ipl-logo

The Uncommon Road Essay

827 Words4 Pages

Jaison sohi
Ms. Sandhu
ENG2D & CHC2D
May 31, 2023

Exploring Themes of Identity, Assimilation, and Resistance in An Uncommon Road: A Reflection of Canadian History

By examining identity, belonging, cultural assimilation, and resistance it is clear that there is a lot of identity of the Sikh culture and the struggles in the book “The uncommon road”
This essay aims to explore these themes and their connection to Canadian history. By viewing the struggles faced by the characters in their quest for identity and belonging, the pressures of cultural assimilation, and their acts of resistance and resilience, we can gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of small communities and their place and overall long-term impact on Canadian history. …show more content…

Through their experiences, the novel sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrants and marginalized communities. For instance, when Gian Singh is called names and the Sri Harmandir Sahib is attacked in India, it reflects the historical experiences of countless individuals and communities who sought to establish their identities while simultaneously adapting to a new culture and society. In fact, Sikh Canadians have played a significant role in shaping Canadian history, from being defense ministers to working every job known to man. As noted in Sandhu's work, "Sikhs have been part of Canadian history since the late 1800s when they first arrived in British Columbia to work on the railroads" (Sandhu, 2012, p. 22). This citation underscores the fact that Sikh Canadians have a rich history in Canada and have contributed significantly to the country's development. Despite facing discrimination and challenges, their resilience and determination have made them an integral part of Canadian …show more content…

The novel portrays the unwavering resistance and fortitude of its characters in the face of injustice, highlighting the significance of collective struggle in the fight for justice. Set in Canada's historical backdrop, "The Uncommon Road" offers readers a glimpse into the struggles faced by marginalized communities throughout the country's history. The novel shows how individuals and communities have fought tirelessly against systemic oppression, discrimination, and inequality. Through the lens of the characters' experiences, the novel encourages readers to reflect on the progress that has been made, as well as the work that still needs to be done to achieve a more just and equitable society. The characters in the novel exemplify unyielding determination to persist and surmount obstacles in the pursuit of their objectives, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable hardship. For example, Gian Singh was one of them, and how he spent countless hours in court trying to prove a point and make sure that the Sikh community of Canada is safe and is not stereotyped for other people's mistakes or certain people that did something wrong. Each person that supports and helps Gian Singh shows the courage of the human spirit, and their struggles shed light on the larger systemic issues that have plagued Canadian society for

Show More
Related

  • Compare And Contrast Bukum Singh And Sikh's

    253 Words  | 2 Pages

    Among the key contributions from different ethnic Canadians was Bukum Singh and the Sikh’s. In the early 1900’s there were very few Sikh’s living in Ontario, but still 9 Sikh’s actively served with the Canadian troops in WWI. Among those 9 was Bukum Singh, one of the earliest known Sikh’s living in Ontario. Singh came to Canada in 1907 from Punjab. He first arrived in B.C  at the age of 14, he was mining until he moved to Toronto in 1912/1913.

    Read More

  • Looking Past The Murky Lens Summary

    1377 Words  | 6 Pages

    MacDonald’s treatment of Aboriginals hurt the growth of Canada and set a standard of maltreatment toward Aboriginals that is continued today. While he was labelled as a friend and admired by Aboriginals, MacDonald’s actions reveal his true feelings and demonstrate his lack of regard for their wellbeing and rights. One can see that his mistreatment extends not just to those in Canada, but also those who are emigrating from other countries and regions, such as Asia. MacDonald was especially racist toward Asians, creating legislation that excluded the Chinese and Mongolian, marking them to be unfit for political office and representation. He felt that this exclusion was necessary to establish European dominance across Canada and

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Obasan By Joy Kogawa

    1688 Words  | 7 Pages

    However, with the government of Mackenzie King’s decision to undergo these interments between 1941 and 1949, it is exceptionally clear that this reputation had been shattered, especially with his decision to deport many citizens to occupied Japan starting in 1946. Rao also notes, “The novel in fact problematizes the discourses of ‘official multiculturalism’ which sanctioned Canada as a 'cultural mosaic,' and underscores how in actual fact such policy glossed over the centrality of race in multicultural Canada. Multiculturalism simply ignored ethnicity and it was used to strengthen the dominance of Canada's two major cultures.” (Rao 2004) Basically, Canada’s multicultural society

    Read More

  • Debra Black Canada's Immigration System Lacks Heart Critics Say Summary

    1301 Words  | 6 Pages

    (Sociocultural: A Problem-Based Approach, 2016). The Mountie myth is one of the stories that employ the ideas of Canada’s open-mindedness and justice towards its minorities to create national identity. The Quebec referendums from the 1980s to 1995 and the Calgary pact that were made in September 1997 present the past as a ‘heritage’ of tolerance. The story of Canada’s tolerant nationhood has often been framed in terms of its policy of “multiculturalism”, a policy defined in official government ideology as a ‘fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity’. Canada is often described as a ‘cultural mosaic’ in order to distinguish it from the American culture ‘melting pot’ (Mackey, 1998).

