Tag: Nations

Katelyn Makihara, (she/her), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer 

Businesses such as Amazon, Costco, and McDonald’s are known by millions across the world, recognized for their convenience, vast selection and cheap prices. These large multinational corporations (MNC) operate offices in numerous countries, dominating market share and customer demands with their global branding and recognition. At large, small businesses embedded in local culture struggle to compete, often closing their doors that have lined the familiar streets of communities for countless decades to centuries. Yet, countries continue to welcome MNCs, believing that their presence and associated “free market capitalism” will “improve everyone’s standard of living” (Calvano, p. 794). In such a day and age, do MNCs have the corporate social responsibility to ensure the protection of local culture? 

McDonald’s is a multinational fast food chain loved by many for its addictive, albeit unhealthy, burgers and fries. By 2022, the corporation was operating over 40,000 locations worldwide in 118 countries, racking $23.18 billion in revenues (McCain). Throughout the years, McDonald’s has been criticized for their actions, namely in homogenizing global food systems and local cultures (Bolton). Sociologist George Ritzer has dubbed this effect “McDonaldization,” as global chains such as McDonald’s popularize a fast food experience over cultural diversity. One such example occurred in Bangladesh, where foreign direct investment and urbanization have been seen to cause an increase in students being more likely to eat food at restaurants that serve non-traditional food (Rahman Raisa). In hopes of increasing convenience to compete with McDonald’s, businesses ranging from restaurants to other industries strive for a “fast-food” business model, leading to a shift in values, preferences and societal structure of localities. 

Founder and CEO of PQE Group, Gilda D’Incerti, pushes businesses to integrate “glocalization” into their process of expanding to new localities. She states that:  

“When expanding to new localities, it’s crucial to understand and respect the culture. […] Understanding the nuances of a new place can help locals feel more comfortable engaging with your foreign enterprise while allowing your company to grow deep roots and foster valuable, long-lasting connections.” 

 

Companies such as Starbucks show attempts of glocalization with their launches of regional drinks and foods. In Japan, the MNC has endeavored to include local culture through their 47 JIMOTO Frappuccino line to celebrate their 25th anniversary in Japan. Drinks were released in each respective prefecture to showcase regional specialties, including the Hokkaido Tokibi Creamy Frappuccino or the Kyoto Hannari Matcha Kinako Frappuccino. Additionally, the company has invested in projects such as the Tatami Starbucks in Kyoto, which allows guests to enjoy Starbucks drinks in a traditional Japanese vicinity. Through such attempts, Starbucks operates while fostering awareness and interest towards local and traditional cultures. 

As the world continues to become increasingly globalized, the dominance of multinational corporations will progressively grow. Without the corporate social responsibility of MNCs, the unique cultural aspects of small localities will diminish into obscurity. To prevent this, an awareness towards local culture within global expansion becomes essential. Today, pressure groups from local communities fight for their interests against billion dollar MNCs. Through actions such as lobbying, petitioning and boycotting, many fight to ensure that the actions of large corporations do not diminish or harm local cultures. This reciprocal effort between communities and companies will ensure that cultural beauty does not become a victim of capitalist economies. 

 

Sources and Further Readings 

Bolton, Peter. “McDonald’s Latest Move Sums up Its Wretched Cultural Imperialism.” Canary, 13 June 2019, 

www.thecanary.co/opinion/2019/06/13/mcdonalds-latest-move-sums-up-its-wretched-cultural -imperialism/. 

Calvano, Lisa. “Multinational Corporations and Local Communities: A Critical Analysis of Conflict.” Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 82, no. 4, 2008, pp. 793–805. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25482329. Accessed 23 June 2023. 

D’Incerti, Gilda. “Council Post: The Value of Global Companies with a Local Mindset.” Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023, 

www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/02/10/the-value-of-global-companies-with -a-local-mindset/?sh=6cdb077c9d12.

 

McCain, Abby. “22 McDonald’s Statistics [2023]: Restaurant Counts, Facts, and Trends.” Zippia, 12 May 2023, 

www.zippia.com/advice/mcdonalds-statistics/#:~:text=There%20are%20about%2040%2C275 %20McDonald’s,in%20118%20countries%20and%20territories. 

