A Visible Minority's POV

[betsy]

I am a visible minority. Originally from the Philippines and came to Canada some 20 years ago.

Having always dreamed of living in the west...because of the freedom and the western way of life, I was more than willing to adapt to my adopted country. After all, its very way of life was the main reason that lured me here in the first place.

I do not understand why being protective of one's own culture is suddenly offensive or so "extreme right-wing."

If a Canadian chosed to go to the Philippines, you'll be welcomed.....but if you demand that their culture be modified to suit you, or if you become insulting to the Filipinos' way of life...rest assured, you'll be told to take a hike.

I am sure the reaction will be the same, or far worse if you dare move to elsewhere in the world and demand a people to change their ways.

Judging from the post about what the mayor of Carleton Place had stated....I, as a visible minority, am not offended by it. He may have made some strong comments....but he spoke as a defender of his faith and culture. He is a human being, outraged at what he sees as in injustice to his own culture.

Others die and kill for their faith. At least, this mayor only rants about it.

It is true. Canada had already open its doors....had already done so much to make us all feel welcomed.

The Filipino community here still retain and maintain their own little cultural niche....their own identity. The same with other ethnic groups.

The Filipino community is practical on its stance with the culture of this country....and we are actually critical of the outrageous demands being made by some who allegedly represent other minority groups.

Why can't we have our host country...the one who unselfishly granted refuge to multitudes from all over the world to maintain some of their identity too?

It's like a vegetarian who comes as a guest in someone's home. The host had made specially prepared vegetarian dishes to suit the vegetarian.....but the vegetarian demanded that the dinner must be completely meatless, for he (vegetarian) found it offensive to have to watch others eat meat of animals that were slaughtered.

As a Christian, I lament the fact that it's become so fashionable to bash christian traditions and values.

Christmas is Christmas. It's true meaning is about Christ. It is inclusive to everyone....everyone who wishes to participate in its celebration. I greet everyone "Merry Christmas", regardless of color or faith.

I do not expect anyone though, to tell me to change the meaning of this what to me is a very symbolic day...the same way that I do not expect Jews to change or modify the meaning of hanukah...or Muslims to change or dilute the meaning of Ramadan....nor wiccans or pagans or atheist or agnostics to modify their views to whatever it is they celebrate. That is theirs....and they have the right and the freedom to celebrate it the way they want to.

You may notice that I am so concerned about the corruptions. It is simply because they remind me so strongly of the corruptions I've lived with for most of my years under Marcos' rule. Although the actual declaration of martial law did occur suddenly one day....the process that led to it...all the tell-tale signs of rotting...had been building up for sometime. Dictatorship did not just simply happen overnight.

To any visible minorities in Canada who may be reading this, please remember why you left your mother country and chosed to come to this place. You've seen and experienced personally what a lot of our fellow Canadians had only heard about.

Cheers.

[Hicksey]

I am a visible minority. Originally from the Philippines and came to Canada some 20 years ago.

Having always dreamed of living in the west...because of the freedom and the western way of life, I was more than willing to adapt to my adopted country. After all, its very way of life was the main reason that lured me here in the first place.

I do not understand why being protective of one's own culture is suddenly offensive or so "extreme right-wing."

If a Canadian chosed to go to the Philippines, you'll be welcomed.....but if you demand that their culture be modified to suit you, or if you become insulting to the Filipinos' way of life...rest assured, you'll be told to take a hike.

I am sure the reaction will be the same, or far worse if you dare move to elsewhere in the world and demand a people to change their ways.

Judging from the post about what the mayor of Carleton Place had stated....I, as a visible minority, am not offended by it. He may have made some strong comments....but he spoke as a defender of his faith and culture. He is a human being, outraged at what he sees as in injustice to his own culture.

Others die and kill for their faith. At least, this mayor only rants about it.

It is true. Canada had already open its doors....had already done so much to make us all feel welcomed.

The Filipino community here still retain and maintain their own little cultural niche....their own identity. The same with other ethnic groups.

