Question from a 2nd Generation South Asian

[geoffrey]

The right does have a good argument though about how everyone seems to be a first class citizen here except the White Canadian male, and I do feel for them. I'm just worried about the day the average Canadian white guy has enough that they will group me with the muslims who ask for Santa Claus to be banned from the malls!!

Won't happen.

Curious observation though, I find that 2nd gen immigrants, especially from the area you speak of, are very racially focused. It's all about the white guy, the asian guy, whatever. What do you think is the cause of this?

Sadly enough, I never even realised that in spite of my upbringing and "assimilation" there are some people who will never consider me 100% Canadian until I came on boards like this. These boards are toxic, IMO, as people say things they would never tell somebody to their face.

Canadian is a ridiculous term. People have values compatible with western culture or they don't. Those that demand you play hockey and drink Timmy Ho's is are rather foolish. Really, if your a progressive type, I don't see why you can't enjoy cultural food or what not.

I come from a very diverse workplace, where I'm easily a minority as a the white guy. So, for lunches and stuff we tend to go to various ethnic eateries and things like that. The bottom line, I eat more non-"Canadian" meals than normal "white" stuff. Does that make me not Canadian??

I've got to say that most cultural behavoirs and practices have nothing to do with assimilation. These are all just external things that people see... clothing, food, language. It's just about having the underlying values that go along with western society. 95% of immigrants and minorities are ok with this.

It's those that want to vote with faces covered and things along those lines that cause grief.

Social etiquette took thousands of years to develop and for good reason - but there is no need for them when you are behind a computer screen. So my advice to you - don't pay attention to what people say on these boards, it's not a true reflection of everyday life. Only allow people's opinion of you get to you when it directly affects your life. Otherwise, it's better to let it go.

The scary thing is that many people actually hold the opinions you speak of.