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29 · Friday, May 14, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Multicultural diversity is Canada's strength By Yasmeen Husain GRADE 12, IROQUOIS RIDGE H.S. C anada is often described as a multicultural nation; the diversity extends to the point that when you tell someone you are Canadian they often ask "Oh, but where are you really from?" The question lies however in how multicultural are we really? Yes, on the surface Canada is bustling with people from diverse cultures, ideologies and races all conducting their daily affairs, conducting commerce, abiding by the common rules of etiquette and fairness, yet there is an undertow that causes divisions. A multicultural society is one that continually evolves and is strengthened by the contribution of its diverse peoples. This concept has been embedded into the minds of our youths again and again. Diversity means progress, diversity means peace, Canada is diverse and ever so accepting. However, when numerous outlets of media flag the issue, youths are often left wondering why this is such a concern. Robert Putnam, a Harvard professor and Frank Salter, an academic and researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Behavioural Physiology, both argue there is a greater loss of trust in heterogeneous societies where as homogenous societies have a higher level of public altruism. Mark Steyn, author of America Alone says multiculturalism is Canada's excuse for losing the fight against extremist minorities. Others argue Canadian nationalism has suffered because of multiculturalism. over most of the textile industry and performed surgery. The concept of treating a woman with respect was far ahead of its time; providing women with an education, and employment with workers' rights attached. Cultures and values are evolutionary, without them we are bound to the archaic practices of our ancestors. As young Canadians who have always lived in a society full of different ethnic groups, cultures and religions, multiculturalism is the norm to young Canadians. We have always been exposed to bilingualism -- English and French languages -- on our cereal boxes and a variety of cuisine in the food courts of our shopping malls. Diversity is Canada's strength, where we stand in honour of the national anthem, watch the fireworks in July and relentlessly boast about the win of our very own Sidney Crosby at the Olympic Winter Games. While diversity might have been a struggle in the past, it is the norm of Canadians today. Our ability to look at the world and understand the perspectives of multiple nations and cultures enable us to recognize and value the successes and failures of others. Women's rights are an example; the Middle East was one of the first in history to provide women with rights. During the Islamic Golden Age women were educated, held monopolies Weekend