Our Cultural MosaicOur Cultural Mosaic

Chapter SixChapter Six

Culture UnitCulture Unit

Cultures ChangeCultures Change

• Culture is dynamic!• Internal forces, such as better education and

health care, or outside influences, like new technology, bring about change.

• Women’s right to vote (Pearson’s case)• Abolishing the death penalty• Can’t use your cell phone and drive.• Identity theft• Social media

The Salad BowlThe Salad Bowl

• Aboriginals, British and French (the first Canadians) + Immigration = Cultural diversity, which brings cultural change!

• Canada has been declared by the United Nations to be the most multicultural nation on earth.

How are we grouped?How are we grouped?

• Ethnic Group – members share a common background.

• Linguistic group – members share a common language

• Religious group – members belong to a particular religion or belief system.

What is our Cultural Group?What is our Cultural Group?

• Members belong to the dominant culture or mainstream culture.

• Contributing cultures add to the mosaic!• In some cultures this might mean assimilation,

where a culture becomes absorbed into mainstream culture.

• But we are multicultural, the salad bowl and therefore in Canada….” Contributing cultures are expected to participate in Canadian economic, political and social life, while at the same time being encouraged to maintain their own separate cultural identities.”

Dartmouth Multicultural FestivalDartmouth Multicultural Festival

Highland Games AntigonishHighland Games Antigonish

StereotypesStereotypes

• Viewing all members of a group as the same, rather than as individuals. For example……

• All teenagers are………….

All Newfoundlanders are….All Newfoundlanders are….

oror

Stereotypes often lead to….Stereotypes often lead to….

• Prejudice – a view based on previously held ideas and not knowledge or experience, which of course may lead to

• discrimination – treat a particular group or member of a group differently or unfairly..

• Racism – belief that a person’s abilities, personality and values are influenced by race, color or ethnic origin.

Rita JoeRita Joe

• Rita is a Mi’kmaq poet dedicated to reviving the traditional values of her people.

• She received the “Order of Canada” in 1990.

• Best known for the poem, “I Lost My Talk”

I lost my talkThe talk you took away.When I was a little girl

At Shubenacadie school. You snatched it away:

I speak like you I think like you

I create like youThe scrambled ballad, about my world.

Two ways I talk Both ways I say,

Your way is more powerful. So gently I offer my hand and ask,

Let me find my talk So I can teach you about me.

Residential SchoolsResidential Schools

• http://englishfruit.wordpress.com/2013/01/08/i-lost-my-talk-by-rita-joe/