Has Multiculturalism Really Failed? A Canadian Muslim Perspective

Abstract

Abstract:In recent years, claims that multiculturalism has created segregated communities, encouraged terrorism, and failed to foster shared national identities in western nations have gained popularity. In this paper, we use young Canadian Muslims' lived experience of multiculturalism to reflect on this debate. Contrary to popular rhetoric, our interviews of 50 young Muslim adults show that many maintain a dual Canadian-Muslim identity by utilizing the ideology of multiculturalism, even though they are increasingly stigmatized for their religion. These findings lead us to problematize the discourse surrounding the 'failure' of multiculturalism and to highlight the contradictions within it.

Exploring hybridity and identity negotiation of young Tamil Canadian women: an autoethnographic study

“…Some studies are more optimistic about their findings in relation to multiculturalism in Canada. Nagra and Peng (2013) argue, that being transnational should be normalized in diasporic communities. Quite interestingly, many experiences of Tamil Canadian youth in previously reviewed literature articulate that some are able to overlook the stigma they receive from nonethnic peers or those in their own diaspora.…”

The promise of migration : a companion to the International Metropolis Conference 2019, Ottawa, Canada

“…Nevertheless, there are two sides to the multiculturalism debate and the integration of immigrants in Canada. On the one hand, immigrants integrate quicker in Canada than in countries without any multicultural policy, and have higher rates of citizenship and political participation than other western democracies (Nagra & Peng, 2013). On the other hand, "Razack and Thobani note that multicultural policies celebrate white tolerance of racialized others by erasing colonial white settlement, the historical displacement of First Nations communities and the mistreatment of early immigrant groups" (Nagra & Peng, 2013, p. 608).…”

“…However, one study found that Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus do face employment disadvantages primarily due to their religion and are considered lower in status (Model & Lin, 2003). Thus, multiculturalism remains controversial: for some, it is seen as a promoter of integration where immigrants are welcome to embrace their own culture, while others continue to question the mismatch between the political foundation of multiculturalism and the practical implementation of it (Nagra & Peng, 2013). Wilkinson (2013) argues that despite success in economic integration, one must also consider social and cultural integration.…”

“…Canada has long embraced multiculturalism and diversity, and has upheld an international image of being an accepting and tolerant country (Nagra & Peng, 2013). While this image is true to a high degree, there are many debates surrounding the social integration of Muslim communities (McCoy, Kirova & Knight, 2016).…”

The Fragile Obligation: Gratitude, Discontent, and Dissent with Syrian Refugees in Canada

“…Even at the level of symbolic attachment, evidence points to a weaker sense of "belonging" to Canada among racialized second-generation Muslim Canadians than first-generation immigrant parents. 24 In this way, if the goal of multiculturalism is to allow for groups to maintain their specific identities, then perhaps a sense of "non-belonging" among racialized immigrants is desirable; but if the goal of multiculturalism is to ensure equitable access to resources and power, then evidence of "non-belonging" is evidence of multiculturalism's failure. 25 Canadian multiculturalism is also highly relational; citizenship and belonging rely upon the articulation of noncitizens, and newcomers specifically, as potentially worthy future Canadians in need of social and personal reform.…”