Rahman Raisa, Nuzhat Tasnim. “McDonaldization of Asia: Impacts of Globalization on the Asian Culture.” SSRN Electronic Journal, 9 Oct. 2020, https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3702432. 

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Katelyn Makihara is a Japanese-Canadian eleventh grade student who deeply values creativity, education and equality. She is very passionate about writing and Japanese culture, which have greatly supported her throughout her life. She dreams of becoming an editor in Japan to spread the joy of literature and stories to generations to come.

Olivia Alberton (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Two large themes present in history are dissent and patriotism. Dissent based on patriotism has created tremendous change and has shaped the world we live in today. Some examples include the American Revolution, the suffrage movement and the civil rights movement. Modern examples of dissent grounded in patriotism can include things like the storming of Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021 (which some say was patriotic) and the Canadian convoy protest from January to February 2022. With these examples emerges a complex statement that deserves attention: Dissent is patriotic. Is this statement true? Is dissent always patriotic, or can it be disguised as patriotism? This complex statement evokes a somewhat complex discussion. 

To unpack these questions, it is important to define each term. Dissent can be defined as “an unwillingness to cooperate with an established source of authority, which can be social, cultural, or governmental” (Redhead). Each example listed in the introduction involved going against either government laws/mandates or social and cultural norms that were seen as either prejudicial, sexist or racist. Patriotism is characterized as a “feeling of attachment and commitment to a country, nation, or political community” (Baumeister). Singing the national anthem or having the country’s flag hanging on your lawn are some examples of patriotism. However, sometimes the line between patriotism and dissent can be blurred. Let us take two examples from the introduction and compare them. 

The first example that can be discussed is the civil rights movement in America during the 1960s. African Americans were treated as “others,” facing racist laws, discrimination, and segregation. This movement was about fighting against this white hegemonic structure in America to create space for African Americans to not just survive, but to live. Dr. Martin Luther King urged nonviolent protests, seeing it not as a sign of cowardice, but rather a form of resistance. Some of the peaceful protests included the Jackson Woolworth’s sit-in and the Freedom Rides. The Freedom Rides were organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (“CORE”), an African American civil rights organization; the rides were orchestrated to protest the Southern States ignoring the Supreme Court ruling in Browder v. Gayle, which stated that segregated seating on buses was illegal. Black and white volunteers would go on a bus and drive to various areas in the Southern States from Washington as a statement that they deserved freedom not just in their state, but in their country. Therefore, the Freedom Rides showed how people were banding together to go against an established source of authority in a peaceful, powerful, non-violent way. 

Another example is the storming of capitol hill on January 6, 2021. The storming was in response to the 2021 election results. Many Trump supporters believed that the election was rigged and, as such, decided to gather and protest, one of these groups being the “Proud Boys.” American flags were waving in the air and “Make America Great Again” signs were seen in waves. Delivering a speech, Trump stated, “I know that everyone here will soon be marching to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard” (BBC). The word patriotically is key in his speech. Trump emphasized that the people who protested were “great patriots” (BBC). However, there was nothing peaceful about this protest: it was more like a riot, unlike the protests in the civil rights movement. Glass was broken, people in the building were hiding in fear for their lives, people were harmed and some even died. Some said that what these individuals did was patriotic, as they were standing up for their country. However, can this act of dissent be seen as patriotic, given everything that transpired? Are these American ideals and values? Some would say yes, and others would say no.

Thus, when the statement, “dissent is patriotic” arises, there is no clear-cut answer. I think a large part of the problem is that everyone has their own ideas about what dissent and patriotism mean. If someone is dissenting, shouldn’t it be peaceful? If someone uses violence, does that make the act a riot? Is activism always equated with dissent? In Greek and Roman antiquity, political patriotism was conceived as loyalty to the patria and connected to a political conception of the republic (Baumeister). The conception of the republic is interesting, because I’m sure that we all have a different concept of Canada’s values and ideals. Therefore, I think that dissent can be patriotic. However, dissent can also be disguised as patriotism; it all depends on an individual’s beliefs and on how it is carried out.  

