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Speak Your Mind About Issues Concerning Life In A Modern Multicultural Society. Submit your "voice" to us by filling out the questionnaire and we'll consider your answers for publication in Urban Mozaik Magazine.
Those of us who live or work in a multicultural environment, are constantly being challenged about our thoughts and feelings on numerous subjects concerning race and multiculturalism. At Urban Mozaik, we're interested in what you have to say in response to a number of provocative questions regarding life in a modern multicultural society.
The voice of: Mary
Age: 43
Birthplace: Hong Kong
Residence: Toronto
Mother’s birthplace: Toishan, China
Maternal grandfather: Toishan, China
Maternal grandmother: Toishan, China
Father’s birthplace: Toishan, China
Paternal grandfather: Toishan, China
Paternal grandmother: Toishan, China
Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream?
New immigrants should assimilate in order to enjoy all the benefits of their adopted homeland. However, they should continue to practice the culture into which they are born. This not only applies to new immigrants but also to 2nd & 3rd generation ethnics. To refuse to assimilate is like going to a buffet but only eating bread. They are missing out on the salads, entrees and desserts!
Do you think that children of racially mixed parents have an advantage or disadvantage growing up in today's society?
Children of racially mixed parents are enriched by the fact that they are nurtured by 2 or more cultures. However, they can also grow up with more identity conflicts than other children.
What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace?
Quotas based on race or sex is reverse discrimination. Both my mother and I have experienced discrimination from potential employers; she due to her race and I due to my sex. However, I don't think that imposing quotas now will right the wrongs of the past. Furthermore, I can be proud to know that I got the job because I was the most suitable candidate and feel insulted to know that I was hired to fill a quota.
What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them?
Having signs that do not contain either of the official languages is exclusionary and discriminatory. It implies that only people who understand that language or culture are welcome. I have many friends who comment that they do not feel comfortable going to the new "Chinese" malls in Markham unless accompanied by a Chinese because they do not feel like they are welcomed. Also, I have been to shops where product signs are only posted in Chinese. That's fine unless there is more than one product displayed under the sign. Since I don't read Chinese, I have to either guess at the price or ask for assistance.
Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Tell us about it?
Yes, but not so severely that it was upsetting. The type of discrimination that upsets me more is discrimination received from people of my own culture. For example: I am Chinese but do not read Chinese. I have been to restaurants where they only gave me a Chinese menu. When I asked for an English menu, I received a rude sneer. That is more insulting that discrimination by people of other races or color.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it?
I ate zebra, camel, eland, crocodile and wildebeest at Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi, Kenya. I tried snake in Florida.
What is your favorite "ethnic" food?
Chinese: Dim sum. Other cultures: moussaka.
Where do you live and where have you traveled where the culture was the most different from your own?
I live in Toronto. Of all the places I have travelled to, Africa was the most different.
Do you feel that you are in touch with your culture of origin?
Yes, but obviously less immersed than people who actually grew up in China or Hong Kong.
Have you ever traveled back to the homeland(s) of your ancestors? Why not, if you haven't?
Yes. Twice
What percentage of your friends are able to speak a language other
than English?
25% (Chinese: 2%. Other languages: 23%)
In brief, describe your idea of a perfect world.
A world where we are able to communicate and understand each other no matter where we go. Although national boundaries exist, nobody would need visas to visit other countries. Everyone would have JUST ENOUGH of everything they need and not quite enough of everything they WANT. (If we have everything we want, we would not have wants for anything.)
Do you feel uncomfortable if you are a minority in a room full of people who are all of one race?
No. I only have a handful of friends who are Chinese and therefore have always been in the minority. Many times it even works to my advantage because I am unique.
Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are?
Generally yes, but I think it has more to do with the fact that I don't have very many friends who are of the same race, and less to do with preference or attraction.
The voice of: Emma
Age: 22
Birthplace: London, England
Residence: Tucson, Arizona
Mother’s birthplace: Bangladesh
Maternal grandfather: Bangladesh
Maternal grandmother: Bangladesh
Father’s birthplace: Bangladesh
Paternal grandfather: Bangladesh
Paternal grandmother: Bangladesh
Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream?
That is a very difficult, often painful question for me personally. I am not a "new" immigrant, so I can't truly understand the stereotypes they may face. I know man, but they have chosen to keep their "old" ways for the most part. That is to say, they still are Muslim, go to mosque 9or pray at home), and hope to assimilate in the workplace mainly. I just think they should go with their hearts, or else they will only feel repressed and used (by parents, peers, culture, whatever). it is hard being new- anywhere!
Would your parents object to your dating or marrying a person who was a different race than you?
Yes, my dad would be very upset. My mother would not, given that he was a good person. My mom is much more "Americanized" than my father. He is still pretty "traditional."
What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace?
I think that affirmative action MUST exist in this society (no "buts" about it).
What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them?
So what? These are people fighting to keep their culture alive- give them a break! There is English pretty much everywhere I go.
Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Tell us about it?
Oh, yes! I've been followed around at a couple different stores (by the Bangladeshi clerks/managers). I have been told that I don't "sound" like I'm from Bangladesh. It really hurt, because I'm a sensitive, no-nonsense person.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it?
Hmmm... I'd have to say fish brains!
What is your favorite "ethnic food"?
Curry, of course!
Where do you live and where have you travelled where the culture was the most different from your own?
I haven't done that much traveling... yet
Have you every travelled back to your homeland(s) of your ancestors?
No, we have been too busy so far (and it's expensive).
Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are?
Yes, because beauty can be found in anyone (if you look deep enough).
Send us your answers
Submit your "voice" to us by filling out the questionnaire and we'll consider your answers for publication in the Member's Edition of Urban Mozaik Magazine.
This website: Copyright © 2000 Dream World Media / Urban Mozaik Magazine. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in Urban Mozaik Magazine are not necessarily those of Urban Mozaik Magazine and the publisher cannot be held responsible for them. This website/publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher or the previous publisher of republished articles.
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