Racial and Ethnic Discrimination in Canada Essay Example for Free

Racial and Ethnic Discrimination in Canada Essay You know the world is off tilt when the best rapper is a white guy (Eminem), the best golfer is a black guy (Tiger Woods), the tallest basketball player is Chinese (Yao Ming, 76) and Germany doesnt want to go to war (in Iraq). Charles Barkley stated in a 2003 interview, pointing out various misconceptions with stereotypes. A stereotype is defined by dictionary. com as: something conforming to a fixed or general pattern; especially: an often oversimplified or biased mental picture held to characterize the typical individual of a group. I have commonly heard stereotypes such as the French are good cooks, Italians are great lovers, and the Irish are lazy or comments made like dumb jock, lazy Cape Bretoner, or that women are not strong!! The list could go on endlessly as there appears to be stereotypes regarding people of all races, religions, sexes and ethnic groups, etcetera. Stereotypes can be either positive or negative. Most stereotypes tend to make us feel superior in some way to the person or group being stereotyped. Stereotypes ignore the uniqueness of individuals by painting all members of a group with the same brush. Throughout the course of this paper I plan to discuss some racial and ethnic issues in Canada. Where some of these issues originated from, what we can personally do to help eliminate discrimination in the workplace and what the government is doing to try to combat such discrimination. Let me first begin by defining discrimination, racism and ethnicity since these terms are all important terms to understand before going into further discussion. To discriminate is simply defined by yourdictionary. com as: To make distinctions on the basis of class or category without regard to individual merit; show preference or prejudice. Therefore, discrimination occurs when a person is not treated equally because of their gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation, or age. Yourdictionary. com defines racism as: The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. Discrimination or prejudice based on race. In other words, when an individual or group is treated unfairly or abused because of their skin color or racial heritage they are victims of racism. Ethnic, as defined by yourdictionary. Com is: Of or relating to a sizable group of people sharing a common and distinctive racial, national, religious, linguistic, or cultural heritage. B. Being a member of a particular ethnic group, especially belonging to a national group by heritage or culture but residing outside its national boundaries. With that being said, it is my belief that stereotypes and ignorance about others most often lead to discriminatory behavior both inside and outside the workplace. I have heard Canada described as a multicultural nation meaning that Canadians are not of any one cultural background, race or heritage. For all Canadians, including Aboriginal People, this multicultural diversity can be traced to an immigrant past. This does not mean that the majority of todays Canadians are immigrants but rather that the majority of Canadians have in their past, perhaps many generations ago, a family member who migrated here from another country. That is why many of us have a mixed ancestry, for example; Irish, Scottish, Ukrainian, French and Aboriginal, and the list can go on. Canadas Aboriginal People were the first to immigrate, and settle across the continent, tens of thousands of years before European settlers. After the European settlers came the French, followed by the English, Scots and Irish formulating Canada into the diverse country it is today. In the years before the American Civil War, thousands of black slaves escaped slavery in the United States by following the Underground Railway north to Canada. Then, at the turn of the century, American farmers moved northward into the Canadian prairies to develop farm lands. Although Canada originally consisted of a wide variety of immigrants, some people were not as welcome in the country as others and were therefore not treated equally. Those who were of different race, color, or religion then the majority of Canadians were labeled as foreigners. The use of the term foreigner held many connotations for example, different, strange or inferior and many at the time wanted to see the foreigners assimilate to fit into Canadian society. There are many events in Canadas past that has contributed to the racism and discrimination in Canada today for example, the disregard and unfair treatment of Aboriginal Peoples by Europeans who settled here. Even though a vast majority of African-Americans moved to Canada to avoid slavery, from early in the 1600s until 1834 there was a recorded 4092 slaves throughout the country, mostly living in