Citations

Baumeister, Andrea. “Patriotism.” Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/patriotism-sociology. 

“Capital Riots Timeline: What Happened on 6 January 2021?” BBC.News, 9 June 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56004916. 

Redhead, Mark. “Dissent.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2023, https://www.britannica.com/topic/dissent-political#:~:text=dissent%2C%20an%20unwillingness%20to%20cooperate,social%2C%20cultural%2C%20or%20governmental. 

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Olivia is a recent McMaster University graduate with a combined honours in English & cultural studies and history. She loves to read, write and, of course, drink coffee.

Via Genzon (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

A border, in geopolitical terms, is the demarcation line that divides territorial entities, such as states or countries. Borders can be real or artificial. Borders are real in the sense that there are physical infrastructures in place to separate one place from another that aim to maintain and defend these boundaries. Take, for example, the physical barriers that divide the United States and Mexico. This massive infrastructure does not only include vertical walls, but also the strategic placement of border security in areas to impose control over these borders. Meanwhile, borders can be artificial in the context of culture and politics. Within one country, the categorization of people by ethnicity, religion, language, cultural and political background, among other features, can create an artificial border between different groups/communities. An example would be the cultural boundary between the English and French-speaking communities in Canada. 

However, we can’t talk about borders without talking about nationalism. Way back in the past, national borders didn’t exist because the idea of a nation-state — a sovereign state with citizens who identify themselves as a nation — didn’t exist yet. The earliest emergence of a nation-state occurred in Europe in the Enlightenment era. The first nation-state is often credited to France after the French Revolution, but other scholars also recognize the establishment of the English Commonwealth in 1649 as the earliest case. Since the late 18th century, nation-states have become the dominant standard of governing territories. This replaced many kingdoms ruled by dynastic monarchies, tribes or clans ruled by chiefs, states ruled by religious leaders, colonial empires, and other principles of legitimacy of rulers/governing units. 

Behind building a nation is nationalism. Nationalism is defined as the “ideology based on the premise that the individual’s loyalty and devotion to the nation-state surpass other individual or group interests”. Benedict Anderson proposed the concept of nationalism as “imagined communities”. At some point, people began to gain awareness of people beyond their immediate scope, due to developments in transportation, print languages (e.g. newspapers, books, magazines, etc . . .), and modern education. It became easier to imagine oneself belonging to a greater community with common — often perceived as deeply-rooted — factors (e.g. language, history, descent) or goals (e.g. independence), hence awakening a national consciousness. The attachment to “imagined communities” fuels people’s love and devotion for their nation/country and comradeship with their fellow citizens. However, as Anderson notes, the nation is imagined because “the fellow members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members, meet them, or even hear of them [. . .] communities are to be distinguished not by their falsity/genuineness, but in the style in which they are imagined.”

Nation-states are rarely homogenous. More often than not, different languages/dialects, cultures, ethnicities and religions exist with one another. Through invasions, wars, treaties and/or colonialism, many political boundaries are culturally inaccurate. One example is the legacy of colonialism and imperialism when empires drew borders, disregarding the rich and long history of cultures and people indigenous to the lands they colonized. Indigenous peoples’ ancestral lands were dissected into these modern borders where control is increasingly enforced, making them some sort of “migrants” on their own lands that they used to move freely on, such as in the case in Canada and the United States. 

Although geographic unity as ancient borders had existed since the start of human civilization, they were not as rigid as they are today. We see migrants and refugees who have to go through extremely dangerous channels to cross borders to desperately flee from wars, conflicts, socio-economic instabilities, and displacement, only to be arrested, deported or worse, killed. Eventually, political borders will have to account for the effects of climate change, which will render places and countries uninhabitable in the future, and the mass exodus of climate refugees that may arise from it. Where will displaced populations go when national preservation is more important than showing humanity to “outsiders”? Of course, issues surrounding states and borders are complex and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Borders may appear as solid lines on a map, but this rarely reflects the complexity of their histories and issues. 

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Arsh Gill, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

The possibilities are limitless in what one may gain from traveling to a new country. 

