case Study: Tibet:

    • Identity Foundation: Based on Buddhism (since the eighth century), the Tibetan language, and ancient cultural traditions.

    • Demographic Shifts: By 2008, an influx of ethnic Chinese settlers changed the population makeup. Tibetan leaders estimate ethnic Chinese now outnumber ethnic Tibetans, complicating the nation's ability to self-determine its evolution.

    • Jokhang Temple: A 1300-year-old Buddhist shrine in Lhasa where pilgrims may travel for years on foot, signifying the deep spiritual roots of Tibetan national identity.

Pluralism, Diversity, and Cosmopolitanism

  • Global Migration: By 2008, global migration reached record highs, leading to diverse backgrounds in countries like Canada and the United States.

  • Pluralistic Society: A society that respects diversity, assuming it benefits everyone. It grants cultures, religions, and languages a degree of self-determination.

  • Cosmopolitanism:

    • Definition: A "well-travelled" individual who knows many cultures and borrows, adopts, and adapts values from them.

    • Civic Nationalism Connection: Michael Ignatieff suggests a cosmopolitan, post-nationalist spirit depends on the ability of nation-states to provide security and civility.

    • Example: Amartya Sen: A Nobel Prize-winning economist born in India who has worked globally (currently at Harvard). In his book Identity and Violence, he argues that human identity is inescapably plural and that freedom of choice is key to balancing conflicting national identities.

Pluralism and Conflict in Britain

  • Demographics (2001 Census): Over 7.5 %7.5\,\% of the British population was born outside the country.

  • Social Concerns: Some fear that immigration strains public services or changes traditional British identity, especially when immigrants reside in ethnic enclaves outside the "mainstream."

  • Security and Integration:

    • July 2005 Bombings: Four men (three British citizens of Pakistani descent, one from Jamaica) bombed London subways and a bus, killing 52 and injuring 770.

    • Consequences: The British Commission for Racial Equality warned that the society was becoming more divided.

    • Government Response: New citizenship tests were developed to ensure potential citizens understand British history, laws, and customs.

  • British Residents Born Abroad Statistics (2001):

    • Australia: 106,404 (91% employed)

    • Bangladesh: 154,201 (43% employed)

    • Canada: 70,145 (83% employed)

    • Germany: 262,276 (69% employed)

    • India: 466,416 (66% employed)

    • Italy: 107,002 (73% employed)

    • Iraq: 32,251 (38% employed)

    • Kenya: 129,356 (61% employed)

    • Pakistan: 320,767 (44% employed)

    • South Africa: 140,201 (82% employed)

    • United States: 155,030 (68% employed)

Historic and Modern Visions of Canada

  • Thomas D’Arcy McGee: A Father of Confederation who stated in 1867 that Canada would remain safe as long as it respected the rights of minorities (tongue and creed).

  • Wilfrid Laurier: The first Francophone Prime Minister (1896–1911) compared Canada to a cathedral, where distinct elements (marble, granite, oak) remain unique but combine to build a great nation.

  • Civic Nationhood: Canada is often defined as a civic nation where national identity is based on shared values expressed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (part of the Constitution).

  • Public Opinion (2008 Survey by CTV/The Globe and Mail):

    • 88 %88\,\% of respondents believe their community welcomes visible minorities.

    • 61 %61\,\% overall (and 72 %72\,\% in Qu bec) felt Canada was doing "too much" to help visible minorities adjust.

    • Edward Greenspon: Notes a "new nationalism" that allows individuals to maintain ethnic identities while belonging to a larger group.

  • Choosing a Spouse (2003 CRIC Survey): Respondents ranked factors for choosing a spouse. Shared attitudes toward family/children and moral values were highest; shared ethnic background was considered the least important factor.

Regional Diversity and Media in Alberta

  • Population Growth: Alberta’s population grew by 10.6 %10.6\,\% between 2001 and 2006 (compared to Canada's 5.4 %5.4\,\%).

    • In 2001, 6.9 %6.9\,\% of immigrants to Canada chose Alberta; by 2006, this rose to 9.3 %9.3\,\%.

    • Interprovincial migration added over 88,00088,000 people.

  • Economic Benefits of Diversity: Example of Westend Suzuki, an Edmonton car dealership in 2007, where staff spoke English, French, and 13 other languages including Mandarin, Punjabi, Italian, Cantonese, Hindi, Spanish, Scottish Gaelic, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Dutch, and Filipino.

  • Media and Stereotypes: Zarqa Nawaz, creator of Little Mosque on the Prairie, uses humor to break down stereotypes about Muslims in Canada.

    • Works: BBQ Muslims (short comedy), Me and the Mosque (documentary).

    • Philosophy: Nawaz believes successfully balancing her Canadian and Islamic identities proves pluralism works.

Aboriginal Perspectives: A Nation of Nations

  • The League of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy): Pre-European contact alliance established for protection and trade.

    • Nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca. The Tuscarora joined in the early 1700s (forming the Six Nations).

    • Governance: Guided by Gayanashagowa (The Great Binding Law/Constitution), passed orally. Decisions were based on consensus among the 50 chiefs.

  • Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996):

    • Defined Canada as a "nation of nations."

    • Proposed three orders of government: federal, provincial/territorial, and Aboriginal.

    • Alan C. Cairns: Noted that interaction in a multinational federation should be nation-to-nation rather than just citizen-to-state.

  • Current Challenges:

    • Indian Act: Remains in force.

    • Land Claims: Over 800 specific claims remained unsettled in 2008.

    • Assembly of First Nations (AFN): In 2006, the AFN gave the federal government a "failing mark" for progress on the 1996 commission's recommendations.

  • Residential School Apology: On June 11, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a historic apology for the abuse and cultural destruction caused by residential schools. Survivors Marguerite Wabano (age 104) and Crystal Merasty (age 19) were present in the House of Commons.

The Qu b cois Nation and Reasonable Accommodation

  • Political Landscape:

    • Parti Qu b cois (PQ): Placed third in 2007; leader Pauline Marois later pledged to focus on debate regarding sovereignty and French-language preservation rather than immediate referendums.

    • ADQ (Action D mocratique du Qu bec): Under Mario Dumont, became the official opposition in 2007, supporting greater self-determination but not outright sovereignty.

  • Reasonable Accommodation Issue: Emerged as a debate over how far Qu bec should go to accommodate minority cultures.

    • H rouxville: The town council adopted a strict code of conduct for immigrants in 2007, despite no immigrants living there.

    • Bouchard-Taylor Commission: Established by Premier Jean Charest to investigate the issue. The report stated collective life wasn't in crisis but emphasized adapting to a diverse society.

  • Asymmetrical Federalism: A model where provinces/territories exercise different degrees of control based on linguistic/cultural needs (e.g., Qu bec’s increased control over immigration). Some argue this undermines provincial equality; others see it as essential for national survival.

Challenges to Canadian Unity and Identity

  • National Divisions: Historical precedents include India, which split into India and Pakistan, and later Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan).

    • Internal Separation Movements: Qu bec sovereignists and the weaker Western separation movement.

  • North American Integration:

    • Commonalities: Shared language (English), lifestyle, media, and sports.

    • Security (Post-9/11): The border shifted from being "undefended" to having armed patrols, surveillance, and the NEXUS card program for low-risk travelers.

    • Binational Planning Group (2002): Goal to increase cooperation in foreign policy, defense (maritime surveillance, shared intelligence), and a bilateral pact allowing troops to cross borders for emergencies.

    • Opposition: Francophone students (like Jean) fear absorption into an Anglophone majority; Indigenous perspectives (like Ovide Mercredi) warn of loss of sovereignty akin to colonization.

Canada in a Globalized World

  • Global Citizenship: A model moving away from traditional nationalism toward responsibility to the whole world, as advocated by figures like Keen Sung at the Global Youth Assembly.

  • Challenges of the Middle Power: Canadians often value their reputation in peacekeeping and foreign aid.

    • Jeffrey Sachs: Criticized Canada in 2008 for a lack of leadership on global poverty, hunger, and climate change.

    • Neil Bissoondath: Argues Canada carries "little weight in the world" today compared to post-WWII years.

    • Janice Gross Stein: Suggests immigrant networks are valuable channels for Canada to project its voice internationally.

  • Symbolism and Memory:

    • Vimy Ridge: Viewed by many as where Canada "found a place on the world stage."

    • Environmental stewardship: Protecting places like Gros Morne National Park.

    • Diversity and Equality: Appointing David Onley (who had a disability) as Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario in 2007.

Questions & Discussion

  • Mural Interpretation: What world events and histories influenced Poitras? What national identities are represented? Significance of the title Those Who Share Together, Stay Together?

  • Citizenship Testing: Is it fair to ask potential citizens to pass a test on traditional history? Should a person be allowed to claim citizenship in more than one country?

  • Multicultural Success: Gilles Duceppe (Bloc Qu b cois) argues multiculturalism doesn't work for Qu bec because immigrants must merge with Qu bec culture for it to survive. Will Kymlicka counters that multicultural countries are among the most peaceful and prosperous.

  • Trust and Diversity: A Queen's University study found that trust decreases in white majorities when visible minorities move in, and visible minorities feel less trust in predominantly white neighborhoods. Who should address this trust gap?

  • Course Issue Question: To what extent should we embrace nationalism?

Poetry Fragment: "I Am a Canadian" (1977) by Duke Redbird

  • "I’m Sir John A. Macdonald / I’m Alexander Graham Bell / I’m a pow-wow dancer / And I’m Louis Riel…"

  • "I am French / I am English / And I am M tis / But more than this / Above all this / I am a Canadian and proud to be free."