In a statement by Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, on the occasion of Canadian Multiculturalism Day last year 2020 — she said “Our diversity has shaped our society and our way of life. People from around the world have come to Canada, hopeful of having the same opportunities and experiences as all Canadians, and with a common goal to achieve an inclusive, supportive, and diverse society in which everyone can thrive.”
She went on to say “Diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths. Yet, we must never forget that a multicultural society is always a work in progress. It demands our effort, our attention and our care.”
I am reminded of these thought-provoking words now that June 27, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, is around the corner once more. More so with the resounding statement of Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, on June 27, 2020, parts of which are worth quoting and reflecting on.
“Canadian Multiculturalism Day is an opportunity to recognize the important contributions that Canadians from different backgrounds have made – and continue to make – to build and shape a stronger, more diverse, and inclusive society. Multiculturalism is one of Canada’s greatest strengths and a vital component of our national fabric. All Canadians – regardless of ethnicity, religion, culture, or language – have the right to be true to who they are, and to live peacefully as friends, neighbours, and colleagues.”
“I also encourage you to talk with your neighbors, and take time to listen and learn from someone who has had a different life experience. By gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of the differences that make us stronger, we and build a more inclusive society.”
These thoughts strongly resonate within me as it likely does with some others. But it was not always like this. It reminds me of when I finally landed here as an immigrant not too long ago. I was enjoying the newness of it all, and yet I felt like I was neither here nor there. No doubt, I am Filipino, having been born and raised there in the Philippines most of my life. But this was my new homeland, my adopted homeland, so to speak. Even with the near-future prospect of having to finally uproot myself from the Philippines, I had already made plans as to what I would be busy doing in this new land. My first impulse was to promote my Filipino roots. Thus, even before I left the Philippines to relocate here, I had already made arrangements to pursue this advocacy through my chosen field – broadcasting.
Fortunately, my first mini-project was successful — thanks to the guidance and introduction of people like the late Consul General Prospero and the trust of one of the major television networks here (OMNI TV) . But then, it got me thinking. I really ought to learn more about my new country. It took quite a while for me to begin to put the pieces together. After much ado, a lot of observation and thinking, I have come to the conclusion that it is not that I am neither here nor there. What it boils down to is that I am both here and there.
What does this mean? It means that inclusivity within diversity is what Canada is all about. It is to find the common thread among all of the different racial groups. After all, we are all human beings. I am still processing this while gaining experience in this my new adopted homeland. To be sure though, I am still far from gaining a strong and stable realization of this. It is a work in progress, just like life is. When Prime Minister Trudeau said that “multiculturalism is one of our greatest strengths … and is a vital component of our national fabric”, I realized that this is what being here and there at the same time means. Or could it also possibly mean that there is no here or there? This reminds me of the lively and sometimes raucous discussions in philosophy not too many moons ago with our august and distinguished philosophy professor.
What I notice though is that most ethnic groups have a tendency to stick to their own. The older generation, especially, are prone to this. I am glad to see though that the younger generation are less and less likely to be “clannish”. To be sure, family and roots are important and part and parcel of who we are. But we forget, or maybe are not too keenly aware, that we all have a humanity that we share. Easy to say, I guess, but it takes quite some thinking to change centuries of mind-setting concepts ingrained in us. This concept of us and them. The concept of separation. Let me not expound on these too deeply. First, I do not dare to do so. I don’t think I have the right to do so. This is akin to people who have advice columns, on print or on media, but are not equipped to do so. From what I have learned, one shares in the responsibility of how their lives turn out based on your advice.
Going back to unity among diversity (or the principle of oneness) I am reminded of my spiritual guru’s words (many years ago but based on universal principles which are constant). Words to the effect that it would be ideal if we are all citizens of one universe. That is a mouthful to think about. I say mouthful because if one realizes the implications and ramifications of that principle, it ought to change one’s thinking, thus, one’s life. There is a pamphlet that I have had with me for many years – Thoughts are Things. It is quite precious to me as it is a reminder, now and then, of how life goes, in truth.
On June 27, let us mark and celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day with renewed awareness of how we are all seemingly different and yet have one thing in common – we are all part of life. In this case, our life in Canada.
This month of June is also Filipino Heritage Month, a federally designated celebration of our own Filipino traditions and customs as it blends with the other different cultures of other races in Canada. I believe that this is also an opportune time to highlight the vital contributions of Filipinos that build a nation – Canada.
On this note, do watch out for the hour-long television special of the Filipino Heritage Council of Canada (FHCC) on OMNI TV on June 27 and 29 dubbed “Filipino Canadians Celebrate Canada” subheaded “Isang Pagdiriwang”. The program highlights capsule conversations with note-worthy Filipino Canadians and charming glimpses of Filipino culture through some dances. Included in the program are the winning video entries of the month long video competition “Way To Go, Pinoy!”, a short form video competition of the FHCC to engage young Canadians to show in video their positive impressions of Filipino culture. The message that FHCC aims to impart in this TV Special is that Filipinos are vital partners in the building and strengthening of Canada.
I can’t think of a more meaningful way to celebrate both our rich, Filipino heritage and how all the diverse and multi-faceted cultures combine to form our country known as Canada, than to cozy up in your sofa while viewing this quiet, simple TV Special to remind us to be grateful for being both Filipino and Canadian. Call it having the best of both worlds.
Just for now, I have put down my cap as an Asian historical drama reviewer and put on my red, yellow and blue cap as Filipino Heritage Month begins.
Whichever way you go, let me do a shout out –Mabuhay! To the Filipino in us and Cheers! To the Canadian in us.
Breaktime – I just could not resist this bit of info. If you are one of those following how the growing China-U.S. tensions are playing out, check out the 4 part documentary “When Titans Clash” produced by Channel News Asia (CNA Singapore). You can view it on You Tube on the CNA site. I have just watched the 1st part. Absolutely interesting! I also prefer to watch one researched and produced by a 3rd party. In this case, Channel News Asia. Not produced by the U.S. or China. I am looking forward to the next 3 parts. More from me about this. Or better still, watch them yourself. Quite fascinating! This documentary should be aired on main stream television here in the West. Oh well, it is on social media, where the world is at right now.
Tessie O. Taylor
Taylorteresita@gmail.com