Preview

Racial Inequality In Canada

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1485 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Racial Inequality In Canada
When my father was seven years old, his family immigrated to Canada because they heard that it was the land of the free, where everyone was treated equally and with respect. Worldwide, that appears to be a common belief- Canada is viewed as vastly a tolerant nation, serving as a shining example to countries across the globe on topics such as human rights and the treatment of minority groups. However, behind the well-constructed façade lies a wealth of problems based on racial prejudice and stereotyping, directed specifically towards our Native Canadians. The article I have selected clearly demonstrates this racial inequality through shocking statistics, such as a school dropout rate of 10 times the national average and a life expectancy of …show more content…
Rather, it is simply that people’s implicit biases are an unconscious factor that affects their behaviour towards minority groups. Such was the case when I completed the three Implicit Association tests. Although I outwardly pride myself in being a relatively open and accepting person, my Implicit Association tests revealed some surprising biases that went directly against what I stand for. One that was particularly shocking was the fact that I had an implicit bias that I strongly associated only males with careers, despite the fact that I am a proud feminist and desperately want equality of the sexes. This, along with some other surprising test results, left me contemplating exactly how prevalent unconscious biases are. The Implicit Bias test helped me to realize that everyone does indeed have some preconceived notions and prejudices, and that those things don’t necessarily make you a bad person. What marks the good from the bad is simply your willingness to accept your shortcomings and to work past your biases, whatever they may be. For that reason, I do believe that Hidden Bias tests are extremely useful in general, as they open people’s eyes to their own faults, and gives them an opportunity to change their viewpoints and become more accepting and inclusive as a whole. Additionally, I do believe that the Implicit Association Tests are even more important for those in positions of authority, such as teachers, doctors, government personnel, and individuals working within the judicial system. Research has shown that implicit bias has led to differential treatment at hospitals, can affect wages and raises, and can lead to harsher sentencing in court. By allowing officials to take these tests, they are then able to rectify any hidden biases they may have before they are potentially forced into a situation where they make discriminatory judgements. If the Implicit

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world (Pavlich, 2011). As a result, Canadian society has continued to evolve over the years to match the population changes. Canadian laws are universal and it governs everyone; regardless of cultural differences and practices (Pavlich, 2011). Therefore, the laws are expected to be upheld by everyone to maintain order in its society. Furthermore, immigration laws have made it considerably easier for people to settle in Canada. As a result, the negative and positive aspects of each culture are exported with the immigrant population. Furthermore, commitment to social justice, freedom and respect for cultural differences makes Canadian society unique. However, cultural practices differ in each…

    • 1112 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The history of colonial is a major reason for race discrimination in Canada. Morrison and Borsa (2014) study that during the history of pre-confederation in Canada, colonialist creed and European cultural and racial hegemony contributed to equivocal relationship with Aboriginal people. In brief, the interrelation between these two ethnicities was vibrating midst overt hostility and patronizing submission. Morrison and Borsa (2014) also point out that during the process that those colonialist struggled to assimilate native people, enormous Aboriginal people started to immigrated to exotic country. Thereby, it caused population loss, dislocation, extensive social disruption and widespread sedenterization among the Aboriginal people. This influences…

    • 305 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Genocide, the stripping if a culture, the breaking of people's spirits, missing and unreported deaths of children, over 105 missing women (Amnesty International, 2015), third world living conditions, lack of clean drinking water, and nearly one quarter of incarceration rates compromising a specific group (Government of Canada & Statistics Canada, 2015). These would commonly be points associated with a third world country under extreme oppression and led by a dictatorship. However, these are all instances that exist in a first world country lead by democracy, Canada which is supposed to be the land of the "true north strong and free" has some of the greatest human rights abuses with regards to the aboriginal population. It is not just hundreds…