Quebec . The Asiatic Exclusion League, which originated in California in 1905 as an anti-Oriental movement, moved north into Vancouver in 1907. The league was the main instigator in anti-Asian riots in the city since their main goal was to have all Chinese and Japanese immigrants removed from North America out of fear that they were taking jobs away from Whites . It also appears that throughout history the acceptance of immigrants in Canada greatly depended upon the economic state of the country at that time. During the Great Depression of the 1930s immigrants seeking jobs were unwelcome and overlooked for employment. Although the Government of Canada has made many advances in breaking the barriers that Aboriginal People, immigrants and minorities face in the country; immigrants today still face a number of problems when trying to enter the labor market, for example: ? Non-recognition of international credentials and work experience ? Lack of Canadian work experience ? Inability to communicate in English or French ?Insufficient labor market information prior to immigrating to Canada I have traveled to some of the major cities in Canada and was a little surprised by the degree of segregation that is apparent in these cities. By this, I mean that these larger cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, have communities which are almost completely independent from the rest of the country. These independent communities that I saw, of Chinese or Italian people, seemed to have everything they needed to survive within the community including their own schools. I could not help but wonder what effect this type of segregation has on the country. I respect the fact that all people are trying to protect their identity. At the same time, by choosing to live in Canada, shouldnt they try to integrate into the country a little more while still preserving their identities? Shouldnt they try to assimilate? How can Canada thrive as a country with so much segregation? We need to become a unified country. Not such a historical thought pattern, I guess!! It is people who have attitudes like mine that are causing problems in the country or do all people have these thoughts and choose not to admit it. I have similar negative feelings about scholarships being available only to certain people or government funding for certain people to attend university because they are a minority. I understand that differential treatment is required in order for equality to become a possibility. However, I still feel a degree of resentment about these programs being offered when I have to borrow money in an effort to obtain my university degree. Will this resentment evolve? When I hold a management position in the future, will I discriminate against a person because he or she doesnt have a huge student loan to pay and another does? It is cases like mine that causes racism to continue in society and the workplace today? With the announcement of Nova Scotias plan to increase immigration into the province came an increase in the racist comments I have heard. Since I work in bars I hear, and partake in, a great deal of conversation. When people are drinking they tend to be even more likely to say things they normally wouldnt. That is why I have heard, at times, some very racist remarks. People have said that the government should be trying to retain people in the province that are born here before they bring foreigners here. They need to take care of their own first!! It is because of these comments and feelings that I am doubtful that discrimination against people, because of their race or color, will ever be completely eliminated in the country. How do we achieve equality with so much differentiation? How do we check or personal opinions at the door when we go to work? Since it is impossible to eliminate racism and discrimination entirely in society, we need to do as much as possible to eliminate it in the workplace. We need to make changes similar to the changes companies have made in an effort to combat discrimination against people because of their religion. For example, adapting zero tolerance rules, providing more education for employees, human resource departments need to provide more opportunities for people of minorities, immigrants, and Aboriginal Peoples and barriers have to be removed for all these people who are trying to enter our labor market. March 21, 2005 is International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination a day to remember the struggles and challenges that Aboriginal peoples and people of color have endured. It is also a time to recognize and applaud the fact that members of these two communities have made anti-racism struggles a significant part of labors agenda. Lets respect this day and try to make some positive changes at home, school, or work toward eliminating racism.