What even is the excitement of visiting a new country? The music? The art? The food? To each and every individual, traveling means something different. Traveling can be a job, a passion, a hobby, something dreadful or something thrilling. Upon landing in a new country, one often finds themself in awe of others, appreciating the little things that are overlooked and considered to be mundane in the eyes of a local. 

First and foremost, what I consider to be the most exciting when traveling to a new country is an awakening to foods that, more often than not, are unheard of or unavailable in one’s homeland. Going to new areas exposes a traveler to new cultural dishes and an opportunity to explore how specific dishes get made. As a consistent traveler to India myself, the most rewarding thing for me is understanding the history as to why specific dishes hold so much significance within the communities I visit. Food can often be a learning opportunity to understand the history of a country’s struggle, hardship or famine, but also its prosperity, celebrations and victories. 

Moreover, each country holds their own folds of diversity, waiting to be toured to unveil thrilling and precious cultures and traditions. Visiting a new country allows one to delve into new practices or traditions, and understand the meaning behind why sacred events or religious rituals are performed in different areas of the world. In doing so, one doesn’t necessarily need to practice or promote these practices themselves. The experience of just being there can create an understanding and respect between individuals, one that is important for learning, unity and continuance of different cultures. 

Traveling, specifically alone, can be quite scary. Stepping into a whole new territory, where the faces are unfamiliar and routes are confusing, with language barriers and scammers roaming around, can get a curious traveler into lots of trouble. Therefore, one of the greatest lessons visiting a new country has to offer is that it allows individuals to grow and adapt from vulnerability. By this I mean one can learn to be someone who can admit their faults, problem-solve, ask for help, put themselves into the shoes of a resident of that country and allow themselves to adjust and pave a path in an unknown area. This creates vast opportunities for creativity and boots self-awareness.

This also leads me into my next point, which is that traveling creates an expansion of connections around the world. When visiting a new place, you get the chance to meet new people and potentially make lifelong friends. When the situation arises, and trust me it will, where you get lost and need help or advice, or could simply use a recommendation for somewhere to eat, travelers often find themselves waving down someone nearby. In some instances, there can be an instant connection with these people who have come to your rescue.

In other cases, however, traveling allows for an exploration of self. After getting to experience all new sorts of food, culture, hardships and achievements, one can confidently say they had the opportunity to enhance their understanding of self. Delving into potentially new lifelong passions and hobbies allows you to make an even greater friend within yourself, a version of you that is stronger and happier, even more than the last! 

It’s easy to list surface-level ideas of what one can learn from being a foreigner in a country, but the opportunities are truly endless. The most valuable lessons or awakenings an individual can gain from travel are oftentimes kept within themselves and impact their lives in ways that are unrecognizable to the naked eye! 

Explore the world, fellow travelers . . . you never know what you may learn!

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Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

You can learn a great deal about a country by traveling, but it depends on several factors, such as the duration of your trip, the places you visit and the degree of engagement that you have with the locals. The experience of traveling, however, can provide you with an in-depth understanding of the country’s history, culture, geography, economy and social issues. Experiencing the local culture, trying new foods and interacting with locals can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the country. Moreover, traveling can enable you to challenge your stereotypes and assumptions about a country and educate you on its people and culture on a more nuanced and complex level. The more you travel and explore a country, the more you will learn about it.

The experience stimulates the mind, provides an opportunity to meet people from other cultures, and provides an opportunity to experience life in another country. It allows people to view things from a new perspective. By doing so, we can find common ground with people and regions we have not previously encountered. Our worldview may be reshaped, withnew and wonderful memories created through travel.

No matter where you go, there will always be something that catches your eye or interests you. You will also have something to discuss with others. A trip can provide opportunities for self-reflection, gaining a deeper understanding of values and beliefs, challenging preconceived notions, growing intellectually, and developing one’s personality. Once you have gained a greater understanding of the world beyond your community, you will be able to see new possibilities and realities.

The following are some things you can learn about a country through traveling:

1. Culture

Traveling can provide you with an opportunity to discover a country’s unique culture, customs, traditions and ways of life. You can gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history by participating in local festivals, ceremonies and cultural events.