The Filipino community is practical on its stance with the culture of this country....and we are actually critical of the outrageous demands being made by some who allegedly represent other minority groups.

Why can't we have our host country...the one who unselfishly granted refuge to multitudes from all over the world to maintain some of their identity too?

It's like a vegetarian who comes as a guest in someone's home. The host had made specially prepared vegetarian dishes to suit the vegetarian.....but the vegetarian demanded that the dinner must be completely meatless, for he (vegetarian) found it offensive to have to watch others eat meat of animals that were slaughtered.

As a Christian, I lament the fact that it's become so fashionable to bash christian traditions and values.

Christmas is Christmas. It's true meaning is about Christ. It is inclusive to everyone....everyone who wishes to participate in its celebration. I greet everyone "Merry Christmas", regardless of color or faith.

I do not expect anyone though, to tell me to change the meaning of this what to me is a very symbolic day...the same way that I do not expect Jews to change or modify the meaning of hanukah...or Muslims to change or dilute the meaning of Ramadan....nor wiccans or pagans or atheist or agnostics to modify their views to whatever it is they celebrate. That is theirs....and they have the right and the freedom to celebrate it the way they want to.

You may notice that I am so concerned about the corruptions. It is simply because they remind me so strongly of the corruptions I've lived with for most of my years under Marcos' rule. Although the actual declaration of martial law did occur suddenly one day....the process that led to it...all the tell-tale signs of rotting...had been building up for sometime. Dictatorship did not just simply happen overnight.

To any visible minorities in Canada who may be reading this, please remember why you left your mother country and chosed to come to this place. You've seen and experienced personally what a lot of our fellow Canadians had only heard about.

Cheers.

Well said. Tempered and respectful.

[Hydraboss]

betsy, if in 20 years you have not heard it, "Welcome to Canada". You are, of course, going to invite me for "Noche Buena", right?

Damn, I forgot I'm conservative... What I meant to say was, "Get out, and take all your relatives and beliefs with you!"

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A belated Maligayang Pasko to you!

[betsy]

betsy, if in 20 years you have not heard it, "Welcome to Canada". You are, of course, going to invite me for "Noche Buena", right?

Damn, I forgot I'm conservative... What I meant to say was, "Get out, and take all your relatives and beliefs with you!"

----------------------------------

A belated Maligayang Pasko to you!

Wow! You're a Pinoy too?

Btw, let me drop another bombshell: I am from Carleton Place. I have not read that column though and do not know the mayor.

[Hydraboss]

betsy, if in 20 years you have not heard it, "Welcome to Canada". You are, of course, going to invite me for "Noche Buena", right?

Damn, I forgot I'm conservative... What I meant to say was, "Get out, and take all your relatives and beliefs with you!"

----------------------------------

A belated Maligayang Pasko to you!

Wow! You're a Pinoy too?

Btw, let me drop another bombshell: I am from Carleton Place. I have not read that column though and do not know the mayor.

Actually, I am many generation Canadian (German and Polish). And I am intolerant of other cultures. Can't you tell?

[betsy]

betsy, if in 20 years you have not heard it, "Welcome to Canada". You are, of course, going to invite me for "Noche Buena", right?

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A belated Maligayang Pasko to you!

Salamat Hydraboss. Last time I went home was in 1992....I miss the kalamay and bibingka.

Maligayang Pasko to you too....and Manigong Bagong Taon.

[arif]

Betsy that was well said, we should meet sometime in CP. you know I agree that if there is a campaign for people to give up their culture in Canada, I'm against it. I've learnt alot and thank you.

In posting the mayor's column and discussing it, I have not brought forth any greater understanding of the truly crucial role of faith in a secular and pluralistic society, and in my attempt to attack divisiveness, I have caused more divisiveness. For that, I'm truly sorry.

I'm really sorry for being provocative, and I've learnt a lot about this issue. With great affection to my fellow canadians, I apologize, and I wish you health and happiness. It's important to me to revise my position as I learn new information and perspective.

