Individual Assignment 5: Collective Consciousness

	What was the basis for each nation’s identity?	How do they define nation and nationalism?	How are the different and/or similar?
Quebecois	-needed to be distinguished from the people of France -political/linguistic distinction from the English population & from Francophones elsewhere in Canada	Nation: separate from one’s country---divided Canada, almost as if they didn’t accept the ideas behind a nation Nationalism: Exclusivity---didn’t want to be a part of the Canadian nation----saw themselves as a separate nation, one which should get special rights	Differences: more separatist, not as united in ideals as other nations Similarities: very proud of the Quebecois nation
First Nations	-needed to be separate from the “new” people of Canada -many different nations	Nation: see themselves as slightly separate from the rest of Canada, because of different cultural, spiritual, political, etc. Practices -individual nations have different beliefs Nationalism: united people -each nation has a different idea of nationalism	Differences: made up of many nations, rather than just one; mostly united in beliefs and values Similarities: proud of nations; feel separate(like Quebecois)
Americans	-founded through immigration -diverse backgrounds	Nation: a nation of culturally diverse, with similar values and beliefs Nationalism: very patriotic, love their country -united through their patriotism, which has many of the same values as nationalism	Differences: larger nation; united in “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” Similarities: pride(patriotism)

Editorial
How should Canadians identify themselves?

I was raised in the understanding that Canada is a diverse nation. We are all different, but we are all special in our own way. We may have different cultural backgrounds, but deep down, we all want the same things. We want to live our lives in peace, and be happy. Through experiences that I have had, I have learned to accept the differences of others, rather than berate or belittle them because of those differences. It is my opinion that we should identify ourselves with our differences, rather than our similarities. While our similarities might be important, our differences far outweigh those. We were born to be special. What would Canada, and the world, be like if we were all the same? Herein lies our answer. Identify yourself as a part of that diverse nation. Celebrate your differences, and love them.