       2. Language

You can learn a new language or improve your existing language skills by traveling to a country with a different language from your own.

       3. History

A visit to a historical site or museum can provide insight into a country’s past and its role in shaping the modern world. You might learn about significant historical events, leaders and achievements.

       4. Geography

By visiting different regions of a country, you can gain a deeper understanding of its geography, climate and natural features. A visit to the country’s national parks, mountains, rivers and beaches can provide a greater understanding of the country’s natural beauty.

       5. People

By interacting with locals, you have an opportunity to learn more about the country’s people, their ways of life and their perspectives on various issues. You will gain a deeper understanding of their culture.

       6. Food

For a deeper understanding of the country’s culinary traditions, you can sample traditional dishes, street food and local delicacies.

       7. Politics

Traveling can give you an insight into a country’s political landscape. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of its government, policies and social issues.

       8. Economy

You can gain insight into a country’s economy by visiting it. This will allow you to gain a better understanding of local businesses, industries and employment opportunities.

As we travel, we can expand our horizons as well as learn about the world. In this way, we can see things through fresh perspectives that we may not be able to gain through books or the media. The experience of traveling to other countries enriches our lives with a wealth of knowledge and insights about how we live, work, socialize and have fun. It provides a great opportunity to explore the world, gain new experiences, create lasting memories and expand one’s horizons.

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Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.

Nathan Yan (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I hate bigots. 

I’ve encountered bigots mainly online. I’ve come across them, for example, on Reddit and Discord, two discussion websites. They rant about politics, gender equality and race relations. They’re always anonymous, going by made-up user names. They’re rude, they lie and they seem to hate everything around them. Democracy, women’s rights and Black Lives Matter get them really riled up. Another annoying characteristic of these people is they always make baseless assumptions. With no information, they assume random facts about foreign people. They make me think of that old stereotype: overweight guys surrounded by junk, typing from their mother’s basement. 

My family is from China, but I was born in Canada. A few years ago, my family and I travelled to China to visit relatives. I have to confess that I was a bit prejudiced — embarrassingly so. I envisioned the situation in China as a formal palace with people dressed in Mao suits who were all stereotypically good at maths, as most Chinese people are assumed to be. Boy, was I in for a surprise. No one bowed. My extended family joked and laughed like normal people. People were dressed in casual Western clothing. None of my cousins were hyper-intelligent prodigies, but instead normal students. A lot of people spoke English, which complimented my meagre Mandarin. I believe if some of these people from Reddit or Discord, who were xenophobic and viewed China as extremely foreign, were to travel to China, they would have their eyes opened like I did. Just because people look a little different doesn’t mean that they are going to behave in a way that is different to how I behave at home in Canada.

Once when I was travelling in Europe, I went to museums in London, Paris, Lisbon, Luxembourg, Venice and more. I’ll admit, in the beginning, I was glued to my phone because I didn’t believe they were  interesting. After my family berated me, I put it down and started examining the exhibits and environments throughout these places. Despite being completely uninterested before, I took time to stop and read informational plaques and listen closely to the tour guide’s explanations. After that one trip, I began to take time to research the places we were going to. In  every monument and book were stories important to a country’s culture. For example, there was a story about a child saving the city of Brussels from explosives called Manneken Pis, or facts I learnt about Swiss knife manufacturing in Switzerland. Travelling to these countries let me see the depth and detail of these countries up close and build a deeper understanding of the people as well. If the aforementioned bigots were to travel, I believe they could too become invested in these cultures, and grow closer to foreign people.

People often feel indifferent to foreign subjects, instead preferring to focus on domestic affairs and topics. Travelling helps us understand the depth of foreign cultures, and this is important because many stigmas and biases are based on a lack of understanding. If xenophobic bigots tried travelling, they might have their biased tendencies removed. This could happen because they could learn about foreign culture, and this information might invalidate biases built on ignorance. Furthermore, they could develop a familiarity with foreign people, which might counteract their xenophobia.

