Multiculturalism in Canada a Myth or reality Research Paper

Multiculturalism in Canada a Myth or reality - Research Paper Example Multiculturalism allows people to follow their cultural norms and values freely because it integrates a sense of tolerance in the people living in the society. Canada is one of those countries which exhibits multiculturalism as people belonging to different parts of the world live there for different purposes. Canadian government encourages minorities to participate fully in different social acts by enhancing their level of social, economic, and cultural integration (CIC). Canadian government not only promotes its own culture and religion but also gives respect and consideration to the religions and cultures of ethnic minorities. In this paper, we will discuss whether multiculturalism really exists in Canada or it is just a myth. Multiculturalism in Canada: A Myth or Reality Dewing and Leman state, â€Å"Canada can be described as a multicultural society whose racial and ethnic diversity is expressed in different ways†. I personally believe that multiculturalism in Canada is a reality because in Canada, there is very little income inequality and people from different cultural backgrounds are living in Canada for so many years. Although 70 percent of the Canadian population is Roman Catholic, but all other people living in Canada are free to follow their respective religions. The government of Canada promotes social equality and that is the reason why Canadian people have no difficulty or pressure in obeying their religions openly. Canadian people believe that a culture is never based on a single race or religion; rather it is a combination of various factors that continuously change with the ongoing changes in the world. Canadian government has adopted various multiculturalism policies, which also prove the existence of multiculturalism in Canada. â€Å"Canadian multiculturalism policy is about valuing diversity† (Rao). Multiculturalism policies of the Canadian government have really made a strong and positive impact on the minds of the foreigners . A large number of foreigners give preference to immigrate and live in Canada because they consider Canada as the true multicultural society where every individual has power to live according to the culture of his or her own country. In 1970s, Canadian government approved multiculturalism as an official policy in order to strengthen the concept of diverse culture and to protect the rights of minorities living in Canada. â€Å"The Government of Canada is committed to reaching out to Canadians and newcomers and is developing lasting relationships with ethnic and religious communities in Canada† (CIC). Canadian government is very friendly and supportive for the immigrants and provides protection to their religious and cultural places. This is the reason why a large number of people want to immigrate to Canada. In Canada, every person is free to follow the culture, which he or she likes. There is no compulsion on any person to follow the cultural norms and values of the Catholic society, rather every religion and culture is given due respect in Canada which make it a real multicultural society. Cultural identity, productive diversity, and social justice and freedom are some of the widely recognized concepts of Canadian society, which endorse the element of multiculturalism in the society of Canada. Some other policies include acceptance of multi citizenship, celebration of festivals of