    • 2396 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Better Essays

    The last century has seen many movements for change in Canada, yet there is still much work to be done. Our society views a certain group of people with a high regard and an authority over others; these same people fall into the group that Audre Lorde calls the ‘Mythical Norm.’ Although Canada claims to be a land of equal opportunity, the ever-present conception of the mythical norm creates a breeding ground from which oppression grows in Canadian society. The idea of this norm is what leads to the domination of white males in the Canadian economy and within the country’s justice system. This essay will explore the ways in which the mythical norm creates sexist, homophobic, and racist oppressions in society.…

    • 1145 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    In the article “Why Multiculturalism Can’t End Racism,” Marlene Nourbese Philip discusses how multiculturalism promotes discrimination opposed to stopping it. Philip explains that there is inequality between different cultures and races in Canada; the Canadian government only recognizes the French and English in the constitution. Examples of genocidal practices against natives, past treatment of Chinese and Indian immigrants, and the preference of white European immigrants are used to explain unfairness amongst cultures in Canada and white supremacy. Philip believes Canadians can one day achieve equality among races but only if a strong, united effort is made.…

    • 582 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The implicit bias survey represents an individual’s unconscious bias. I believe these results to be unreliable because there were many factors which could alter the results. Factors that could have altered my results were being right handed or left handed and the way the questions were worded. I found some of the question difficult to understand. Before I took this quiz, I expected questions on the type of people I surrounded myself with, family backgrounds and questions pertain to race and disabilities. I believe these circumstances can alter a person’s automatic biases. I was surprised to find the quiz resembled a game and contained few questions pertaining to the person background and actions. The quiz could be altered to be more accurate by adding in these factors and removing the amount of “gaming” questions. In doing…

    • 897 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Implicit Bias Analysis

    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Implicit Bias is an initial personal judgment imposed upon another person based on the internal biases imbedded in ones subconscious mind. This can be a problem in society because people often make improper judgments of another person based on an impression that may not be correct. This can impact society in a number of negative ways, but specifically it can lead to prejudice, marking ones social status, and judgments about an individuals intelligence based on a first impression.…

    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Canada is often referred to as a nation of immigrants, however, for a long period of time these immigrants came from a limited side of the world. Most people who migrated to the Dominion before the turn of the twentieth century left European nations, predominately the British Isles and Western Europe. The pattern of immigration began to shift particularly in the 1890s, as it became more likely for southern and eastern Europeans to make the trip. Additionally, another notable change in the pattern of immigration was the increase in Asian workers beginning to arrive in the first couple of decades after Confederation. As a result of the influx of immigrants entering Canada, racism flourished in a variety of ways from individual acts of suspicion, disrespect to formally enacted laws and policies designed to drive out and limit the prospects of racial minorities. White Canadians saw the presence of Asians during the first third of the twentieth century as the greatest threat to national prosperity.1 In The Black Candle, Emily Murphy a magistrate from Edmonton addresses the problem of drug trafficking in Canada and despite taking some care to present her remarks as detached and scientific, she had some clear opinions regarding various racial and ethnic groups and their involvement in the trade. Murphy expressed stereotypical and prejudiced views about various racial and ethnic groups. Like many Anglo-Protestants of her time, Emily Murphy believed that the social problems of the era, such as poverty, alcohol and drug abuse were linked to the influx of immigrants into western Canada and that criminal activity amongst certain immigrants needed to be eliminated through anti-drug organizations and strict legislation.…

    • 1516 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Canada’s topography is spectacular, you can go from oceans to lakes and from deserts to rainforests all in a day's drive, or drive across this vast nation and experience waves surging onto shore, fields of wheat dancing in the wind, cobble stone roads where Canada's first settlers had a dream for a new nation, and cliffs looking out onto what seems an endless sea. The beauty of my country makes me proud. Canada is the least racist country in the world, in my opinion. Ethnic backgrounds are mixed which makes Canada hard to define. Every culture has their own unique qualities and strengths; in Canada their qualities have merged to become one. This new nationality created from blended backgrounds is Canadian. In other countries a lot of people don’t accept ethnic minorities. In Canada, we treasure the various cultures that reside here. The more ethnic background we incorporate into our society the richer we will…