At the heart of it, all we really want is to have a loving family, good food, a roof over our head, clothing, peace, and to laugh and enjoy each other’s company, whether you’re living in the Amazon rainforest, the savannas of Africa, the mountains of Papua New Guinea or the slums of San Salvador. We’re all the same, and there’s no reason whatsoever to discriminate against others. Instead of discriminating, we should seek familiarity with new people and the countless fascinating things they can tell us. For this reason, we should always travel to learn and experience the world around us, and I hope the biased bigots of the world can travel to truly understand it.

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Hi my name is Nathan Yan, I am a student at David Thompson Secondary School. I enjoy activities like debate, computer science and chess, and my favourite subject is math.

Eri Ikezawa (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

The matter of citizenship to me is personal (and quite possibly unnecessarily complicated). 

The facts, of course, are simple: I am a permanent resident of Canada with citizenship in Japan. 

But the human experience often surpasses and transcends mere reason, facts and logic. And so, even as an adult, I struggle with a little bit of an identity crisis when it comes to citizenship and “political loyalties.” 

As someone who grew up in Canada from a young age, I cannot deny that I hold great pride, joy, and gratitude for having grown up in this beautiful country. This being said, I feel tremendous kinship and delight in my birth country of Japan; my full name is Japanese, my mother is Japanese, I speak Japanese, I grew up eating Japanese food (mind you, I also love Sri Lankan food, have a Sri Lankan name and adore being in Sri Lanka; the only difference is I hold no citizenship there). 

Naturally, the simplest solution would be to get dual citizenship, right? 

Wrong. 

Unfortunately, Japan doesn’t offer dual citizenship to their nationals. 

Now, as an adult, this is often a point of internal contention for me. Do I surrender my citizenship in my birthplace to where I call home now? Or do I hold out in hopes Japan will eventually give me dual citizenship? 

Of course, it would make absolute sense to get citizenship in the country I am a resident of — but it is also difficult to let go of the sentimentality of my heritage and background. I must also keep in mind other complications of being a permanent resident as well, seeing as how I am politically completely obsolete: I hold no grounds or rights to cast votes either in Canada or in Japan. 

Perhaps it is easy for me to say, I acknowledge this, as someone who lives in a city where multiculturalism and acceptance of diverse populations is the norm (not the exception), but it seems incredibly outdated, unpopular and preposterous to bar people from holding multiple citizenship. It is my personal belief that it is discouraging to an attitude of global unity and harmony to continue to uphold this stringent, exclusive school of thought. 

I fully acknowledge and recognize that my citizenship doesn’t define my heritage, ethnicity or identity. This, of course, is the rational logic that anyone can arrive at with due time. But all the same, I struggle. 

Perhaps, this comes from years of trying to stay afloat in school where I never saw faces like mine. Though I am shamefaced and embarrassed to admit it now, many of my formative years were spent wishing I was white just so I could “belong.” Even now, even though I take pride in being of Sri Lankan and Japanese heritage (and happily claim a Canadian identity), there are moments where I feel displaced. 

When I go back to either Japan or Sri Lanka, I am routinely told that I don’t resemble their people — which is a factual reality. Then, when I am in Canada, I am often asked what ethnicity I am, and then informed I don’t look Japanese or Sri Lankan. It’s all true and I take no issue in confronting the truth. 

But all the same, there are times in my life, I have wistfully wished I looked like I resemble a singular community — easily blending into the background instead of feeling like a flamboyant emblem of “mixed heritage.” 

My experience is further complicated by the realities of my heritage as well. 

In Japan, there is often a hierarchical viewpoint of mixed Japanese people. While ideally people are to be exclusively and fully Japanese, if one is to be of mixed ethnicity, there is no discrimination if you are an “invisible” multi-ethnic person (i.e. Korean or Chinese mixed with Japanese) — unless you claim your other heritage. And then past that, if you have darker skin, you may be subject to further discrimination. 

Often, people who look different in Japan are not treated kindly, and many half-Japanese children will verbalize their ordeals with bullying and prejudice due to their appearance growing up.

