Do you know what I love most about Canada? That is, what is its greatest achievement?
Sure, it could be discovering the treatment for diabetes – insulin.
It could be establishing one of the cornerstones of a free, equal, and just democracy – universal health care.
We could even be credited for creating the delicate freedom which we Canadians have the privilege of enjoying on a day-to-day basis; I am of course referring to poutine.
However, I argue, that above even delicious poutine, there is an aspect of Canada which overshadows all: the amalgamation of old and new, the union of the entire world into a single entity.
It is diversity.
It is well known to the world that Canada is a melting pot, inhabited by people of numerous ethnic backgrounds, each with their unique cultures to share.
It doesn’t take a genius to make out the benefits of such. And while some might argue that this is more of a hindrance than an advantage, I would beg to differ.
Foremost, we stand to gain more from the additional perspectives brought on by the incorporations of other cultures.
For example, Aboriginal values believe in revering nature, which endows Canadians with a conservationist perspective.
French culture promotes nutritious foods and healthy eating, which makes its way onto every table.
Indian values relies on dedication, encouraging us all to double our efforts and be tenacious.
Chinese culture emphasizes respect to family, friends, and foreigners, which educates us on the importance of politeness.
Each culture is an added piece to the puzzle of our identity, and each part adds a new layer of depth to who we are.
Second, the incorporation of various cultures enhances our adaptability in the face of adversities, supplying a greater variety of solutions to combat our hindrances.
I would picture it like this: if life’s strife is a game of hockey, then each new culture we incorporate is analogous to an additional player.
The more we have, the more angles of attack we have to score the goal of a solution.
Similarly, if there is quarrel among the team, then the lack of teamwork and coordination would inevitably lead to loss.
But, having lived my entire life in this wonderful nation, I can safely say that we Canadians embrace the differences everyone brings to the table and use them to our greatest advantage.
As humans, we are all rooted in the same branch of life; we can neither reach success nor find peace without fully embracing our diversity and differences.
Most conflicts arise as a retaliation to change and to the acceptance of others.
Consequently, conflict only exists to a degree we will it to.
However, this is what I love most about Canada: the ability to respect cultural differences and incorporate it in such a way that it becomes part of our identity and strength.
– By David Wang, a student at Garibaldi secondary.
