Reflection #3: I Lost my Talk

This is a poem written by Rita Joe of the Mi'kmaq nation explaining her feelings on having her language and culture taken away from her.
 
"I lost my talk
The talk you took away.
When I was a little girl
At Shubenacadie school.
You snatched it away:
I speak like you
I think like you
I create like you
The scrambled ballad, about my world.
Two ways I talk
Both ways I say,
Your way is more powerful.
So gently I offer my hand and ask,
Let me find my talk
So I can teach you about me."

This poem shows the injustice that Native Americans faced as they were forced to conform to Canadian norms. Native American history was repressed in the school system. In school, Native Americans were only taught Canadian history and reprimanded if they spoke their own language. Aboriginals were forced to lose their identity and adopt an entirely new culture. As we discussed in class, many students knew almost nothing about Native American History, myself included. This is due to the lack of recognition and the inequality Aboriginal culture has faced. We discussed that it is the responsibility of teachers to call out discriminatory comments in the classroom and include Aboriginal history in their teachings. Click here for a website created for teachers to guide them in accurately teaching Native American culture. In a society that claims to be multicultural, there needs to be more focus in the school system about Native American culture and history.

Rita Joe spent her adult life advocating on behalf of Aboriginal culture and fighting native stereotypes. Click here for a radio clip of Rita Joe reading her story “The Little People” during the ‘Our Native Land’ Special on CBC radio in 1981.

Emma Liz

Review #2: The Good Housewives Guide

While researching gender stereotypes, I came across ‘The Good Wives Guide’. This guide was published in May of 1955’s Housekeeping Monthly magazine. This article outlines all the duties a ‘good wife’ should accomplish for her husband. Some of the less shocking more recognized duties include, having dinner ready, completing all housework before his arrival home from work and greeting him with a smile as he walks through the door. The reading states that a woman should prepare for the man’s arrival by looking pretty and making a hot or cold drink for her husband to feel comfortable. It is worthy to mention that the man is labelled ‘the master of the house’ and because of this women have no right to question his actions or judgements. It is hard to imagine that a woman would simply disregard her own feelings because of the discourse surrounding that period of time which labelled men as greater than women. The article makes a point of noting that a man’s topics of conversation are more important than a woman’s. The article finishes with the statement, “A good wife always knows her place.” I can’t help but cringe while reading these words. The women’s role was overwhelming as they were expected to care for their children, be a diligent homemaker and an obedient and attentive wife. This reading suggests that a women’s ‘place’ was to repress her feelings and suffer through any personal issues in order to make the man as happy as possible. Women were supposed to look pretty while making sure the house and family ran smoothly. Not only did the husband expect this of their wife, but society demanded hard work and perfection. Women were told that their happiness revolved around how well they could please their husband. Men were given complete control. I cannot accept that women blindly followed these rules without questioning why they were not given the same rights as men. I am so thankful for the woman who stood up against this discrimination and fought for equality!

                While trying to find similar articles, I found a satirical look at the ‘The Good Housewives Guide’ called ‘The Good Husband’s Guide’. This article reverses the stereotypical roles of men and women and puts the pressure on the men to “look pretty and shut up”. I also found an article labelled ‘The Good Man’s Guide’ (scroll down to find this article). This article gives men (or anyone in a relationship) a realistic idea about their spousal responsibilities in today’s world. ‘The Good Housewives Guide’ is an eye- opening look at how far our society has come in giving equal rights to woman.

Emma Liz

Link to Article- Ottawa Police Investigated

Click here for a link to the most recent Ottawa Citizen article regarding the investigation by the OPP of Stacy Bonds and the Ottawa Police after allegations of mistreatment of people who have been arrested.

Review #1: 'Dont ask, don't tell"

I came across an article on CBC regarding gay soldiers marching in the recent Gay Pride Parade in Toronto. The article explains that for the first time ever, gay soldiers were permitted to march in the parade and hold an information kiosk for anyone with questions. For quite some time, the military’s policy regarding gender identity and sexual orientation was ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t tell’. This is in the process of changing because it sends the message that homosexuality is wrong and does not belong in the military. If people want homosexuals to fight for freedom, then should they not be afforded the same freedoms themselves? Is it unfair to ask someone to potentially give their life to the service of a country that doesn’t place as much value on their lives simply because of their sexual orientation? This is a big topic in the news right now and this article demonstrates how it is being supported by some. Pop culture icons, including Lady Gaga, have made headlines recently by promoting the elimination of the ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy.