And the reality is, I get equally stared at in Sri Lanka as well. But while in Japan, my dark skin is possibly disadvantageous for me, I am considered to be “light skinned” in South Asia — the beauty standard. It is a complete yo-yo experience, oscillating violently from one extreme to another — all whilst occasionally feeling like a zoo animal in homogenous countries for not resembling their average citizen (I would like to firmly make sure I do not blame, nor do I hold it against, people for being curious).

Despite these drawbacks in both Japan and Sri Lanka, which I acknowledge and regard seriously, I am proud of where my parents came from and who I am. 

So, with all these occasionally tumultuous thoughts in my head, it becomes a tangled mess at times trying to weigh the pros and cons of which citizenship I should pursue. Ideally, I would be able to be a dual citizen, but I know realistically this is a long shot, despite my romanticism and emotion. 

To summarize, my final thoughts really emphasize that the sentiment behind citizenship is not as simple as the documentation and papers ostensibly appear to be. How we identify, where our political loyalties lie, and whom we sympathize with cannot be recognized simply by what we are registered as. 

For this topic, I am not entirely sure I have a perfect, cookie-cutter finale to end on, except maybe this: no matter what, we are all so much more than simply our ethnicity, heritage and race. But they are definitely a part of what makes us who we are, and there is nothing wrong in holding pride and honour in being part of a community — this is universal to the human experience. 

And as we progress further into a more globalized community, I think it has become more crucial than ever to understand how to co-exist with diverse communities and societies, respecting their differences whilst fostering harmonious relationships. As long as we are not harming ourselves or anyone else, we are all just people deserving the same basic human rights and respect. 

I am a citizen of Japan and a permanent resident of Canada with Japanese and Sri Lankan heritage, but above all this — I am just me. 

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My name is Eri Ikezawa and I have an extended minor in psychology and a major in linguistics. I’m still on the path to quelling questions about myself and the direction I want to head in, but in the meantime, I have always wanted to find a way to help others and contribute to a community dedicated to personal development and self-love.

Maryame Boulhajat (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Does colonialism define Canada’s identity?” This question lingers in my mind as I contemplate the legacies of this country and immerse myself in its present cultures. Canada stands as a nation that ecompasses the presence of Indigenous peoples, descendants of European settlers and immigrants from diverse corners of the globe. To deeply grasp the characteristics of Canadian society, we need to seek an understanding of the profound impact of colonialism on each of these communities. Acknowledging and embracing these historical realities will help us collectively strive towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for all who call Canada their home.

Colonialism had and still has a far-reaching influence on Canadian land and its diverse inhabitants. Canada’s diverse Indigenous nations had their lives forever altered by the arrival of European settlers: treaties were broken, lands were seized, people were oppressed, children were kidnapped and cultures were suppressed, leaving a lasting impact on Indigenous communities.

The residential school system stands as a somber testament to the colonial legacy of this nation. Under this system, the bonds between Indigenous children, their families and their communities were forcibly ruptured; settlers aimed to assimilate Indigenous kids into European cultures, forcing them to break their ties to Indigenous customs, languages and ways of living. It was a dark chapter in Canadian history that left a deep imprint on Indigenous communities, shaping their current  realities and necessitating ongoing efforts towards accountability and reconciliation.

The far-reaching impacts of colonialism also involved the dispossession of Indigenous lands, facilitated by policies such as the Indian Act and the reserve system. These measures confined Indigenous peoples to designated reserves, resulting in limited self-sufficiency and economic opportunities. The reverberations of this land dispossession continue to impact successive emerging generations, shaping Indigenous communities’ connections with their ancestral territories and fueling their ongoing struggles for self-determination, sovereignty and the restitution of their land rights.

The descendants of European settlers have unquestionably been shaped by the effects of colonialism. The establishment of settler institutions and governance systems, grounded in European models, has played a key role in shaping Canada’s present political, economic and social structures. The benefits, privileges and opportunities inherited by settler descendants are often interconnected with the historical advantages stemming from colonization, thereby exacerbating socio-economic inequalities within Canadian society.

