Dishes Out: Assimilation Per Se

"Immigrants need to assimilate". What does that even mean? Assimilate into what? What ideal are people thinking of when they proclaim this? The very question ignores the diverse landscape of Canada, from west to east coast. If people would be really honest, they'd realize not everyone is the same and not everyone needs to fit into a mysterious, intangible mold! Is Canada a factory now? 

Welcome back to another lively episode where Andrea is joined by a special guest and marital roommate of almost 10 years, her husband Mark! Filling in temporarily into Hostion's big shoes (not that he has big feet), Mark and Andrea clap back against a comment that recently said immigrants are okay but there needs to be assimilation programs for them when they arrive. We'll tackle this Canadian idealism and speak to the reality that immigrants already do as much as they can to 'fit in' and be acceptable to Canadians. From changing their names to hiding their culture, immigrants try to assimilate but it will never be enough because no one knows what kind of standard assimilation provides! Everyone has their own unique identity, born in Canada or born outside of Canada. Let's get away from demanding a computerized, predictable and bland people and let's embrace what is good, diverse and beautiful. 

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