It should be mentioned that there is a bias in this article. It conveys the message that the Canadian Forces is an employer of choice but, it also mentions that this is the first time ever that the soldiers have marched in this parade and its 2010! We might have hover cars before the marginalization of homosexuals becomes a shameful thing to look back on in Canadian history. This is a good start of course, but is it enough to make a difference? Are there really changes being implemented for the real gay and lesbian soldiers in their day to day military lives or are these policies just in place to avoid legal proceedings, scrutiny from the media and the resentment of the Canadian public? Is it really justified to congratulate the military on being inclusive just yet? These are questions that came to mind when reading this article. Please let me know your opinion on this article and the ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy in the comment box!

Click here for a link to the article.

Emma Liz

Critical Reflection #5: Aboriginal Stereotypes

Reflection Paper 5

            In our last class, we had a workshop about Aboriginal issues in the classroom, followed by a presentation about Aboriginal stereotypes. I found both lectures well- timed and they presented many problems with ignorance towards Native Americans. However, I felt they did not provide tools to overcome these issues. I understand it is impossible to completely overcome such obstacles, but I don’t feel any more comfortable when discussing the topic and it would have been helpful to hear facts about Native American culture. The presenters stated that this is an uncomfortable topic for some due to people being generally uneducated. I am not familiar with Aboriginal history or culture and in fact, this class is the first time I have ever really discussed Native Americans during school. For these reasons, I have decided to reflect on my peer’s presentation on Aboriginal stereotypes. Many clips were shown of Native American stereotypes in popular television shows and comedians using these stereotypes in their material. He also showed clips of Native Americans who are in the entertainment industry expressing their views on how their culture is misrepresented in the media. I found these clips presented contradictory ideas.

            “For over a hundred years, Westerns and documentaries have shaped the public's perception of Native people. The wise elder (Little Big Man); the drunk (Tom Sawyer); the Indian princess (Pocahontas); the loyal sidekick (Tonto)—these images have become engrained in the consciousness of every North American. “(Common Portrayals of Aboriginal People, 2010).

            This statement reflects the common discourse surrounding Native Americans as society has socially constructed their opinions through what is portrayed in the media. I myself have believed these stereotypes strictly because my only knowledge of Aboriginals was formed through what I have seen and heard. During the presentation, a part that was particularly eye- opening was when the ‘Seinfeld’ clip was played. I have seen this episode many times but I never put into perspective how strongly the clip reinforces negative stereotypes. Other clips shown had interviews with Native Americans who felt insulted by how the media portrays them. One woman mentioned that “Americans never cared to tell the real story of the Natives.” From what I gathered, the message of the presentation was to inform the class about existing Aboriginal stereotypes. Yet, one minute we are all laughing at these stereotypes, and the next we are supposed to feel sympathy for their culture? I felt that the true message of the presentation was distorted as the clips produced opposite ideas.

Although I did not find the presentation very informative, it was useful in that I am able to now recognize my lack of education on Aboriginal people. I think we need to look at educators to improve their own knowledge of ALL cultures in order to reduce and prevent racialization and intolerance in the classroom.  I’m glad that at least now, in my 3^rd year of post-secondary, I can be informed on the importance of learning and understanding Native American culture. This will prevent further reinforcement of stereotypes, ignorance and misunderstanding on my behalf.

References:

(2010). Common portrayals of aboriginal people. Retrieved on November 20^th, 2010 from www.media-awareness.ca.

Emma Liz

Gender Stereotypes in Children's Toys

Hello,

Here is a interesting CBC article noting how children's toys continue to reflect gender stereotypes. Carleton's own Women and Gender Studies professor, Patrizia Gentile, makes a comment on modernized children's dolls.  Click here for the link.

Emma Liz

Racist Stereotypes in the Media

Click here for a video clip that shows a series of racist ads in the media from before 1970 to present day.

Emma Liz

Critical Reflection 4: Gender Identities

I will be reflecting on gender; what is means to be male or female and how other cultures differ from western society`s views on gender classification.  The typical discourse adopted by many surrounding gender believes that human beings fit into one of two categories; male or female. In the reading The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, this is defined as dichotomy (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). The idea of dichotomy is a way to classify people because generally we believe females are feminine and therefore adopt certain social roles and vice versa for males (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). This however excludes many people who do not fit into these definitions.

