Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
As a first generation Canadian, I have sometimes struggled with the identity to a degree. Don't get me wrong, I am happy and blessed to live in one of the best countries in the world. Probably 75% of the people on this planet would trade places with me in a second, and that is something I don't take for granted. But growing up, I never really identified with the history. I consider myself a citizen of Canada living outside of my ancestral homeland.
My wife is completely the opposite. She traces her family back to some of the first settlers from Europe and also has Indigenous heritage. For her, being Canadian is being attached to that history and is approaching the idea of not just nationality, but an ethnicity. I just could never identify like that. To me, it's just a piece of paper, but not part of me identity.
I think a lot of Canadians feel the same way, which is why many Canadians apply a modifier before being Canadian. Probably way off topic though.
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Your post totally resonates with me, I'm also first generation here in Canada. I too value being a Canadian, like you, but I don't really struggle with it. I'm Chinese. I was born in Canada. I love being Canada and I think I'm unique and love it that I'm a mix of Canadian and Chinese. I get to celebrate Canadian customs like Canada Day, Western traditions like Christmas and Thanksgiving, as well as the Spring Festival, Autumn Festival and others from my Chinese side.
Are you very close to your ancestral roots? When you were young, did your parents and family strongly value ensuring their culture's traditions continue with you? Do you continue now to celebrate whatever customs and traditions (like holidays, meals, etc) are important for your ancestral country?
Mine were very much that way for me growing up and as a result, I too identify extremely strongly with my Chinese ancestral roots. I also apply a modifier if asked, that I'm Chinese Canadian.
I have many friends as well (especially Italians) who are the same and strongly identify with their ancestral roots from Italy and introduce themselves as Italian Canadian.
I do sometimes see patterns amongst groups where for example, Italians and Chinese being mostly this way vs. other groups not as much.