Grade 10 Academic History – 1989 to the Present
Promoting Identity
Unit 1 Chapter 1
Do symbols, myths, institutions and initiatives create, promote and/or advance the Canadian national identity?
Power of symbols
· Identify a meaningful image or icon (e.g., cross, consumer logo, sports team logo)
· Explain the symbol’s meaning and importance (…to you)
· Now, discuss the symbols (…positive or negative feelings, imagery, influences). Do symbols have the power to unify people for or against a cause?
Criteria for powerful national symbols
Which Canadian symbols draw people together? The symbols could be common (e.g., national anthem, flag, beaver, maple leaf, Queen Elizabeth), less contemporary (e.g., Canadian Red Ensign, Johnny Canuck) or less distinctive (e.g., colour red, tall trees, water). Which of these symbols is more powerful? Explain.
Features that a powerful and effective national symbol will exhibit:
· distinctive—is uniquely associated with Canada
· recognized—is widely known across groups and regions
· attachment—has strong attachments for many people
· long lasting—had been a factor for many years.
Power of symbols
Why are some symbols more powerful? For example, why is the Mercedes logo more powerful than the Toyota logo? Why might the national flag be more powerful than the coat of arms?
What contrasting images or features make symbols effective (e.g.., simplicity, widely available, touches a deep desire or need, makes people feel special)? Using the criteria, what features on some of Canada’s national symbols make them effective?
The construct of national symbols
Symbols may occur accidentally, but more often, they are deliberate and serve particular purposes. Examine the posters and identify the messages promoted (e.g., Canada is a land of opportunity, be involved).
Promoting national identity
How have various groups and Canadian governments tried to promote national identity? Consider the following questions:
· What is the initiative? That is, s it a symbol, myth, institution or program?
· Who is promoting it?
· Why was it purpose? Was it promoting a worthwhile cause?
· How effective was it? Did it have a lasting effect?
To answer the questions, you can use your smartphones. Possible web sites include Statistics Canada, Government of Canada, and Canadian news agencies and magazines
Using the list, assign each to a category and discuss the questions.
· Canada as a welcome home for immigrants
· RCMP
· Canadian National Railway
· O’Canada
· CFL
· Radio-Canada
· Parliament Buildings
· Bluenose schooner / · Maple Leaf flag
· Canadian Coat of Arms
· CBC Heritage Minutes
· Commemorative Postage Stamps
· Canada is a “Just Society”
· Loonie and Toonie coins
· Dominion Institute Canadian history test
· Canada is French / · Fleur-de-lis flag
· Katimavik
· Parks Canada
· Armed Forces
· Canada as a land of boundless opportunity
· Beaver
· Canada as a cultural mosaic
· Canada goose
· Tim Horton’s
· Canada is a land of ice and snow / · Hockey
· Lacrosse
· Cross-country youth exchange
· Canada: A People’s History (TV series)
· Société Saint-Jean Baptiste
· CBC TV
· Royal Family (Governor General)
· Canada as a gun hating country
Be prepared to discuss and present your ideas
Now, arrange the symbols, etc. along a continuum from Highly Desirable to Highly Undesirable. How effective have been the efforts to promote Canadian national identity.
Possible Answers
flag—maple leaf, fleur-de-lis
beaver
Canada Coat of Arms
O’Canada
Parliament Buildings
hockey
lacrosse
commemorative postage stamps
Canada goose
Loonie and Toonie coins
Bluenose schooner / Canada as a Just Society
Canada as a cultural mosaic
Canada as a land of boundless opportunity
Canada as a welcoming home for immigrants
Canada as a gun hating country
Canada is a land of ice and snow
Canada is French / RCMP
Radio-Canada
CBC
CNR
Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Royal Family (Governor General)
Armed Forces / Katimavik
Cross-Canada youth exchanges
Parks Canada
Heritage Minutes
Dominion Institute Canadian history test
Canada: A People's History(television series)