|
 |
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: Sara Bingham
Age: 34
Occupation: Communicative Disorders Assistant
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario
Residence: Toronto, Ontario
Mother’s birthplace: Canada
Maternal grandfather: Scotland
Maternal grandmother: Scotland
Father’s birthplace: Jamaica
Paternal grandfather: Jamaica
Paternal grandmother: Ireland
Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream?
No. I believe there will be some degree of change but total assimilation is not necessary.The Canadian media has always depicted immigration to the US as entering a "melting pot" (where you must conform) while immigration to Canada is portrayed more as entering a mosaic (the more colors make a more beautiful portrait). Simply put you may have to learn "to drive on the right side of the road" (some things may be necessary, or may just happen), but I do not believe the things that keep one's culture alive (music, food, religion and clothing) must change, that should be up to the individual. It is, after all, our differences that make us interesting, alive!
Would your parents object to your dating or marrying a person who was a different race than you?
Not at all.
Do you think that children of racially mixed parents have an advantage or disadvantage growing up in today's society?
Wow, what a question. As a child of racially mixed parents I do not believe I have had an advantage, unless you call awareness an advantage, and then my answer would be yes. Have I had a disadvantage? I believe there have been times when I have been subjected to ignorance and stupidity because of my "exotic" appearance. I wouldn't change my experiences for the world though, positive or negative. They have made me who I am and have brought me the friends I have, and for that I am grateful.
What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace?
I am for affirmative action and for quotas in the workplace, but I do believe a time limit should be set until they are (hopefully) no longer needed, e.g., for thirty years. We do need to even out the playing field, but if these actions and quotas must stay indefinitely then they are not effective. If they work, then hopefully, there will come a time when we no longer need them.
What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them?
Around the Toronto area, we have many neighborhoods where you will find non-English only signs. I don't believe government should rule whether signs have English (or any language) or not. . .it should be a matter of choice. If a business chooses only to have their signs printed in, e.g., Japanese, that should be their choice. Business will determine whether that is viable for them. I for one do feel that I might be missing out when I see a sign I can't read, but that is my problem, not the businesses.
Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Can you tell us about it?
Yes, as a child I was taunted because of the color of my skin and because of certain facial features. Of course, those same features and that coloring makes me appear "exotic" today and there are people who react ignorantly because of it, e.g., asking questions such as "Where do you come from?", "You must be from Brazil." (I am from Northern Ontario!), "Are you Canadian?", etc. It really is nothing to complain about, but I feel this new polite ignorance is just as aggravating and stupid as the hurtful taunts of my childhood.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it?
Mussels. Now is that ever a boring answer. I may have to go out to dinner some place new this weekend. Thanks!
What is your favorite "ethnic food"?
Greek, Thai, Caribbean, anything spicy and vegetarian. Does chocolate count?
Where do you live and where have you travelled where the culture was the most different from your own?
I live in Toronto, Ontario and have travelled only to the US, Mexico and the Caribbean. I must admit that the place I have experience the most "culture shock" has been while planning my wedding and that was not outside of Ontario. Having to blend the traditions of a typically British family (mine) and those of my husbands (Italian) was very difficult, so much so that we up and left and got married in Antigua!
Do you feel that you are in touch with your culture of origin?
The British side "yes", the Jamaican side "no".
Have you every travelled back to your homeland(s) of your ancestors?
No, mainly for financial reasons, but I am planning to visit the UK, and Jamaica in the next ten years, as well as Italy (my husband's background).
What percentage of your friends are able to speak a language other than English?
60%
In brief, describe your idea of a perfect world.
Plenty of music and food from all cultures, much dancing and laughing. A place where people are seen and recognized for their abilities, not their differences. Although, in this perfect world differences would be celebrated and cherished.
Do you ever wish that you were of another race?
Being of mixed races, I have at times wanted to be just one or the other. This happened more when I was younger. Occassionaly, now I will get pangs of that, when I go to cultural festivals and am around people who feel so strongly that they are GREEK, or ITALIAN or CARIBBEAN, 100%. Sometimes I feel like I don't fit anywhere.
