Racism in Canada - Reading Response

RACISM IN CANADA – READING RESPONSE
Does racism still exist in Canadian society?
Canada today is a melting pot, assimilating different cultures from all parts of the
world. However, the society is far from perfect, with the ugly face of racism rising up again
and again. Although racism is not shown blatantly, it still exists in subtle forms, in the
people’s behaviour, prejudices, and attitudes towards people of other races (Geddes, 2005).
However, the conditions are seen to be improving, mostly amongst the younger generation
(CBC News: The National, 2014).
What is the Indian Act? What was the goal of the residential schools?
The Indian Act, which was passed in 1876, was a law wherein the indigenous people
known as the “Indians” had to give up their indigenous status to merge with the Canadian
society (Lavoie, Forget, & Annette, 2010). The residential schools were educational
institutions for the indigenous people, where the children were removed from the influence of
their own culture, and adopt the “Christian” culture of Canada. These schools focused on
enfranchising the indigenous children.
What are some of the negative consequences associated to residential schools?
First of all, the residential schools were rampant in destroying the indigenous culture
and spreading of the western cultural imperialism, thus causing a cultural homogenization.
The children were separated from their parents, sexually abused, and even murdered, causing
increased childhood trauma and subsequent juvenile delinquency. The residential schools
caused an irreversible damage to the indigenous community, reiterating the fact that they
were powerless under the rule of the “white, male, Christian” authority (Carr, 2017).
1