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Being Canadian I love to live in Canada and I am proud of being Canadian. There are many reasons for this. Canada is civilized country where people live happily and have strong national unity and identity. Many people around the world compare Canada to the United States, but there are some differences between these two countries. As for me, Canada has several advantages over the United States; even though Americans are have some skeptical opinions about our wonderful country. When mentioning Canadian identity, some of the first things that come to mind are the external and internal stereotypes that have been created about Canadians.
There are of course the typical stereotypes that arrive from the United States such as the idea that Canadians all live in igloos while dodging stray hockey pucks. Or that it is cold everywhere in Canada, all year around. All of which are untrue. Indeed, Canada has its own unique face. I love to live in Canada because we all Canadians are friendly. Canada has a flourishing social contract, and it shows in ways both large and small.
Civility and thoughtfulness create livability that contrasts markedly with many American cities. Canada is a more egalitarian society than the United States, with less income disparity and a European-style social safety net that protects people who lose their jobs or fall ill. Thirty percent of Canadas gross domestic product, compared to twenty in the U. S. , is spent on social programs. While historically Canadian identity developed through much internal evolution, it has always framed its becoming through its relationships to the United States.
These relationships serve as a barometer by which Canadians measure their internal evolution. This is not surprising considering the close proximity of the population to the border. The border is a symbolic separation of Canadian vs. American. However, with the power that this American influence possesses, the shield has not prevented the development of a Canadian identity from becoming a slower process. Also, although the Canadian identity slightly varies from place to place, Canadians are consistent in interpreting their identity and their relationship between the United States.
In this context, the border is the emotional and ideological focal point for the never-ending debate over the nature of these relationships. It is obvious that we Canadians recognize the importance of being distinctive, whether or not this is actually the case. Identity is a natural discovery through means of social interaction. Whether it is via interaction with other people, or by means of media, there is no escaping interaction with our surroundings. In the case of Canadian identity, the surroundings have consistently varied within, and rapidly changed on the outside, thus obstructing creation of a national identity. However Canadians have conveniently translated this dilemma as a major component of their identity.
Canada and the U. S. will always have significant internal differences, however similarity reigns in most general aspects. With globalization becoming increasingly prevalent and commanding, it is easy to see how it is more of a concern for the American identity than the Canadian counterpart. Globalization has always hampered Canadian identity internally, while it is a newer reality for the United States. With Social factors changing so rapidly all over the world, it will be interesting to see how these two countries fair in their quest for a unique identity.
But what I am proud about is that we Canadians differ from Americans especially in values. One thing that I am concerned about is determining whether or not there is a unique Canadian identity has been a struggle since the conception of the nation back in 1867, and with good reason. An identity is very difficult to define and it is virtually impossible to determine the fine line between lack of an identity and the existence of an identity. In order to conclude that there is a unique Canadian identity, it is necessary to see past the irony in which such a conclusion is reached. The irony is that, there are fewer things unique within Canada, which all Canadians share in common, compared to unique characteristics that can be seen across the board. This fact is one that Canadians closely identify themselves with, and thus becomes part of the unique Canadian identity.
The primary causes of this lack of uniqueness within Canada among Canadians are various types of barriers. Government has made significant efforts throughout Canadian history to unify Canada and overcome many of these barriers. Currently, I think that we are on the right track of finding and preserving our national identity, and should not allow it to be swept with globalization. We Canadians love our country is because of economic stability. Historically, Canada has been a heaven for people looking for a peaceful economically sound country to call home, but at no time in history has Canada been more inviting and accommodating to immigrants than now. According to the Human Development Report for 1999 recently released by the United Nations, Canada once again ranks first worldwide among places to live, this time for the sixth year in a row.
Factors taken into consideration when determining such rankings include educational levels, health care, life expectancy and income. We Canadians are some of the best-educated people in the world, with an adult literacy rate of 99 %. Children are required by law to attend school up to the age of 15 or 16, depending on the province, and university attendance -- mostly funded by the government -- is commonplace. A low crime rate usually follows in countries where good education and social welfare (including universal health care) are standard, and Canada is no exception.
Toronto, Canada's largest city with around 4 million people is continually rated as among the safest urban sprawls in North America. Canada is currently experiencing an almost unparalleled boom in its economy. Canada is most active trading partner is the United States, but it has carved fertile in-roads with many of the top trading nations in the world. A significant portion of the Canadian population is employed in business, finance and administrative occupations, areas in which skilled worker immigrants often find employment. Many Canadian businesses meet the demand for information technology workers, and for other skilled individuals, through immigrant recruitment. As you see Canadians are smart people, who produce goods and services that are valuable today throughout the world.
This will allow Canada to develop more in the future and certainly will make life in Canada better. I love Canada the most for its beautiful nature. Canadian landscape consists of mountains, tundra, forests, lakes, and prairies. The climate is wet, sunny, cold, and snowy all at the same time. Not any where in the world will you find a country that offers such diversity.
Canada is also democratic country where the rights of people are highly respected. Canada has made a choice to govern by federalism. By doing this Canada has agreed to unite. This will improve the protection of the future, prosperity, and freedom. So if Canada has agreed to unite, it should eventually be accomplished. Dreams don not come true over night.
But as Canadians, we should believe that we can make this country a promising nation for all and I think that we all succeed in doing it. Canada has remained truthful to creating a secure future for everyone. Canadas goal is marriage, not divorce. This requires love from both sides. The people of Canada must support and accept decisions made by the government, and trust they are for the better.
In return the government should allow more say by the public and is doing it. What is it that Canadians really want? How can everyones needs be met, and standard of living be equalized. Doing this is ensuring a win-win situation for all of Canadians. All Canadians are proud of being apart of a country that really cares about each citizen. A country that celebrates its uniqueness, through the sprits it has nurtured.
Over the vast mountains, across the providing prairies, over the hills and into every valley, from sea to sea. Canada stretches its arms to reach out to every person. To help their dreams fly. The people give back to Canada; they secure her, with a promising leader. By maturing our ideas and thoughts about federalism, the image of peace becomes clearer. In my opinion symbolism plays significant role in shaping the Canadian national identity.
Canada has its own unique symbols that live in heart of every Canadian and unite us. Canada has symbols that are patriotic such as the Maple Leaf flag, which is very important to Canadians. Many objects themselves can even be used, unofficially, as Canadian symbols. What greater unofficial Canadian symbols are there than anything that has to do with hockey, and justifiably so. Canada has been the most successful nation when it comes to hockey. It is identifiable throughout Canada.
Nearly every Canadian town has an arena in which residents could find blindfolded. On September 28, 1972, one of the most familiar phrases in Canadian history was broadcast across the airways; starting with Heres another shot. Right in front. They score! Which Canadians will likely finish with. Henderson has scored for Canada. (1955 Canadas victory over the USSR in an international hockey series) Another hockey symbol is the mere name of Wayne Gretzky.
Gretzky is more recognized outside Canada than the Canadian Prime Minister. There could someday be a movement to have the theme from Hockey Night in Canada changed to the National anthem, where Canadians just stand in silence listening to the recognizable theme song. It would put up a good fight for sure. I love Canada just for it is Canada, my country where life is happy.
I am proud to be Canadian, because Canada is wonderful in all aspects. I do not want to move some place else just because Canada is MY country.
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Research essay sample on Canadian Identity National Identity
