by Lucas Redekop
Like this blog, my beginnings have a close connection to Mennonite Central Committee. I was born overseas during my parent’s 3-year volunteer commitment to MCC. Their primary work was educating new immigrants on what to expect when arriving in North America. My parents have maintained connections to some of the people who eventually arrived and stayed near our home in Southern Ontario.
A few years ago on Canada day, Mr. Trahn*, a friend from my parent’s MCC term, graciously invited my parents and me out for lunch at the Mandarin (a Chinese/Canadian buffet restaurant). Shortly after meeting I realized Mr. Trahn is an ideal Canadian refugee; he came here with nothing, but now has a small family, a house, two jobs, works unrealistically long hours, and drives a Mercedes Benz. Mr. Trahn took advantage of his small window of opportunity so his children have a little easier time getting started economically in this world than he did.
Once we arrive at one of Toronto’s many Mandarin restaurants I realize Mr. Trahn’s story is unique but is not without parallels. Canada, as witnessed in the restaurant, is, as Canadian schoolchildren are often reminded, a highly successful social experiment, where many different ethnicities are not only accommodated but encouraged to be a part of a larger multicultural mosaic. The restaurant was filled with people of many different races and cultures sharing tables and conversation. Our table was no exception, three white Mennonites sharing a table with a Vietnamese man and his two Chinese/Vietnamese children. My grandparents were grateful for this Canadian accommodation and acceptance and I personally believe in the idea and practice of the Canadian multicultural mosaic.
Now for my hesitation; the Mandarin specializes in serving a great amount of food, the bounty of the Canadian landscape in full display, but none it particularly great. The food is somewhat Chinese, somewhat Canadian, but not really either, appealing to everyone rather than making great, unfamiliar dishes.
The Mandarin’s aversion to risk in favor of economic stability made me wonder, that day, if Canada has neglected it primary dream o the multicultural mosaic for the primary goal of economic stability. Or maybe economic stability has always been the primary goal of Canada and “cultural peace” the facade? Listening to all the recent talk of “economic stimulation” without any mention of well-being furthers my cynicism. I agree poverty should be eliminated, but can a society really survive with economic stability as a founding principle?
*Names have been changed
No Comments Yet
No comments yet.
Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI
Leave a comment
