Topic > Effects of racism and nativism on immigrants to Canada from 1900 to 1930s

Nativism along with racism are tools used by a society to create a strong sense of national identity while safeguarding the interests of its citizens. Its main approach is to use means of hatred and marginalization of individuals who challenge the widely accepted norms of society in any form. This phenomenon was not just limited to Canada but had been present throughout the world for centuries. Racism and anti-foreign sentiments in the early 1900s were a product of the job insecurity faced by locals due to incoming migrant workers. The idea of ​​non-natives has been strongly discouraged due to the pressure that immigrants place on society's resources. Provocative and highly motivating propaganda played a crucial role in developing racially biased attitudes among the public. Racism and nativism are very popular dualistic notions at the beginning of the 20th century as they highlighted the cynical nature of man who had more to do with the superiority of his own race and values, resulting in the rejection of individuals who did not share those principles common .Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Ultimately, these actions slowly but surely stirred up xenophobia among the public, making life especially difficult for immigrants living in Canada. Racism and anti-foreign sentiments in the early 1900s were a product of the job insecurity faced by locals due to incoming immigrant workers. Throughout the 20th century, numerous events occurred that not only motivated but also changed the political landscape of countries around the world, and this statement is certainly true for Canada. Throughout the early 20th century, immigrants of non-Anglo-Saxon origins were subjected to racist treatment by locals in the region in which they settled. This was because the new immigrants did not easily assimilate into the dominant Anglo-Saxon society and posed a threat to its fundamental values. Despite this, another crucial concern was that these new immigrants were taking over jobs previously held by locals. A perfect example of this would be the Chinese immigrants who were especially popular and desirable among traders as they were a prudent source for a trader to profit and at the same time were easily enticed. Not only was racism limited to the streets, but it was also publicly aired by the Victoria Gazette, which stated that “the Chinese have done far more harm than good” as they have degraded the job sector by commonly accepting low wages. This was especially true because the locals had a tendency to spend money with an open hand, but the Chinese on the other hand were more sensitive with money and did not spend so openly on gambling and drinking, thus making it a little more easy for them to survive. about the low wages they earned. Furthermore, “Sinophobia [which is deeply] integrated into Western culture combined with the Western image of China” has led Chinese immigrants to live with harsh racism aimed at them by society. On numerous different occasions they were also discriminated against by high-ranking government officials, as the colonial governor called the Chinese “a nuisance – a moral blight [and] a curse” while showing concern for the rapidly growing population. This not only demonstrates nativism along with racism at play, but also highlights the fact that thisThe local population's behavior was clearly a response to the insecurities they faced, along with the lack of integration between both groups. Furthermore, these new immigrant workers were much more motivated to work than the local population. The idea of ​​non-Anglos immigrating has been highly discouraged due to the strain new immigrants place on society's resources. Discouraging the immigration of individuals belonging to non-Anglo-Saxon origins was not only intended to create a global society united by the same fundamental values, but at the same time also promoted the domination of culture and religion. Not only were new immigrants discouraged from coming to Canada, but many immigrants who were already in the country were deported. Deportations were particularly concentrated on disabled people who were believed to be a burden on society's resources. Many deportations were adjusted based on the individual's physical and mental health. Individuals who were “sick, feeble-minded, or insane” were quickly deported to their home countries. Furthermore, in the early 20th century the deportation rate was so high that the Department of Immigration has no record of its deportations. This shows that in the early 20th century Canada worked hard to keep up with the interests of its majority Anglo-Saxon population who wanted to safeguard its core Anglo-Saxon values. The deportation of people was also systematically planned as there was a network of "immigration agents, train drivers, etc.", who escorted unwanted immigrants to be deported out of the country. The deportations were not limited only to disabled people, but were also extended to women since they were particularly exposed to the consequences of sexual or social deviance. This had a lot to do with their position in society as they worked nationally at the time, and it was in their best interests to avoid any stain on their moral character as this could have cost them their jobs. This goes in depth to show that how deportation was the means used by the government to get rid of individuals it deemed undesirable and considered a liability to the system. However, it also ties back to the main idea that these actions were performed to create a homogeneous society that shares and practices the same set of beliefs. Provocative and highly motivating propaganda played a crucial role in developing racially biased attitudes among the public. After the outbreak of World War I, the seeds of racism and nativism quickly germinated as provocative propaganda was provided to the public to create a sense of national identity. Subsequently these propagandas also led to racism against individuals from countries that Canada was fighting against. This not only resulted in racism towards enemy aliens, but also led to an ever-increasing sense of national identity that made things worse. “The Department of Immigration [also] began systematically deporting people due to their political beliefs and activities.” These acts not only undermined their rights as citizens, but also went beyond any moral and ethical standards. Furthermore, due to the heavy loss of life and finances during the World War, the sense of mistrust towards invisible enemies, which was heavily conveyed and highlighted by propaganda, led to a sense of patriotism and the need to protect the country from threats within it. borders. Welcoming people who didn't share the same values ​​and beliefs did.