5 ms·
> The spirit and character of a people comes from their DNA. Would you then suggest that a country of mixed-nationality immigrants, like Canada, can never have
by titanomachy 10y ago
> The spirit and character of a people comes from their DNA.
Would you then suggest that a country of mixed-nationality immigrants, like Canada, can never have a national identity? Do you believe that the patriotic affinity between Canadians is somehow lesser than that between Germans, because we don't share a well-defined genetic heritage?
You're right, Turks have integrated poorly in Germany. Temporary foreign workers were brought over en masse and ghettoized to fuel the economic rejuvenation of the nation; unsurprisingly, many chose to stay. Too many to integrate properly. The result is a huge chasm between German-born Turks and Germans, with resentment on both sides. But this was the result of a poorly-executed policy, albeit one that may have been necessary at the time; either way, it's not the normal way that immigration happens in Germany or other countries.
- Frozenlock 10y ago>Do you believe that the patriotic affinity between Canadians is somehow lesser than that between Germans, because we don't share a well-defined genetic heritage? Lesser patriotic affinity for minorities? Absolutely. (I am Canadian) There's even a study[1] showing that with increasing diversity, you get: Lower confidence in local government, local leaders and the local news media. Lower political efficacy – that is, confidence in one's own influence. Lower frequency of registering to vote, but more interest and knowledge about politics and more participation in protest marches and social reform groups. Higher political advocacy, but lower expectations that it will bring about a desirable result. Less expectation that others will cooperate to solve dilemmas of collective action (e.g., voluntary conservation to ease a water or energy shortage). Less likelihood of working on a community project. Less likelihood of giving to charity or volunteering. Fewer close friends and confidants. Less happiness and lower perceived quality of life. More time spent watching television and more agreement that "television is my most important form of entertainment". [1] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9477.2007.00176.x/abstract http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-9477.2007....
- lgieron 10y agoThe US would seem to counterpoint that, esp. with tons of people participating in voluntary work and civic engagement (compared to other countries).
- eru 10y agoIt would be instructive to compare Switzerland here. They are famously made up of German, French and Italian speaking parts. (And a fourth language that nobody cares about. And lots of immigrants these days from all over Europe.)
- said 10y agoI think you're shadow-banned. Your two most recent posts are dead.
- deleted 10y ago[deleted]
- eru 10y ago> Would you then suggest that a country of mixed-nationality immigrants, like Canada, can never have a national identity? Switzerland is a better example---since they don't have big groups that want to split the country.
- cb18 10y agoI'm not an expert on Canada, I know there was a little bit of tension between the Quebecois and the rest. because we don't share a well-defined genetic heritage This is not true. The genetic heritage of both Canada and the USA is European. It is only in recent decades that there has been non-European immigration of any significance. Therefore the national identity of Canada and the USA is European. After all, they are part of the western world, they have the characteristics that are common to the European/western world. When I have to explain this stuff, I feel like the world is going crazy. I mean it is so obvious. But it if helps someone, great.