CULTURAL SHOCKS

When I moved to Canada 13 years ago, I was up for more shocks that I could ever hope for.  

First, spatially, I felt strange with no hundreds and thousands of people competing on your space when you walk on the street, go to a store, and or take the metro. People are so polite, drivers allow you to merge, and police officers are feared but not perceived as corrupt or part of the corrupting system.

Second, in the workplace, there is less power distance than I can recall. There is no need for outward deference that what is necessary. There's more exchange of pleasantries as part of the culture not as something that is needed when you want to break the ice. Everyone seems to have their own place in the organization. When you in doubt about what you need to do, 'go to your supervisor.'

Third, we seldom see Canadians as part of the worlds' problem. As a middle power, Canada is a strong beacon of democracy and free enterprise. What I'm so proud of is that the project of multiculturalism while not perfect and perfected seems to work in this part of the world than any where else. While I came here seamlessly, integrated well than most immigrants, and have the privileges of education and international outlook, there are hundreds of newcomers that have experienced more hardships. I was an exception to the norm. We have  a long way to go to closing this gap that is missing the best out of the global talent we now find here.

I have been shocked in my first few years but right now I feel more integrated than ever before. Diversity is our greatest common denominator in this Canada. If we devalue the least of our diverse citizens, we devalue our whole society and the power that comes with it.
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