Specific Outcomes

By studying the articles related to this question you will be able to:

• identify different conceptions of Canadian identity
• identify positive and negative features of multiculturalism in Canada
• define the following terms: "public identity", "private identity", "identity politics", "victim culture", "political correctness"
• compare Bouchard and Parizeau's views of Quebec nationalism

Setting the Stage

Before reading the articles look at the introduction to the Question:

• With what group or groups do you identify with?
• What do you think is meant by "Identity Revolution"?
• Based on what you know, how would you answer the questions in the introduction to this Great Canadian Question?
• Are your answers confirmed or refuted by the readings?

Reading for Understanding

Questions for Neil Bissoondath's first article:

• Why would someone who has never been to Ireland get emotional about "Danny Boy"?
• Have you, or do you know people who get emotional or cheer for the country of their ancestry even though they have never been there? Why do people do this?
• "We in Canada have done an abysmal job of appreciating our own history." Why does Bissoondath say this? Do you think he is right? How can you justify your view?
• What does Bissoondath mean when he says, "Your Canadianness is only skin deep." Is he right? Why or why not?
• What is our "public" identity?
• What is our "private" identity?
• How do our public and private identities influence each other?
• Which of these aspects of our identity is stronger? Why?
• What does Bissoondath mean when he says, ""Canada's public identity continues to be built on opposition . . . on institution . . .and the theatrical display. . . ."? Is this a good or a bad thing? Justify your view?

Questions for Naomi Klein's first article:

• According to Klein, what is the meaning of "diversity"?
• Why is the struggle between Canada's English and French called a "blinding" chapter in our history?
• What are "identity politics", "victim culture" and "political correctness?
• One adjective that comes to mind when reading Klein's portrayal of victim politics in Canada is "ironic". Is this an accurate description of her portrayal?
• Klein notes that while Canada's population has changed, its sense of self has not? What does she mean here?
• Has there been an identity revolution in Canada, according to Klein? Why or why not?

Questions for Neil Bissoondath's second article:

• What is toleration, according to Ignatieff? Does Bissoondath agree or disagree? Why or why not?
• What is the point of Bissoondath's account of his trip to the Paris Book Fair?
• How does Bissoondath compare Bouchard and Parizeau's views of Quebec nationalism? Which view is more inclusive? Which view is more confident? Why?
• What does Bissoondath mean when he says, "We're living side by side, but not together"?
• According to Bissoondath, what would it take to change this situation in Canada?
• Where does identity reside, in the individual or the group?

Questions for Naomi Klein's second article:

• How did Bissoondath's notion of skin-deep "Canadianness" strike a chord with Klein?
• Why does Klein suggest that our past might be our enemy?
• "Canada has forged an identity grounded in a lie." What does Klein mean and why does she say this?
• How does Klein characterise Canada's policy towards immigrants? What evidence does she offer?
• According to Klein, what is the "true flaw" of multiculturalism? Has official multiculturalism failed? What evidence does she offer to support her views?
• According to Klein, what role does history play?

Critical Comparison

• To what parts of Klein's argument in the first essay does Bissoondath respond?
• To what parts of Bissoondath's argument in the first essay does Klein respond?
• On what points to they agree?
• On what points do they disagree?
• To what extent do you find Bissoondath's views on multiculturalism surprising?
• Where do you stand and why on the issue of the role multiculturalism has played in promoting a Canadian identity?
• What evidence is especially important in your conclusions?