Elderon the Wise wrote:
I dissagree. Canada is well known for it's acceptace and respect of heritage. What I am tring to say is, people who immigrate to Canada from all over the world are proud to simply say they are Canadian. We have legions for each ethnic group all over the place. For example, in the small town I live in we have a Polish, Ukranian and Italian Legion. We even have churches that cater to each language, however if you were to ask anyone of them what their citizenship was they would say they were Canadian; not Polish-Canadian, not Italian-Canadian. Just Canadian. Also, there is no such thing as an African-Canadian. Ever wonder why?
That's what I'm asking.
Your nationality/citizenship are different than your cultural ancestry. I am a dual citizen of Peru and of the United States. When asked if I am American, I say yes. When asked if I am Peruvian, I say the same. When asked what my citizenship is on an application, I check the box that says I am a United States citizen.
When asked to identify myself as a race, I say mestizo. When asked to identify my ancestry, culture, etc., I say am Peruvian. If you leave Canada and live in Germany for 50 years, I bet you would still think of yourself as Canadian (better you than me) because it's where you were raised, and where you became aware of yourself as an individual in society. It doesn't detract from my experience as an American. In fact, I thank God I am priviledged enough to have had the immigrant experience. I value this country for what it is worth, but I also love my nation of origin.
I remember once I had a discussion with someone about the practice of changing your name after marriage. They said that they considered it a no-brainer, that a woman should take her husband's name. I said I had never thought that I would, because to me, my last name is just as important to pass on as a man's, and I would love to keep it as part of my identity. I wouldn't expect a man to change his last name to mine, so why would I lose my name? I feel the same about citizenship. Yes, the United States is a wonderful country that has given me much, but Peru is the cradle of all my history as a person, and that has its place as well. I'm sure it will be easier for subsequent generations, but that is my cross to bear as a first-generation immigrant.