Chapter Reflection:
1) In this chapter I learned that there are different understandings of
the concept of 'Nation'. This means that there is ethnic understanding
(Pakistani, Asian, etc.), cultural understanding (Egyptian, Roman,
etc.), political understanding (Liberal, Conservative, etc.), and
spiritual understanding (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, etc.) of a nation.
2) I found it really interesting that nation and country (aka
nation-state) are two different things. All my life I had considered the
two terms being synonyms to one another. However, now I know that
nation is defined by: "A group of people who hold the same beliefs/traits
as other people. Also, physical borders are not necessary for a nation."
Moving on, a country is defined as: "A sovereign area in the world.
Furthermore, a country requires physical borders."
3) I can connect what
I have learned in class to my last semester's English class because in
that class we talked a somewhat about identity, and we also read a story where a
person thought that he belonged to no nation at all, and this lead to him
committing suicide. He did this because he felt alone and different.
4)
What surprised me this unit was that there are actually some people
who argue that Canada is not a nation. For example Charles Hanley who
said that since Canada has no object they share, Canada is not a nation.
5) One concept that I am still having difficulty with is nothing – my
teacher has done a great job on explaining everything and I don’t seem
to be having difficulty with a particular concept at this time!
6) One question I still have is regarding Linguistic Understandings of
Nation. I want to that: Does a same language really help create a common
perspective? And can it really give people a sense of nation?
7) One skill or learning strategy I found helpful was the "Analyzing
Relationships" sheet because I found that I made it easier for me to
understand the different types of relationships better. Also, it has a
list of different types of relationships that might occur in the
sources, I found this really helpful. If I was to teach someone how to
use this, I would tell them to first take out this sheet and your
sources. Then, read over the sources carefully, and look for any
similarities. Next once you find a similarity between the sources look
at your "Analyzing Relationships" sheet and find the type of
relationship and look at the types of words you can use. Finally, keep
doing the previous step for all the relationships and write them down a
separate piece of paper. This will help them learn how to interpret
sources better when the need to find relationships between them.
Nationalism and Personal Identity:
1) Revisit the List of 10 events that
contribute your nationalism and identity. Create a visual to represent the
relative significance as a percent of each of the three sources (national, state or non-national) of your identity.
This can be a pie graph (use excel) or something else a bit more creative.
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2) Below, provide a brief description of why you believe this to be the case. Why do you think your identity has such a mix?
Answer: My graphs look like above because that is how my identity is, that’s where my pride is focused on. My graphs show that I am mainly influenced by non-national focus because I am more about me, my personal preference. National focus comes in second place because I take pride in my ethnic background. Also, state focus is the last factor since like I said before, I am more about me, which includes my ethnic background (national focus). Also, for state focus I take pride in what Canada accomplishes in science or politically wise.
Answer: My graphs look like above because that is how my identity is, that’s where my pride is focused on. My graphs show that I am mainly influenced by non-national focus because I am more about me, my personal preference. National focus comes in second place because I take pride in my ethnic background. Also, state focus is the last factor since like I said before, I am more about me, which includes my ethnic background (national focus). Also, for state focus I take pride in what Canada accomplishes in science or politically wise.
Canada as a Nation:
1) Based on what you have learned, do you think that Canada is a nation? Defend your answer.
Answer:Yes,
Canada is a nation, a great one if I may add. Canada is not a
Linguistic nation, Ethnic nation, Cultural nation, religious nation,
geographic nation, nor a political nation. However, Canada is a Civic
nation. Civic nation doesn't require one religion, one language,
ethnicity, or culture. All that is required for a civic nation is the
agreement to abide by shared laws. This brings us to Charter of Rights
and Freedom, something every Canadian agrees to.
2) Canada is considered a civic nation. If you were to create a new Coat of Arms for Canada, based on this concept, what 5 symbols would be included? (Hint: what connects members of a civic nation?) Find 4 symbols and post them. Each must include a description of how this connects Canada.
Answer: If I were to create a new Coat of Arms for Canada, the five symbols I would include would be: the maple leaf, snowflake, hockey puck, lacrosse stick, and a beaver. The reason I would choose these symbols is based solely on the fact that these are the first things that come to my mind; and I am sure these symbols would to mind first for all other Canadians.
2) Canada is considered a civic nation. If you were to create a new Coat of Arms for Canada, based on this concept, what 5 symbols would be included? (Hint: what connects members of a civic nation?) Find 4 symbols and post them. Each must include a description of how this connects Canada.
Answer: If I were to create a new Coat of Arms for Canada, the five symbols I would include would be: the maple leaf, snowflake, hockey puck, lacrosse stick, and a beaver. The reason I would choose these symbols is based solely on the fact that these are the first things that come to my mind; and I am sure these symbols would to mind first for all other Canadians.
Following are the images of 4 symbols:
I
would include a maple leaf. The maple leaf goes back all the way to the
very beginnings of Canadian history. The maple leaf began to serve as a Canadian symbol as early as 1700. Also, the maple leaf is located on the
Canadian flag. Everyone in Canada knows that the maple leaf is one of our symbol.
I
would include a hockey puck. The hockey puck symbolizes hockey. Ice hockey was invented in Canada. Therefore, this makes us very
proud.
Hockey is the official winter sport of Canda. All Canadians have tried
hockey at one point in their live, and most of them love the sport.
Also, hockey is a sport that has been played in Canada for a really
long time. Furthermore, Canada has really good sport teams. Finally,
Hockey is a sport that identifies us Canadians.
I
would also include a beaver. The main attraction for early European
explorers was the beaver population, which was in millions! They used
the beavers for fur trade. The beaver is the part of Canadian history.
Also, there is a picture of a beaver on the Canadian nickel.
Furthermore, whenever I see a beaver I think back to the Hudson Bay
Company, and
thus Canada.
I
would also include a snowflake on the coat of arms. The snowflake
represents snow.
Ask anyone in the world what they think of Canda and they will tell
you: "A really cold place". Many people in other countries believe that
Canada is all about snow. Ask anyone in another country of Canada and they will
think of a place that is full of snow.
For example, when my dad was in Pakistan he imagined Canda as a really
cold place, so he actually brought winter clothes including really
thick jackets from Pakistan (specially ordered).
Following is the image of the completed coat of arms:
(Made using Adobe Illustrator)
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| * The motto 'Hock gentis nostae', which is in Latin stands for: 'This is our nation'. |
Nationalism in the Media:
1) Find one current events article/news story that relates to
nationalism. Remember: there are many understandings of nation (ethnic,
civic, linguistic etc.) Provide a link to this on your blog with a
description of how it connects to what you have learned. You must
clearly connect it to terms and concepts you have learned.
Answer:
As of now Greece is going through riots because the people dont like
the way the government is running things.The country is suffering deeply
and the people belive that it's the governments fault. In this case
everyone who is against the goverment creates a nation because they all
have a common goal which is to replace the government of the
nation-state. This event is a example of nationalism because the people
are only rioting because they care for their country and want to see it
as a great country.
Link for article: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/riots-over-greece-spending-cuts/story-fn7x8me2-1226268406385