Immigrants are part of a society shaped by the historical power dynamics resulting from colonial encounters. While their experiences may differ from those of Indigenous peoples and the descendants of European settlers, they arrive in Canada with an understanding that the foundations of this nation are deeply intertwined with the complex and tragic legacies of colonialism. It prompts reflection on their responsibilities as newcomers to work toward making positive contributions to achieve genuine reconciliation.
Understanding the deep impact of colonialism on Canada’s diverse communities is key to grasping its current state. The imperative to address past injustices and transgressions compels us to confront them through collective introspection, to deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories and perspectives, and to actively foster initiatives of reconciliation and repair. This critical step paves the way for a collaborative journey towards a future characterized by equity, inclusivity and justice, welcoming all who call Canada their home.

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Maryame Boulhajat is an engineer and entrepreneur with an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a passion for making a difference. Armed with a master’s degree in engineering, Maryame has worked across multiple industries, including energy, aerospace and healthcare. Maryame has always been driven by a desire to do more, particularly for women. With a specific focus on gender studies, she actively volunteers her time to write thought-provoking pieces on this subject.

Sasna Nawran (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

We are living in a society controlled by social media and mobile technology. Social media has fundamentally changed the way we interact, communicate and share information in our daily lives. Millions of people use social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn worldwide. 

By facilitating quicker and simpler communication, social media has had a huge impact on every aspect of our lives, including politics, global culture, innovations, commerce and education. This article discusses the positive and negative impacts of social media on society and how to mitigate the negative effects. 

Positive Effects of Social Media on Nations

According to the research, one in every five adults in the United States gets their political news from social media. Citizens can use social media to voice their opinions on political systems, engage in political debates and participate in civic activities. This helps people to participate in their communities and have their voices heard. It ensures that people have a say in politics. In general, this is beneficial to democracy.

People can now easily stay updated about what is going on in their country and around the world, thanks to social media. Social media platforms are used to share news, information and opinions, which can aid in raising awareness about important issues.

People from various backgrounds can also engage and share their thoughts and opinions on social media. This might make people more accommodating of different points of view, races and beliefs. It could foster mutual regard for one another. People might learn to see a subject from new perspectives and to think differently. Virtual social media groups also assist underprivileged groups and minorities in discussing and resolving their issues.

Students throughout the world benefit from educational videos, ebooks and courses available on social media. It serves as a learning platform for them to enhance their skills and capabilities. Employers can quickly reach out to potential job searchers via social media. Collaboration among researchers from various countries results in enhanced scientific and technological innovation. 

Social media has opened up a new way of business through digital marketing, increasing long-distance business opportunities. Social media marketing has evolved into an effective means of reaching out to potential clients for businesses of all sizes.

Negative Effects of Social Media on Nations

One of the main downsides of social media is the spread of false information and fake news. This can lead to confusion and mistrust among citizens, impacting democracy negatively. This can be avoided by obtaining information from reliable sources, viewing posts with caution and double-checking claims before sharing them with others. 

Social media has also been used as a platform for cyberbullying. As a result, there has been an upsurge in incidents of depression, anxiety and suicide among young people. Cyberbullying can be avoided by using privacy settings to your advantage and keeping important information hidden. If a person believes they are being cyberbullied, they should speak with a parent, close friend or trusted adult. They can also seek professional assistance through their home country’s helpline.

Another unfavorable issue that people confront is social media addiction. Overuse of social media can result in mental illnesses, social isolation and sleep issues. Setting time restrictions for social media usage, avoiding triggers that drive us to use social media, engaging in screen-out activities and engaging in outdoor activities can all help to curb social media addiction. 

Social media allows us to easily compare ourselves to others. This leads to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of confidence. If any social media page makes you feel negative and demotivated, click the unfollow button. Follow people and brands who make you feel good, and who encourage, inspire and promote positivity instead. Remember that each of us has our own journey and time. 

In conclusion, social media has had both positive and negative effects on nations. While it has provided new opportunities for communication, civic engagement and economic growth, social media has also contributed to the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying and increased mental disorders. 

I think most of the negative effects of social media can be overcome by using it responsibly, promoting digital literacy and seeking support when needed. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of social media without compromising our mental health or well-being.

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