In some parts of the world, nations have existed for so many years that they’ve created an unmistakable and distinct culture and national identity. Visiting such countries can be thrilling, as the experience often offers the chance to learn new things about settled and established people, many of whom may be well-versed in folklore or may be able to dazzle visitors with examples of national arts or crafts. Yet many countries around the world are relatively young, and do not share this highly specialized sense of identity. Among them, Canada is a nation that presents a strong sense of national pride and which continuously works towards the creation and refinement of national values, but which is young enough to recognize that it is very much in the process of discovering what it means to be a Canadian. Along with Canada’s youth, the country is marked by a great ethnic diversity, thanks to its strong attraction for people around the world and its warm policies towards immigrants and visitors. Representing people from every continent and playing host to newcomers that arrive from the most obscure and remote nations to the largest and most powerful countries in the world, Canada is far from being a homogenous land, and its culture reflects this fact.
Many people seek citizenship in Canada because of the country’s agreeable climate and location, offering nearly every type of landscape in both rural and metropolitan settings. The nation’s stance towards helping people navigate the difficulties of life with social and other programs is also attractive for the scores of newcomers who arrive each year. Once people land in Canada, however, they’re sure to find a large number of other reasons for staying and getting involved with the national and local communities. From the charm of the different provinces to the exciting cuisine and engaging holiday celebrations, Canada offers visitors plenty of perks and opportunities for making fond memories. As the number of Canadian immigrants grows and a greater number of cultures are represented from coast to coast, the country is undeniably enriched and provides ever greater chances for newcomers to fall in love with the country and its people.
Some immigrants may stray from the process of applying for citizenship, though taking the citizenship test and completing all other necessary steps are wise choices for most, particularly when visas are threatening to expire and visitors have decided they’d like to stay within the country’s borders. When immigrants work through citizenship requirements and become Canadians, they can bring more of their national identity and past experiences to Canada, helping to craft the country both through their own cultures and through their voices and votes –elements that are lacking for those who do not achieve permanent status. If Canada’s status as a melting pot is a joy to behold for visitors, it is even more rewarding for newcomers who apply for citizenship and become an essential part of the nation’s multicultural excellence.
I’m not fully agree with this article. Look where globalization has gotten un. Europe is falling apart, US was in trouble not that long ago, and Brazil arises as a danger in Latin America. Why would we want to have our patriotism fade away or mixed with foreign cultures. I’m from the belief that a nation needs to keep their spirit to their own and don’t let other countries influence them.
In 10 years the majority of the population will be Asian. You know which is the highest exportable good the Chinese have? People! Look in every corner of the world and you will see a Chinese community. They keep their culture to themselves, is like a spy cell ready to explode any moment.
This article drives to that.
In some way I need to agree with Soul. He has a point. We are importing a lot of foreign goods to Canada. We were forged from two strong nations, the Britons and the French. They have their unique identities. We are loosing those in the mixture of Canada itself. We are too influence by the US, like it or not. And now we have all of these cultures mixing with ours. Where is identity in the globalization concept? Globalization means to loose identity.
There is nothing wrong in being globalize. Thanks to that people can share their culture and lives. Human kind evolved since the world is globalize. Now world events affect all of us. We have the chance to look for Haiti, Philippines and others in need. That is expected from us because we are one of the top countries in the world.
It is even more understandable that an immigrant would like to become a Canadian. We are secure, stable and rich. An immigrant can forget its roots, that’s something that he brings with him. Is like asking for apples to an Orange tree.
Josh V.
Josh, you must be an immigrant yourself.
Instead of running away from your country, have you thought in making things better for them? If you dislike your own land that much to become a Canadian and leave all behind what kind of patriotism can you have in my land?
Bill.
Good point there Josh.
@ Soul: is true that you cannot ask an immigrant to forget its roots. I don’t thing that people that emigrate does it because they hate their country. Is just a matter of looking a better life maybe. Let’s say Jos is a gardener. Will he have to run for politician so he can make a difference, a gardener. Is logical for humans to look for a better life.
Pat
@Pat: my user is CanadianSpirit Pat, not soul. You need to find out what is your opinion then. You cannot start saying you agree with me that the globalization is an issue and gree with Josh here that he doesn’t hate his country. MAKE UP YOUR MIND WOMAN.
Come on guys, it doesn’t matter if we like or not globalization. It’s a reality and we need to get used to it. So why don’t you just stop complaining about it and start thinking in how things could be done to avoid negative impacts to our lives! Don’t you think that would me more productive?
Bob