Do you feel uncomfortable if you are a minority in a room full of people who are all of one race?
I think that would depend on the group, who I was with, and how much experience I have with the other race/culture. I know that sounds wrong, but I am a shy person and would be afraid of doing the wrong thing or being excluded. I think that would be a problem with me though, not them.
Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are?
I am only atracted to tall, red-headed Italians now (wink!)
The voice of: Maya Katz
Age: 23
Birthplace: Safed, Israel
Residence: San Francisco, CA
Mother’s birthplace: Rye, NY
Maternal grandfather: New York
Maternal grandmother: Denmark
Father’s birthplace: Haifa, Israel
Paternal grandfather: Germany
Paternal grandmother: Germany
Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream?
I feel like there are a lot of different ways to judge whether a person has assimilated into the "mainstream" . Sometimes I think that people try to become too Americanized. I think there are a lot of different avenues that a person can take without feeling like they are compromising their culture.
Would your parents object to you dating or marrying a person who was a different race than you?
My father would not voice it, but he would definitely dissapprove of me dating a German or an Arab.My mother would not care what race he swas as long as there was respect.
Do you think that children of racially mixed parents have an advantage or disadvantage growing up in today's society?
There are so many of both, advantages and disadvantages to being bi-racial, one can either take the perspective that they are comfortable enough to feel like they fit in wherever they go, because they are more diverse, or it could have the exact opposite effect.
What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace?
I think that in certain societies and parts of the country things like that are necessary. It is so variated from one part of the US to the next, one can't make a judgement as a whole.
What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them?
No I don't think that all signs need English. I think that if a business owner feels like they do not have the necessity for a bilingual sign, then it's not necessary-
Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Tell us about it?
I was born in Israel, but I came to the States at a very young age, so I was raised here. A year ago I left the US and went back to Israel on a one way ticket, thinking I would stay permanently. Depending upon which part of the country I traveled to, I was discriminated against for either one aspect of who I am or another. Sometimes it was just because of the fact that my mother had been an American woman who came to Israel and married an Israeli man and had kids, other times it was because I was born into a Jewish family.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it?
Iwent to Mexico when I was 18 and lived there for almost a year. I began my journey as a vegan- (no animal products whatsoever) - about 4 months into the trip. I ate a grasshopper that had been deep fried with chile and salt and then sprinkled with lime juice. That is a traditional food to Oaxaca
What is your favorite "ethnic" food?
My favorite "ethnic" food is tlayudas, its a very large corn tortilla filled with the flower from a squash and cheese. It is from the Oaxaca region of Mexico
Where do you live and where have you traveled where the culture was the most different from your own?
I live in San Francisco, CA. I went to Guatemala, explored the mountains surrounding some of the extinct volcanos there, and met some of the most incredible people in my life. Western society has not yet reached some of the smallest communities in the jungles, and it is precious to find them.
Do you feel that you are in touch with your culture of origin?
No I don't. Ihave not made the effort to expand my knowledge of Israel nor very much of the history of my ancestors.
Have you ever traveled back to the homeland(s) of your ancestors? Why not, if you haven't?
Yes, I have
What percentage of your friends are able to speak a language other
than English? 60%
In brief, describe your idea of a perfect world.
Wow, what an idea. I guess it would be one where everyone was happy, no one starves while others sit on piles of money in the bank, where people are free, countries are at peace, and life is simple.
Do you ever wish that you were of another race?
When I was younger and as well when I was in Latin America I used to wish I was Latina. I feel like being raised as an American Ihave been raised in a very culturally poor society. I see the fundamentals of our society being based upon so much materialism that I do not find within Latin American cultures. I see the richness of family and spirit and want to be a part of that.
Do you feel uncomfortable if you are a minority in a room full of people who are all of one race?
I don't know if uncomfortable is the appropriate word. I would have to say awkward. And think also, about the reasons for my being in the room
Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are?
Yes, I am just for the diversity and the exoticness of it.
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 Studio Q Int'l Inc / 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. |
|
