COM 101: A Comparative Analysis of Immigrant Experiences in Canada

This essay compares and contrasts the immigrant experiences of Rosie DiManno and Shree Paradkar in Canada. DiManno, the daughter of Italian immigrants, reflects on the challenges of cultural assimilation and the prejudices faced by non-English speakers, while Paradkar, an Indian feminist, initially finds freedom in Canada but later confronts racism. Both authors acknowledge Canada's potential for multiculturalism but critique its shortcomings in treating immigrants equitably. DiManno expresses a desire to shed her Italian heritage due to societal pressures, whereas Paradkar embraces her Indian identity while advocating for social change. The essay highlights their shared concerns about the treatment of indigenous populations and the need for Canada to overcome inhumane practices to fully realize its multicultural ideals. Ultimately, both authors express love for their new country but urge it to address its prejudices and biases.

Running head: ESSAY ON COMPARISON OF TWO IMMIGRANT
EXPERIENCES
Essay on Comparison of Two Immigrant Experiences
Name of the university
Name of the student
Author note

1ESSAY ON COMPARISON OF TWO IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCES
This essay intends to compare two articles based on different immigrant experiences
in Canada. In order to prepare the comparison two readings will be considered written by
Rosie DiManno and Shree Paradkar respectively. This essay will be the written account
regarding average lifestyle of an immigrant in Canada by finding similarities and differences
between these two articles.
Rosie, DiManno has argued that Canada as a nation is not mature when it comes to
deal with immigrants. Although it has a positive reputation of being the first ideal model of
multiculturalism and diversity, the nation needs more of the world instances in order to be
more liberal towards them. The nation possesses rigid prejudices against the non-English
speakers and experience a hard time to communicate and take part into the Canadian culture.
Being an Italian, because of the society structure and their mentality, at a certain point of life
the author would prefer to avoid things and practices with Italianise hint.
On the other hand, Shree was a proud Indian, a rebel feminist who had lead several
movement and questioned the society law in post-colonial India. When she came to Canada,
it was a refreshing experience for her at least during the initial days. As a women she felt
more independent as she was in her dreams in India. Society norms were not similar for
women back then in India and Shree felt the tranquillity, as there were no one to judge or
instruct her in a foreign land. However, she realized the challenge is different here as she
confronted with several racist comments from even a sales clerk. She has highlighted the
practice of looking down upon people because of their background or skin colour as highly
vicious and historic shame. Although, as a woman she realised life is much easier as
compared to India because of the liberal social values yet both the articles possess same
opinion about the backward mentality of Canadian people regarding looking down upon
immigrant people. This clearly states the suppressed grief of indigenous population across
Canada.

2ESSAY ON COMPARISON OF TWO IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCES
Unlike Shree Paradkar as stated in (Thestar.com, 2018), the author of the first article
Rosie was born and brought up in Canada. As a daughter of immigrant, she used to feel
shameful because of her parents language incompetence. She wanted to became an English
and reject her ancestral Italian identity under the pressure of racist practice. According to her,
a Pakistani woman is fighting a court battle in order to keep her face covered with niquab as a
religious practice of her country; is completely makes no sense and violates the law of human
rights. Looking down people based on their religious belief and ethnic background are closely
associated with Canadian culture.
On the other hand, Shree is proud of her identity as well as country’s tradition and
culture. Although, she has addressed the issues with rigidness regarding gender equality in
Indian society yet according a post-colonial perspective of an Indian they are not supposed to
tolerate such insult. Unlike Rosie as described in her article published in (Thestar.com, 2018),
she does not wish to have a different personality of her parents rather wants to embrace
positive cultural practices from Canada and possesses a strong defending mentality.
Rosie highlighted her respect for contributing cultural and social values and making
the Canadian race into a stronger one. She has no issues with Canada and feels strong
connection with Canada as a nation. Yet she has expressed her extreme hatred towards the
practice of looking down the immigrant indigenous population of the country. In this case,
Shree has initiated a different perspective altogether. Instead of taking offense and heading
towards a social frustration, she decided to listen open-mindedly. She understood the
uncomfortable feeling of liberal minded Canadians who have an intense sense of civic
responsibility and equality. Therefore, Shree decided to play the same role as she used to do
in India. She decided to question the traditional thoughts and prejudices against indigenous
community and humanity as well. However, the difference is this time she has raised her

3ESSAY ON COMPARISON OF TWO IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCES
voice in a land far away from India, which has immense potential to proceed with the idea of
multiculturalism and world equity.
Hence, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Canadian Independence both the
authors have conveyed their love and acceptance of new country, new perspectives and
identity. However, both of them believe that the country can explore more opportunities if it
can left behind such inhumane practices.

4ESSAY ON COMPARISON OF TWO IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCES
References
Thestar.com. (2018). World needs more Canada? More like the other way around | The Star.
Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/07/01/world-needs-more-canada-
more-like-the-other-way-around.html
Thestar.com. (2018). I was white until I came to Canada: Paradkar | The Star. Retrieved from
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/06/30/i-was-white-until-i-came-to-canada-
paradkar.html