    • 282 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    “I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the history of Canada there has always been an intolerance towards immigrants, There is a dream some people had for a utopian country, a country the is no longer defined by the color of your skin, the ways you act , the things you do or your beliefs, This dream of some people has still not been reached and most likely never will be, but Canada has greatly changed in many ways since 1914.the biggest problem is that most people do not realize that “Achievement has no color” ~ Abraham…

    • 1300 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Social Diversity In Canada

    • 1178 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on the beautiful island of Newfoundland and Labrador? This breathtaking province is located on the eastern edge of North America and is the youngest province to join Confederation in 1949 (Summers, 2010) to become a part of Canada. There are many attributes that make up this province. Physical, economical and human diversity play a large role in the makeup of this province. These various characteristics differentiate Newfoundland and Labrador from the other Canadian provinces and have shaped it into the magnificent province that it is today.…

    • 1178 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    From Canadian history, we can observe discrimination against Indigenous population. The discrimination took a part in various ways. One of the biggest discrimination Indigenous people faced and are still facing is violation of basic human rights, separation of families with no consent, and abuse of power and authority of the ones who are suppose to protect them. In this essay, I will argue that Indigenous rights of Canada can be advanced through proper education in and outside of Indigenous communities and better representations in the government of Canada. To end stigma and racism against Indigenous people, it is important for the general public to be properly informed about the history of Indigenous people and the values that they stand for.…

    • 1399 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Ethnic Diversity In Canada

    • 1333 Words
    • 6 Pages

    The largest areas of culturally diverse societies consist within the 5 major metropolitan cites of Canada which are, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary (Mercer, 1995, 174). Most crimes occur in these large metropolitan cities, where many cultures are mixed within the large communities. As a result of many of the large Canadian cities being home to a majority group of people from a distinct array of ethnic identities, patterns of crime are often quite similar. For example, statistics have shown a large population of at risk black youth in the City of Toronto often indicted for street crimes. Or, the City of Vancouver, where the Asian youth gang phenomenon is at large (Mercer, 1995, 181). It is very important that the police forces in these communities represent or to the least have knowledge and sensitivity of these ethnic groups. Many of these at risk youth are either immigrants or first generation Canadians; therefore the police must be able to service them with the sensitivity of their background. Although, there have been efforts to diversify Canadian police there is still much work to be done. According to Geoffrey Li, the Law Commission of Canada has noticed through census statistics that: “in spite of concerted efforts to increase diversity in police services in Canada, women, members of visible and ethnic minority groups, as well as Aboriginal peoples, remain significantly underrepresented, compared to their representation in the communities being policed"(Li, 2008, 6). The enforcement and motivation for a more diverse police force is extremely important as the face of Canadian society is becoming less predominantly white males and more women, ethnic minorities, and Aboriginal, fueling the…

    • 1333 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    How Unethical Are You

    • 954 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Because implicit prejudice arises from the ordinary and unconscious tendency to make associations, it is distinct from conscious forms of prejudice, such as overt racism or sexism. This distinction explains why people who are free from conscious prejudice may still harbor biases and act accordingly. Biases are also likely to be costly. In controlled experiments, psychologists Laurie Rudman at Rutgers and Peter Glick at Lawrence University have studied how implicit biases may work to exclude qualified people from certain roles. One set of experiments examined the relationship between participants’ implicit gender stereotypes and their hiring decisions. Woman was less likely to be socially than the man, though their qualifications were in fact the same.…

    • 954 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Canada and Racism

    • 825 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Canada is perceived to be a tolerant country open to multiculturalism. In both stories “I’m not a racist but...” and “I’m a banana and I’m proud of it” we see that Canadians may stereotype immigrants just as easily as other countries.…

    • 825 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays