Introduction
The article under consideration is called Postulations on the Fragmentary Effects of Multiculturalism in Canada by Garcea, Joseph. The article introduces us to the analysis of ten postulations that highlight the concepts of multiculturalism and its policy for the past forty years. The author divides these postulations into several topic groups regarding multiculturalism as segregation of the population in Canada, as a starting point for the conflicts within the national groups, and as the core principle of equality.
Ten postulations and their analysis
The article presents us with the content of ten postulations and the author’s analysis of them. Additionally, the author submits the necessary solutions and possible strategies to overcome the emerged adversities.
The first group defined by the author is represented by the first two principles. The first and the second principles center on the discussion of social and political identities. In that particular regard, the first principle highlights the negative impact of multiculturalism on the Canadian cultural identity due to immigration policy. On the contrary, it contributes to further fragmentation of the population. In its turn, the fragmentation leads to the emergence of racial differences and intolerant attitudes toward national minorities. The problem is aggravated since Canadian multiculturalism distorts the idea of harmonious existence and identity.
The next group enlarges upon the development of conflict with the national groups predetermined by cultural diversity. As has been mentioned by the researcher, there is the idea that multiculturalism hampers the formation of the moral and cultural center of Canada. Instead, it contributes to the establishment of various deviated frameworks that do not conform to the established norms. As the result, it generates the confrontation between the appeared groups that are not inclined to stick to the existed conventional standards. That unwillingness of separate ethnic groups serves as an obstacle to shaping a singular “civic education” since it influences the content of teaching. On the one hand, there appears the problem of the adaptation of education taking into consideration the national diversities. On the other hand, many programs are created to foster the introduction of a singular education. Additionally, the fifth postulations imply that cultural diversity is a cornerstone for the introduction of intercultural citizenship. Thus, Canada’s multiculturalism is only the result of the assumption of the emerged groups as framed identities. Therefore, separation discourages the interaction between the national minorities. Finally, the multicultural process has created a difficult situation for Aboriginal nationalities and Quebecois nationalities. In particular, it has promoted the confrontation between these two ethnic groups because of touching upon the problem of equality of human rights irrespective of race and nationality. Multiculturalism has also become the reason for religious and ethnic conflicts both between the ethnic groups and within them.
Finally, the next groups of postulations established by Garcea, are focused on equality issues. The introduction of the newcomers has encouraged the competition of ethnocultural groups for the right to be superior. The author admits that such competition is, unfortunately, inevitable since the fact that each group has its peculiarities including the economic and political aspects deposits to an unequal situation. To worth the situation, the fight for superiority exclude the settlement of national equilibrium and germinates further stratification of society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the article constitutes a great value for the regulation of cultural and social problems arising out of the introduction of multiculturalism. The author has carried out a consistent analysis of the postulation and has made the useful assumption that would foster the adaptation of cultural diversity in Canada.