Let me get this straight, the idea of a "good" immigrant according to Hecht is one who is completely whitewashed into Canadian society? Leave behind your past, your cultural identity, everything that was who you were before moving to Canada?
And what is Canadian anyway? British? French? Christian? Catholic? Loggers? Oil diggers? Someone please tell me what is expected of an immigrant in Canada.
Let me share my story. I am an Asian man, born and raised in Canada. I barely speak Chinese, and I can't read or write it. I've never even been to China or anywhere in Asia before. My parents immigrated here in the 60's and due to personal private reasons, my mom was never able to learn English, but my dad did. He integrated into society like a good citizen.
Here I am, more Canadian than Asian. I can barely converse with my own mother. Never been to Asia. But because of my Asian appearance, I STILL fucking experience racism. Granted not as much as a new immigrant, but still.
I am Canadian. I live and breathe and bleed Canada. I am living proof that immigration works according to Hecht's lofty standards, but I will never be accepted. The fact that he wrote this opinion letter is proof that he has discounted me and others like me in Canada.
Just to note though, I have lived up to it, but I don't agree with his immigration ideals. I think diversity is good, and Canada has a responsibility to adopt to immigrant cultures as much as immigrants should adopt to Canada. It's symbiosis, not assimilation.
- Reddit User
