Multiculturalism in Indo-Canadian Writing: A Study of Select Works

Abstract

Multiculturalism is one of the much discussed concepts in the modern, postcolonial world. Globalization and modernization have increased the flow of migration to various parts of the world. This has led to the emergence and visibility of different communities (diaspora/minority) in most of the developed countries. This phenomenon, in turn has led to cultural differences, identity conflicts, racial discrimination, and other serious problems within the nations and outside it. The Indian diaspora is one of the communities facing the above problems. This study is aimed to build a comprehensive approach on how multiculturalism is discussed in the context of Indo-Canadian writing. In my thesis I have examined representative arguments about multiculturalism by analysing the literary works of first and second generation Indo-Canadian writers. They present varied arguments on multiculturalism even though they belong to the same community. For M.G. Vassanji, multiculturalism leads to liberation of immigrants. Vassanji, in his fiction, construes multiculturalism as a solution to discriminatory practices against immigrants. In contrast to Vassanji, Neil Bissoondath would argue that it is harmful to construct specific kinds of identities. Bissoondath’s works contend that cultural differences create a gap between immigrants and hosts which lead not only to racial differences but also to threats to what can be perceived as ‘Canadian culture’. This advocacy would also maintain that individual rights would be ignored amidst group ones. On the other hand, second generation Indo-Canadian writers such as Priscila Uppal, Anita Kushwaha, Ranj Dhaliwal, Shaun Mehta and Vivek Shraya do not show any dilemma in accepting multiculturalism in their way of life. For this generation, born and brought up in Canada, multiculturalism is rather naturalised; they accept it more normally and consider the policy measures as a source of strength during difficult times for the community.