Conflict as a Measure Essays -- essays research papers

Conflict as a Measure of Team Development The ability of a team to resolve conflict is a valid measure of team development. The role of conflict in work teams is determined by the manner in which it is managed. Conflict is a driving force of change that can result in improved decision-making processes and progressive team development. However, teams must learn to be confrontational without destroying the team process. Teams are able to handle conflict and perform at a high level by following a framework of communication needed for managing conflict constructively. Teams capable of mediating their own conflicts, improve both productivity and member relationships without the fallout. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Coercing: is a process in which groups use confrontational tactics, such as argument, use of authority, or threat, to achieve the goals of each group regardless of the expense paid by the other. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Withdrawal: is the process by which both parties involved in a disagreement postpone or ignore the issue causing the conflict. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Negotiation: is the process by which both groups selectively ignore certain interests in order to reach an agreement, thus achieving partial satisfaction for each side. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Accommodation: is the process by which one group neglects its own interests by satisfying the needs of the other group involved. One of the most used forms of solving conflict in the wor...

George Orwell’s novel Essay

George Orwell’s novel 1984, has been the center of much discussion since it was first published in 1949. A novel about a dystopian society that is ruled by a government with supreme power called Big Brother, 1984 raises a lot of curiosity about censorship and how secure freedom of speech really is for those who supposedly have it. Orwell uses the novel’s main character, Winston, as the vessel for carrying his message about censorship. Winston works for the Ministry of Truth, rewriting historical texts to suit the needs of a sect Big Brother called, the Party. History in Oceania must be censored so that it appears Big Brother has been and will always be there to watch over the citizens. Winston believes Big Brother’s ways to be unethical and illegal purchases a diary to record his personal thoughts, even though he knows such actions are considered to be thoughtcrimes. If he is caught, he will be severely punished. Though Winston has the desire to rebel, he is able to stifle his individuality and personal desires quite well. His act, however, becomes more complicated after he meets a beautiful, dark-haired girl named, Julia. Because personal relationships are not appropriate, Julia gives Winston a note she has written in which she proclaims her love for him. Because love, like everything else in Oceania, is censored, Winston and Julia develop their relationship in secret. They eventually move into an apartment together and things seem to go smoothly. Both Winston and Julia feel that Big Brother has too much control over the lives of the citizens. Citizens are not allowed to think for themselves, fall in love, nor are they allowed to experience natural freedom of expression. The lovers are able to put aside their fears of being caught in order to experience the intense passion that often comes with falling in love. Things, however, eventually take a turn for the worse and the lovers are discovered. The discovery, is in part, due to Winston’s fatalistic nature. He becomes unnecessarily risky and carries with him intense paranoia that they will eventually be caught. Due to the novel’s grim ending that involves Big Brother prevailing over the hero, Winston, 1984’s messages stay with the reader for hours, in part, because extreme forms of censorship have existed in earthly historical societies and in many societies today. Examples of past instances of harsh and extreme censorship include the Inquisition, and the Holocaust. During both of these horrific historical events, people were denied some right of expression. During the Inquisition, people were denied the right to choose their religion. For many, that basic right is similar to the right to love, which the citizens of Oceania were denied. The Catholic institution, like Big Brother, attempted to convert heretics or kill them for their disobedience. The Nazi party was also similar to Big Brother. Members of the party could not imagine speaking out against Hitler’s regime for fear of being killed or punished. The Nazi party, like Big Brother, made use of propaganda, and children who were easily influenced. Such propaganda is, in a way, a form of censorship because it promotes an idea that plays into the desires of a major organization, making it seem better than the alternative. When these historical examples are taken into consideration, it is easy to imagine why Orwell’s warning of extreme censorship is still valid in today’s society regardless of its technological advancements. Making Orwell’s message even more appropriate, however sad and unfortunate, are examples of such censorship today. Because censorship is still an issue today, the novel resonates with readers. Everyone experiences censorship often, perhaps on a daily basis. People may feel the need to censor themselves at work, home in front of children or parents, in class, etc for fear of being judged harshly or hurting another’s feelings. Another common example of modern censorship is keeping one’s sexual orientation a secret. Many feel the need to fall in love in the shadows like Winston and Julia because of what society may think of them. Sadly, today’s society is also responsible for many hate crimes every year. Many also keep journals and diaries like Winston in order to express their most private thoughts, dreams, desires, and fears. Because Winston is like so many normal people in today’s society, his character is very successful. Like Winston, the average person, when faced with something they feel is wrong or inappropriate, feels powerless to make a difference. I, for one, relate to his secret note-taking, his hidden relationship, and the urge to overcome society’s censorship because I still believe in the freedom of expression that supposedly exists in America. However, I, like Winston, am powerless to make any real change, so I succumb daily to desires that are not my own. The strength of Winston’s character alone makes 1984 a novel to stand the test of time. Or, perhaps it will be a book to be burned if censorship in our society continues to prevail.