    Read More

  • Unit 4 An Analysis Of The Metis Rebellion By Michael Sava

    1352 Words  | 6 Pages

    Society's most remarkable figures are still remembered because of their important contributions before us, being the pillars of the unique peoples and cultures across the world, making them stand out from any ordinary man. Through their failures, victories, and ideas society has been affected (Boyden, 2013, xiii). Canada was shaped because of the events that occurred in the Red River Rebellion of 1869-70 and the North-West

    Read More

  • The Connection Between Trauma And Healing In Five Little Indians By Michelle Good

    1643 Words  | 7 Pages

    Five Little Indians by Michelle Good is a moving tale that exposes readers to the brutal truth of Canada's residential school system. The story follows five Indigenous people who, after years of abuse and suffering at these schools, are left to negotiate life as adults in Vancouver. Michelle Good invites readers to confront painful facts about Canadian history via their journeys of healing and reconciling with the past. The backstory for Five Little Indians is similarly interesting. Michelle Good, a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, draws on her personal experiences and significant study to bring this narrative to life.

    Read More

  • Gang Of Eight And The Fight For Canad The Last Act By Ron Graham

    974 Words  | 4 Pages

    However contemporary Canada is not without its issues, as stated earlier. Even with these important lessons, and our written out charter that has the basic rights for humans, we still fail to support and provide these rights to many marginalised communities and

    Read More

  • 9/11 Affecting Sikhs In The United States

    860 Words  | 4 Pages

    One of the most recurring problems for Sikhs after 9/11 has been profiling at airports. On November 26, 2002, as Hansdip Singh Bindra sat in his respected seat, a stewardess told numerous passengers that their may be “trouble,” and then told Bindra to keep a low “profile” and to “not cause any problems.” Sikh

    Read More

  • Analysis Of As Canadian As Possible Under The Circumstances

    673 Words  | 3 Pages

    In Canada they are usually seen as being a superior white race. However by looking at this essay and poem it shows that we are multicultural and bilingual. It is important to understand how Canadian culture affects how people treat one another. The beliefs, religious groups and the social groups Canadians fall into is relevant in how others view us and it is a significant

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast World War And Ww1 On Canada

    1148 Words  | 5 Pages

    Through the pages of history, Canada’s identity emerges derivative of courage and sacrifice, shaped by pivotal events that have left an indelible mark on the nation’s narrative. The two World Wars, World War One (WWI) and World War Two (WWII) are two paradigms of significant events that formed Canada. Without them, Canada would not be the nation it is today. Ultimately, WWI and WWII sparked massive change within Canada, specifically in the areas of technological and innovative advancement, international and domestic recognition, and women’s rights, diversity, and acceptance. To begin, both World Wars fostered great advancement.

    Read More

  • How And Why Have Australian Sikhs Changed In Modern Society

    1069 Words  | 5 Pages

    Yet, today’s Sikhs are ignoring the words of wisdom from their gurus and dismissing the true Sikh way of life. Rather, they are surrendering to the hedonistic illusion of temporal pleasures and self-indulgence (SikhAwareness, 2017). The pressure to fit in has changed the modern Sikhs, as today’s youths are not invested in their faith compared to previous generations. This can have an impact on the faith and belief of an individual, especially if they are surrounded in an environment that has the potential to influence the connection youth have with their faith. Mr Jagpal Singh, a 25 year-old British Sikh states, “Every generation has a certain amount of connection to their faith, it might just be a different way of representing it compared to previous generations”.

    Read More

  • Poor Boy's Game Diversity Essay

    1270 Words  | 6 Pages

    Introduction Diversity is a characteristic that is characterized by the recognition and shared regard of the similarities and differences in culture, age, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and experiences that make people unique. Many people suppose that the Canadian society is diverse and problems such as discrimination and racism are not difficulties affecting this community. Canadians understand that they are characterized by diversity, tolerance, and acceptance and that these are the traits that virtually define the values of this nation. Although many people assert that the country is diverse, previous cases and literature have portrayed how the Canadian society is segregated and intolerant. The most disturbing elaboration of intolerance in the Canadian society was the Saskatoon starlight tours where law enforcement officers would pick aboriginals from their communities, and they were taken to the outskirts of the city in the dead of winter where they were left for dead.

    Read More

  • Justin Trudeau's Ideal Politics

    506 Words  | 3 Pages

    Canada has a dark history when the forced separation of the 150,000 aboriginal children from their families for more than 100 years. This turn of events is an attempt to put an end to the existence of Aboriginal legal entities, social, cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds in Canada that occurred in the 1840s until the 1990s. In addition to the serious matters that attracted the attention of Canadian people about the figure of Justin Trudeau, the media also features a unique side that makes the figure of Justin Trudeau is getting more attention. His physical appearance be a special attraction for the media.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Emily Murphy's Case: A Defining Moment For Canada

    1526 Words  | 7 Pages

    "How the Famous Five in Canada Won Personhood for Women." London Journal of Canadian Studies 17 (2002): 60-70. Accessed May 20, 2017. Canadian High Comission.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Khushwant Singh's Train To Pakistan

    1035 Words  | 5 Pages

    Khushwant Singh’s Train to Pakistan recounts the event of the Partition of India, which happened in 1947. Set in a fictional village of Mano Majra, the novel aims to depict the cultural and political clash between the Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims and, by following the development of the characters, unveil the moral of humanity. Throughout the novel, Singh portrays the experience of conflict that each character, including Juggut Singh, Iqbal Singh, and Hukum Chand, has to deal with. Based on the characters’ development, Singh’s goal is to present the idea that love always conquers the power of violence and ethnic antagonism. Singh starts off with a description of the Partition and of Mano Majra, a habitat for Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims.

    Read More

More about The Uncommon Road Essay

Open Document