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I tend to share the view that generally these things will work themselves out naturally, though I am probably not as unquestionably convinced of it as some people on here.
I mean, most immigrants and their descendants have ended up ''coming along'' over the past century. Of course there have been a few exceptions along the way.
Each wave of immigration (counting refugees as immigrants here for the sake of the discussion) is unique in its composition and in its moment in time.
It could very well be that certain waves that we are seeing today end up being an exception that will confirm the rule, and that large numbers of them start challenging Canada's shared values system.
I doubt that that is going to happen over the medium to long term, but when I see stuff like the protests against Ontario sex ed at schools like Thorncliffe Park in Toronto, let's just say I am not willing to claim victory just yet.
It's a good thing to keep an eye on.
I agree with your comment Acajack. Weren't some of the French attackers born in France, a democratic country? Weren't the two terrorist attacks committed here in Canada last year carried out by Canadian born muslim terrorist? Definitely something to keep an eye on.
Some people will jump on anything that is different in others - if it isn't Muslim extremism, it would be something else. When Mennonites came, their pacifism was used against them in the editorials of the day.
I agree that there are people who resent anything or anyone different from them and/or what they're used to. But isn't Muslim extremism a legitimate concern (I'm talking in in general terms, not in relation to Syrian refugees? Or, are you saying that xenophobes will use any excuse, be it "Muslim extremism" or another community's pacifism, to justify their bigotry? THAT I agree with.
Last edited by newdixiegirl; 11-24-2015 at 05:53 PM..
I agree that there are people who resent anything or anyone different from them and/or what they're used to. But isn't Muslim extremism a legitimate concern (I'm talking in in general terms, not in relation to Syrian refugees? Or, are you saying that xenophobes will use any excuse, be it "Muslim extremism" or another community's pacifism, to justify their bigotry? THAT I agree with.
Your second line.
I have a number of conflicting ideas about Muslim extremists. I think my thoughts are more focused on the tinderbox I believe that region to be, than Islam in particular.
It's highly plausible that a fairly sizeable portion of the refugees are followers of Islam in certain ways which are incompatible with Canadian societal values (and maybe even laws in some cases), and don't really see a link between these beliefs and the violence that is tearing apart their country of origin.
That too is ironic.
I think you have to look at the environment they are coming from which reinforces incompatibility with a more liberal and open minded view.. They are forced to be in the closet so to speak. Give them an environment where you let them know the closet door can be opened.. Environment has a way of shaping things.. I know plenty of muslims who are no more or no less conservative than multigenerational white bread anglos.
We also have to look at the fact that these individuals are going to be in shell shock for years adapting to society in Canada. Although my partner isn't a muslim, I do have personal experience living with someone who has had challenges adapting to life here. Sure its a safe and secure environment but it doesn't mean it won't be hard. They're going to be very busy trying to make a new life. I think they will find a new harmony between their ways and the ways of their new home and I don't think that is always a dangerous mix - often I think it is a beautiful one but yes, sometimes its a volatile mix.. With that said, should we all stop flying because every once and awhile a plane crashes.
there are other issues, canada is a country that values gender equality and supports gay marriage. how are you gonna deal with people who come here and want to teach their children that women are second class citizens and being gay is wrong and should be illegal, all because its part of their religious and cultural believes.
We've been a country of immigrants and refugees now for many decades. If you look at those decades people have increasingly embraced equality so I don't think 25000 Syrians refugees or continued policies of admitting 250K immigrants/refugees per year will derail human rights in our land. I think we have a stronger foundation than that. I think by the time there would be a dent people start to embrace the environment they live in and respect difference by and large.
Of the 25,000 refugees arriving before the end of February, 10,000 will be privately sponsored. Single men who are privately sponsored will not face restrictions.
My guess is that many of those who are being privately sponsored have been in the pipeline for a while, and there has been a lot more time for the vetting process.
Then bring in Mexican people or Philipinos. None of what you say addresses that Muslims are not as valuable immigrants groups as someone like a Mexican who can assimilate without the problems associated with a religion that calls for death to unbelievers and homosexuals. Tell me why are we not immigrating all the refugees that flee to the U.S. from Central America? What makes this group more deserving than all of refugee groups in Africa and South America?
Is there anyone who can make a direct answer instead of beating around the bush?
Because right now there is a dire humanitarian crisis going on with the Syrians. We as a country have decided to answer the call in this time of need. Why not be more selective about immigration? That doesn't address the situation unfolding in the middle east right now -which also happen to coincide with our needs to maintain our population.
In terms of assimilation and integration, we are not Europe. Do you see what's happening in France in Quebec? I very much doubt the children of these immigrants will become intolerant zealots after having grow up in Canada among a hodge podge of various cultures.
Why does it bother you so much to not accept straight males? What happened to women and children first?
because it is based on discrimination.
We are not allowed to discriminate women, but men's lives are not worth less either.
Women first is so 19 century chivalry. You can't demand gender equality but at the time time ask for women first. It's double standard.
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Your second line.