            From the time you are born, you are given items that reflect the colours and items that society has labelled feminine or masculine. As you age, certain roles are placed on you according to your gender. It is assumed that once someone knows your gender, they know a lot about you. These stereotypes are thoroughly reinforced in our society and can be confusing for many people. Terms including ‘tomboy’ and ‘sissy’ are used to describe people who do not typically conform to society`s social construction of what it means to be male and female.  The term ‘opposite sex’ suggests that males and females are opposites of each other which implies they are not interested in the same things.

            A particular idea I have observed from living in Canada is that when someone cannot be easily labelled or defined, they are immediately regarded as different, not normal or weird. This stems from the idea of dichotomy (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). Many cultures challenge western society`s views on gender and belief more than two exist. A berdache is a term used in North American First Nations communities to describe a person, usually male, who is believed to have been born with two genders (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). They assume the role of the opposite sex by dressing and acting like the social roles associated with that gender (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.).  Sexual preferences are not deemed important in regards to a berdache as they are regarded as a separate gender and are treated equally (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). This idea challenges western society`s views on gender as typically, a berdache would be seen as a male who is dressing feminine. Instead, the First Nations community can accept the notion of a third gender.

            In Islamic culture, a xanith is a biological man whose daily role and obligations are that of a typical Islamic woman but he is given the rights of an Islamic man (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). For example, a xanith has the right to testify in court which is against the rights of Islamic women (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). However, they are considered women during special occasions by sitting, dancing and singing with other women (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). A xanith is known as a separate gender because his duties, roles, rights and appearance are separate from males and females (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). This distinction allows men who feel more ‘feminine’ to participate in activities which are more suited to their interests. It also recognizes them as a biological male and grants them certain rights accordingly (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality, n.d.). It is interesting to note that the cultural differences mentioned above only pertain to biological males.

These stereotypes are thoroughly reinforced in our society and can be confusing for many people. Clearly our definitions of gender are limited by the two classifications and undoubtedly exclude people who do not feel they are either male or female.  The gender types earlier discussed allow people to quickly and easily classify you as a specific type of person and place certain stereotypes on you because of this. We need to avoid grouping people together and focus on accepting and embracing everyone`s differences. If males and females were equally encouraged to participate in any activity that they were interested in, we would likely have people who were much more skilled in all areas.

References

(n.d.). The social construction of sex, gender and sexuality. Chapter 1.

Leroux, D. (2010). Thinking Gender [Power point slides]. Retrieved November 6^th, 2010 from http://webct6.carleton.ca/webct/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct.

Nanda, S. (2003). Retrieved November 7^th, 2010 from http://www.galva108.org/xanith.html.

Emma Liz

Critical Reflection 3: Thoughts on Immigration and Deportation Statistics

The statistics revealed in class regarding immigration and deportation were very suprising. Throughout this course we have discussed how multiculturalism is defined and what it means to be inclusive of all cultures. We have drawn conclusions about how multicultural Canada really is through its everyday actions. I will outline the statistics and make assumption about why I believe this is occurring and how this affects our image of Canada as a diverse and accepting country. 

A new section in the Temporary Foreign Work Program outlines that migrants are unable to apply for permanent residency no matter how long they have lived in Canada (Leroux, 2010). I know that if I were in this position I would feel resentful as I have spent ‘x’ amount of years working for a country that will never allow me to become a citizen of it. It is also estimated that migrants of colour earn 40% less than white people living in the same area (Leroux, 2010). I realized that this statistic used to be a normal occurrence but I could have never imaged that this type of racism could still be happening. It was discussed in class that more than half of poor families living in Canada are families of colour (Leroux, 2010). I have to wonder why this statistic is true. Are people of colour struggling to achieve higher paying jobs due to racism amongst people doing the hiring?  How can our diverse country still inhibit people from all backgrounds from experiencing equal rights?

