tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post5063919827463714102..comments2024-03-19T07:36:33.915-04:00Comments on Of Battered Aspect: EchosDave Hingsburgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11918601687946534172noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post-51913936265426122622012-09-02T20:39:42.860-04:002012-09-02T20:39:42.860-04:00I took a course on Multi-culturalism and health ca...I took a course on Multi-culturalism and health care - and the instructor was quite clear, in fact insisting, that we, in Canada, are not - nor want to be - a melting pot. The word used was mosaic as John R said. I think that indeed is the difference.<br /><br />Melting pot puts everyone together and stirs up. This is an attempt to make all the same. The idea is nice - equality - but in reality, just like a stew, some bits float to the top and other sink to the bottom. The only distinction offered is being famous or infamous.<br /><br />The mosiac allows each individual "piece" shine. Each person or group is distinct and beautiful and appreciated for their differences. Together we make something beautiful. <br /><br />I'm so glad the girls get to experience the Canadian mosiaic.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post-39138933867569998942012-09-02T12:39:27.358-04:002012-09-02T12:39:27.358-04:00@John R
I've always thought that the different...@John R<br />I've always thought that the different dominant metaphors used by the US and Canada to describe diversity were rather telling of the thought processes behind the,. In the USian 'melting pot' metaphor, everyone is changing, melding into one homogenous soup. In the Canadian 'mosaic', everyone retains their uniqueness, while staying side by side harmoniously to create a beautiful whole. Assimilation vs. coexistence.Mandassassinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06926164160728125417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post-45054734604993813532012-09-02T10:08:41.005-04:002012-09-02T10:08:41.005-04:00Given the political climate in the US right now, w...Given the political climate in the US right now, we feel less like a melting pot than I ever remember. But I think you're wrong on one point, John. Jerry Lewis was out of the telethon last year and isn't coming back this year. I think it's going to be a much shorter event this year, but not sure if it's going to change its disgusting approach to fundraising. I might tune in to see, though. Have never watched much of it. Tamarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04624151975591059655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post-17904932691946636692012-09-02T08:30:53.278-04:002012-09-02T08:30:53.278-04:00I wonder why Canada does so well at the "melt...I wonder why Canada does so well at the "melting pot" idea and the United States struggles? The description of the multi-cultural Toronto in which Sadie and Ruby are being raised made me inspired but sad as well. As much as we in the United States "claim" freedom and justice awaits all who enter our borders, I know very differently. Not only for people of different ethnic, religious and racial background but in particular disability is so unaccepted or tokenized. <br /><br />In fact, this weekend the United States is celebrating Labor Day. We take the last weekend in summer to appreciate the Labor movement in the country. Jerry Lewis will be hosting his God-AWFUL telethon and once again will spend 36 hours with many token Jerry's Kids. He will work to pity and marginalize kids with significant disabilities as opposed to offer pride and celebration about being born as who they are. I always hated the telethon. But this part of our culture in the US is a symptom of something that may be absent from your Canadian culture. I think Canadians may just have a deeper cultural appreciation for difference and diversity and less contempt? I know there are problems but your society seems to handle them better.??? I don't know....please forgive my rant and I hope it did not spoil the nice story you shared.... Glad that all of you had a wonderful time!! John R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09855575688523179265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743239.post-34564722315737496372012-09-02T07:27:40.563-04:002012-09-02T07:27:40.563-04:00Ahhh...for the sweet existance of having the choic...Ahhh...for the sweet existance of having the choice to ride on the chair or the scooter. To love big windows, and big ducks - and to see through eyes that see wonder - not wonderdering what is "wrong" with others. Bless them!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com