The very last thing I would want to see as a non-Christian is the erosion of the great tradition of Christianity. The very last thing I would want to see is Christmas cards gone, christmas trees gone, the joy and delight of children in Santa Claus, the story of the birth of Jesus forgotten. The last thing I would want to see is carols no longer sung, prayers no longer said, a community of faith washed away in a secular world out of a shallow notion of sensitivity.

My wife's a vegetarian, and she would never insist in going to someone's home that no one else eat meat in front of her, that they must cook a fully vegetarian meal. In fact, I would say if we were to arrive at a home where it was last minute and her veggie status had not been established, she would stick to her principles and not eat meat, but in no way would she try to influence others or insult the host, or make them cook an extra dish.

The vast majority of vegetarians are like this, and I think it's an apt model for how people generally negotiate differences in this country. You said quite rightly that the mayor spoke out, where in some places you may be attacked not be language, but with guns and sticks. That is the beauty of this place. Just as the vast majority of vegetarians are like that, the vast majority of all non-christian canadians have absolutely no desire to eliminate christmas cards, or any of the other beautiful aspects of it. I was just told by a friend that I have too high a confidence in human nature, but I think it's true. I'm not trying to minimize your or mr. dulmage's concerns, as perhaps i did earlier, only trying to un-target the concern.

Thank you and good luck to Stephen Harper (I didn't vote for him, but he will be our new PM and I wish him all the best for leading Canada well).

I worked a little with a Canadian who fell in love with the Phillipines and lives there most of the year, they were working with a cooperative in the barangays near Batangas City, on environmental issues and public health. He's a fantastic guy, and it's too bad our idea of having nursing students from UOttawa learn about public health there didn't work out.

love and light

arif

[mowich]

Betsy I am so proud of you for taking such a visible interest in the political process, most especially as you have come from another country. I too welcome you and thank you for choosing Canada as your new country. I am a Wiccan, not a Christian, the principle behind Wicca is "and it harm none, do what you will'. Another principle is the respect due others for their beliefs, which I fully support. I am also a vegetarian. I am not a vegan. There is a difference. I still eat poultry, fish and dairy products. I stopped eating beef and pork when my doctor told me it would help my arthritis. He was right, it did. However when I am invited for dinner I do not impose my diet on my hosts. I gratefully accept their hospitality and food. One meal does not make a difference to my health.

I believe that everyone deserves my respect and understanding unless the views they hold are indecent or inhuman. This of course includes everyone who holds opposing political views. I have always held to the belief that the more diverse our ideologies in Canada the better chance we have of attaining the kind of country we can all be proud to call our home.

[betsy]

Betsy I am so proud of you for taking such a visible interest in the political process, most especially as you have come from another country. I too welcome you and thank you for choosing Canada as your new country. I am a Wiccan, not a Christian, the principle behind Wicca is "and it harm none, do what you will'. Another principle is the respect due others for their beliefs, which I fully support. I am also a vegetarian. I am not a vegan. There is a difference. I still eat poultry, fish and dairy products. I stopped eating beef and pork when my doctor told me it would help my arthritis. He was right, it did. However when I am invited for dinner I do not impose my diet on my hosts. I gratefully accept their hospitality and food. One meal does not make a difference to my health.

I believe that everyone deserves my respect and understanding unless the views they hold are indecent or inhuman. This of course includes everyone who holds opposing political views. I have always held to the belief that the more diverse our ideologies in Canada the better chance we have of attaining the kind of country we can all be proud to call our home.

Arif and Mowich,

My brother in-law is a vegetarian. He is easy to please when he comes over for dinner.

And my stepdaughter, who already has a family of her own, is a wiccan.

She introduced me to burning incense.

Not only that, she and her husband were Liberals...and although right now she's disgusted with the party and won't vote for them, I don't think she'll go for the Conservatives either.

You can just imagine when we get together. My husband (who is a Canadian of English and German ancestry) and his daughter are both the same in being stubborn and sticking to their guns...so debates can be explosive around here.

Sometimes I act as the referee!