A list exists which outlines 38 professions that individuals must have worked as for atleast a year before immigrating to Canada (Leroux, 2010). After researching what occupations this included, the list is pretty inclusive of all professions. I think this rule is put in place to ensure that migrants new to Canada can offer a skill to contribute our society. However, many countries value different skills and who are we to decide what skills are more valuable than others. Also, the acceptance rate for refugees continues to decrease annually and the number of accepted refugees is much lower than the number of migrants coming for the temporary work program (Leroux, 2010). Is this because refugees are given the opportunity to become permanent residents when work program migrants are not? Therefore, the Canadian government seems to be more concerned with excluding people while also maintaining the multicultural image.

There is a negative discourse surrounding immigrants and/ or refugees that they are associated with violence. Many Canadians also have the idea that immigrants are taking jobs from deserving Canadians. I am conflicted in my opinion on this topic as I understand the need to ‘protect’ Canada as in protect from criminals and protect jobs and housing for Canadians. However, I do not believe the stereotypes about immigrants. I believe they are trying to leave a violent situation or trying to find a job to support their family. The statistics regarding immigration and deportation show that Canada is regressing in its efforts to accommodate people from other countries. If we are the most multicultural country, what does that say for the rest of the world? I think at one point it is possible that Canada was the most accepting and multicultural country in the world and maybe not; however, I feel we do not have the right to claim this title anymore.

References:

Brown, R. (2010). Deportation and removal in Canada article. Retrieved on October 14^th, 2010 from http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/deportation-and-removal-in-canada-879501.html

Leroux, D. (2010).  Multiculturalism [Power point slides]. Retrieved October 14^th, 2010 from http://webct6.carleton.ca/webct/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct

 (2010). Citizenship and immigration Canada. Retrieved on October 14^th, 2010 from http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/apply-who-instructions.asp

Emma Liz

Critical Reflection 2: Opinions on Canadian Heritage Minutes

Canadian Heritage minutes are meant to inform Canadians about their country’s history and instil a sense of pride in its people. However, they reflect a bias image of major historical events. Certain cultural groups, genders, government officials and individuals are misrepresented and the events are shown as peaceful and beneficial to both sides depicted. The nationalism portrayed in these commercials shows Canadians as diplomatic and generous people which our history’s true past contradicts. The Heritage Minutes commercials reinforce common stereotypes that other countries have about Canada. 

            The commercials cover topics ranging from how the first superman comic was created to how and when women demanded the right to vote. However, many clips show an idealistic approach on the events that occurred and often have a bias view of certain groups of people.  In the clip that explains how Canada came to be the name of our country, it shows the native people wilfully invite Jacques Cartier and his men into their village (Historica Minutes, 2010). Certain clips, including ‘Vimy Ridge’ and ‘Juno Beach’ show all the Canadian military members as being willing to fight (Historica Minutes, 2010). These clips are unrealistic if you are knowledgeable on the topics that are presented in the commercials. Otherwise, it is interesting to reflect on whether or not Canadians merely take these clips as fact or if they understand the biases presented.

            Canadians are widely stereotyped to be naturally loving, passive, peace- keeping individuals where Americans are often labelled as ignorant, selfish and violent people (Leroux, personal communication, 2010). In some of the Heritage Minute commercials, these stereotypes are reinforced. In the clip labelled ‘Sam Steele’, it shows a brash American trying to enter the Canadian gold fields (Historica Minutes, 2010). When denied entrance due to possession of weapons, he is outraged and begins threatening RCMP officer Sam Steele with his gun saying that Canadians do not have that right over Americans (Historica Minutes, 2010). Sam Steele calmly encourages the man to go back to his country without showing any sign of fear (Historica Minutes, 2010). This description of events clearly reinforces the idea that Americans are quick to anger and it also strengthens the idea that Canadians have always been successful in their actions through talking it out without the use of violence or weapons.

 When reflecting on what these commercials truly represent, many questions come to mind. I understand the point of these commercials is to send a patriotic message to Canadians but is it right to distort past events and give Canadians and other countries a false representation of our true history? Do other cultures feel offended that these clips fabricate a false account about their own past cultural experiences? Do Canadians simply accept these depictions as a true explanation of our history? These questions emphasize the importance of thinking critically about what you see and hear on television. The past should not be summed up in a 60 second commercial as they simply skim over the events that took place giving everyone a skewed idea of what actually took place.

Click here to read about and watch Canadian Heritage Minutes.

References:

(2005). Historica Minutes. Retrieved October 9^th, 2010 from

 http://www.histori.ca/minutes/section.do?className=ca.histori.minutes.entity.ClassicMinute