Quote:
Originally Posted by rubecube
Except removing those exceptions wouldn't make them equal. You're talking about formal equality, which is much different than the equality of results that are necessary to reverse years of systemic discrimination. Additionally most of these rights and exceptions were/are constitutionally guaranteed. I really wonder how many people have any understanding at all of how constitutional law works, and just exactly what is required to make the sweeping changes they're talking about. It's a logistical nightmare and that doesn't even get into the ethics of it.
|
You're assuming that systemic discrimination is what's keeping Natives from achieving equal of results. I'd suggest contact with a far more powerful and advanced culture, along with decimation by disease, left Native culture basically shattered. Not to mention the fact their traditional economic system is no longer viable. So you're looking at rebuilding a society almost from scratch.
Some of that can be done with external infrastructure and support. But there are limits. Ultimately, it comes down to skills and values. As recently as 70 years ago, Korea was one of the most impoverished and technologically backward places on earth. Overwhelmingly agrarian, under the thumb of first China and then Japan. An arena for a proxy war by the superpowers in the 50s, devastated in its aftermath. American money and industry helped rebuild Korea. But what set Koreans on the path to security and prosperity were cultural values regarding family, money, and skills. In a generation or two, Korean became a modern, prosperous, self-reliant country.
You can't just wave your hand and inculcate those values in a society. Especially societies as devastated and demoralized as Canada's native societies. However, until they are inculcated, external aid will have little enduring effect.
Yes, there are treaties that must be honoured. But living off transfers from the state is enervating for anyone, and fosters a culture of dependency. And let's keep in mind that some of wealthiest bands in Canada in terms of per capital income, bands that receive millions of dollars a year from resource rights, have some of the worst social problems. Money doesn't make people more attentive parents, or more disciplined and ambitious about education and training.
Then there's the whole matter of reserves. I'd wager non-Native Canadians who live in isolated rural communities with low rates of school completion and high rates of substance abuse have very low incomes compared to the rest of Canada. 50 years from now we may very well look at the reserve system with the same dismay and disbelief that we regard the residential school system with.