The Underground Railroad Is Not Like The Railroad

The Underground Railroad is not like the railroads that we see today, they were not made of box cars and rails. They were routes that the slaves took to get to freedom, these railways were built or used in late 1786 to 1865. They went from as far west as Kansas, and Texas and as far south as Florida, they all were made to go north to Canada, or to Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands where slavery is illegal. This was an impossible task for the slaves to do on their own. There were many factors on how they found their way and the people who helped them on their journey, which I will discuss later throughout this paper. There over 3000 people who helped the runaway slaves to freedom. (The Underground Railroad). There are a few that stand out in history: Harriett Tubman, Levi and Catharine Coffin, William Still, John and Jean Rankin, and Captain John Brown. Each of these people has great stories to tell about their journeys and helping the black folk to freedom. Let’s talk about a couple of these famous people for a minute and how they got their names. â€Å"The Conductor or Station Master.† These were the names given to these courageous people, who helped the slaves to freedom and whom also had bounties on their heads for helping these folks to freedom. These folks who we called conductors would go back to the plantations and act as slaves to throw off the white folk who owned them. Also, they had to gain the slaves trust for them to follow these so-called conductors. The firstShow MoreRelatedUnderground Railroad Essay Outline1333 Words   |  6 PagesTHE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD 1 The Underground Railroad Raymond Allen Setlock West Catholic High School THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD 2 Our country’s history had its good times and also its bad times. One of our bad times in our country’s history was the time when the United States allowed slavery toRead MoreThe Underground Railroad1073 Words   |  5 Pagesother than a world with slavery, and were not for having a change like this occur and change many people’s lives one by one. This, lead to many people, including many Southerners taking the side of John C. Calhoun. Because, lets face it. No one actually likes change. But in the early 1800s it soon became a problem that abolitionists, people against slavery, couldn’t and wouldn’t put up with anymore. Thus, the Underground Railroad was established and became an important part of American history. ItRead MoreEssay on underground railroad1680 Words   |  7 Pagesnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Introduction nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The Underground Railroad, the pathway to freedom which led a numerous amount of African Americans to escape beginning as early as the 1700‘s, it still remains a mystery to many as to exactly when it started and why. (Carrasco). The Underground Railroad is known by many as one of the earliest parts of the antislavery movement. Although the system was neither underground nor a railroad, it was a huge success that will never be forgotten. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;IRead MoreAmerican History: UnderGround RailRoad Provided a Scape to Slaves1359 Words   |  6 Pagespermitted sparked much debate and tension between the North and South – that ultimately lead to the Civil War. The Underground Railroad was established in the mid-1800s as an informational system of clandestine that aided slaves in escaping towards the Northern States and Canada through secret pathways, routes and safe-houses. The system was referred to as the Underground Railroad because of the rapid and secretive way in which slaves were able to escape - where they mostly traveled during the nightRead MoreThe Underground Railroad : The Declaration Of Independence1587 Words   |  7 PagesThe Underground Railroad The Declaration of Independence states all men are created equal, sadly in America that was not true. It was legal in America to own a person. In The Underground Railroad In American History, Kem Knapp Sawyer states that the number of slaves in the South had gone from 1,519,017 in 1820 to almost 4 million in 1860. Araminta Ross was one of those people. She was born a slave, beaten, abused and forced to work for her owners. Her life and her families’ life was extremelyRead MoreThe Underground Railroad1145 Words   |  5 PagesThe Underground Railroad marks a devastating time in our nations History. It is a topic that is generally known but not in depth. Starting in the early 1800’s the Underground Railroad was a way for the slaves to reach their freedom. Initially, I believed that there really was an actual underground tunnel, or railroad that slaves walked through that went from the South to the North. Through my research I have discovered that it was neither of t he two, it was a variety of safe places in houses, barnsRead MoreEssay On Underground Railroad1005 Words   |  5 Pages Underground railroads have been prominent in history since the early nineteenth century. Throughout time, numerous different underground railroads have been created for many different purposes, all liberating those subject to slavery or poverty. Modern slavery, known as human trafficking, usually affects immigrants who do not completely know their rights or who are tricked into a â€Å"job† that does not fit its original description. This applies to Unwind due to the way the kids are treated and theRead MoreSexual Assault And Sexual Aggression1730 Words   |  7 Pagesof living in a rape culture include things like blaming the victim and teaching women to avoid getting raped rather than teaching men not to rape. Factors that play a role in creating a rape culture is the gap between men and women, gender roles, and the porn industry. Sex and gender are words that we interchange, but they mean completely different things. Sex refers to the biological characteristics that a person receives while they are developing, like their primary and secondary sex characteristicsRead MoreStory Of Henry Box Brown1662 Words   |  7 Pagestrade, who was caught aiding runaway slaves. As punishment in his state, he would be auctioned back off into slavery. Fortunately for Burris, one of his white associates impersonated a buyer at the auction to technically win back his freedom (Underground Railroad – Whisper†¦). While many unrecorded successful attempts have been undoubtedly lost to history, the ones that survived highlight the intelligence and craftiness of both the slaves and their allies. However, there were great risks. While the northernRead MoreTaking A Stand Against Slavery1228 Words   |  5 Pagesdeterminations. The Underground Railroad had its earliest beginnings with runaway slaves fleeing from the the Southern United States into Canada. By confronting human bondage without direct demands or violence, The Underground Railroad played a definite role in the destruction of slavery. The Underground Railroad was a great way to escape the hardships of their living conditions. It gave them hope, inspiration, and strength. It was also a major impact on the CIvil War. The Underground Railroad consisted of