The Race Question In Canada

Written about the Canada of Laurier's day, Siegfried's book is a witty and sophisticated report on the elements in the Canadian dilemma, a profound analysis of Canadian politics, churches, education and attitudes to external affairs.

Excerpt from The Race Question in Canada Canadian politics are a tilting-ground for impassioned rivalries. An immemorial struggle persists between French and English, Catholics and Protestants, while an influence is gathering strength close by them which some day may become predominant - that of the United States. In this complex contest, the subject of my book, the whole future of Canada is at stake. There is no need to begin by evoking memories of history which will be present to all minds. By way of preface it will suffice to set out as clearly as possible the chief factors of what may be called the Canadian problem. It is, as I have implied, a very complex one. Hena its difficulty. Hence its fascination. I In the first place, and above all, it is a racial problem. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXXIII POLITICAL IMPERIALISM continued) IL THE ERA OF DIFFICULTIES The Transvaal War had brought the tone of British patriotism to a pitch of exaltation at which it could not maintain itself for long. Peace re-established, the atmosphere became cleared again. Henceforward, it is to be no longer feeling but interest that shall determine the attitude of parties towards the already less burning subject of Imperialism. The French Canadians retain the sentiments that they have cherished all along, but that M. Bourassa alone, or almost alone, has ventured to express. Loyal subjects of the Crown, they declare themselves satisfied with the present, but for this very reason opposed to all change. They recognise that they owe certain duties to England, but admit none at all to the Empire. Sentimental arguments such as the English invoke are the very last to appeal to them, for their loyalty is the fruit of careful reasoning, and the glories of the British name have absolutely no interest for them. What they have at heart is the maintenance of their autonomy and the confirmation of the liberties which they have won after a century of struggling. Anyone who will not begin by reassuring them on this point will find them resolute opponents. From whatever point of view they look at it, Imperialism either frightens them or leaves them indifferent. Is it a commercial union that is in question? Devoting themselves chiefly to agriculture and the learned professions, they do not give the first place in their thoughts to economic problems. What they desire most is to have a free hand, and the idea of a zollverein does not attract them, for by it they would lose their independence in regard to customs duties. A policy of Treaties of Commerce does not...

Canadians like to think that they judge people on merit, not skin colour. But are we really colour-blind? Although Canada has an international reputation for welcoming cultural and ethnic diversity, race remains a profound influence in our society, affecting everything from self-perceptions to interpersonal relationships to interactions between the individual and the state. The Politics of Race in Canada deconstructs the myth of Canada's racelessness. Its 24 selections (among them two documents from the early twentieth century and several new essays, published here for the first time) explore the principles, practices, and polemics of race in this country from a broad range of perspectives, academic and otherwise. Designed specifically for courses in the sociology of race and ethnicity, this text will also enrich the study of race in history, anthropology, women's studies, and political science courses. New as well as previously published selections by specialists from many different disciplines offer students a multitude of perspectives on a complex topic. Concluding section focuses students' attention on resistance to traditional ways of thinking about race and ethnicity. Part introductions and study questions encourage critical thinking. Recommended websites and readings suggest new directions for research. Book jacket.

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