weirdcanucks:In Patrick Johnston’s Canucks Know They Need To Do More To Promote Diversity
weirdcanucks:In Patrick Johnston’s Canucks Know They Need To Do More To Promote Diversity, Lunar New Year themed nights are criticized as “shallow multiculturalism,”where Canucks can benefit from $588 Lunar New Year jerseys, and yet haven’t made obvious efforts to fight systemic inequality. So, what is shallow multiculturalism?Dr. Courtney Szto’s gives us a great answer in the Chapter one of her new book.Stein (2007) argues that Canada tends to celebrate a “shallow multiculturalism” (p. 19) that publicly celebrates difference, usually through festivals and food, but simultaneously protects white supremacy. In other words, difference is allowed in the public sphere primarily when it is officially sanctioned or can be commodified, otherwise it should remain hidden in private spheres (Boyer, Cardinal, & Headon, 2004). Designating a special month where Hockey is for Everyone (HIFE) or organizing multicultural nights at sporting events epitomizes well-meaning but shallow multiculturalism. HIFE coincides with Black History Month, and, much like Black history, is necessary because every other month inherently leaves white supremacy unmarked. It is the one month where pointing out difference is acceptable, so long as there is a positive story attached. What is often lost in these displays of shallow multiculturalism is that the celebration of culture and difference simultaneously protects the white privilege that takes place on the ice. Because, even though Canadians of all colors connect through ethnic food and music, more often than not, there are only white male faces participating in the actual hockey game — the centerpiece around which a celebration of multiculturalism is made possible. Such multicultural events confirm Anglo Canadian culture as normative. Works cited: Keep readingLooks like a great time to revisit the discussion around shallow multiculturalism -- source link
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