Commodifying differences
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In her work, Thobani argues that Canadian multiculturalism paradoxically governs cultural difference. The government has the tendency to consider ethnic communities as distinct while maintaining the dominance of the bicultural Anglophone-Francophone model. This structure positions white Canadians as tolerant and cosmopolitan, while non-white communities are portrayed as outsiders (Thobani, 145).
One of the key ways multiculturalism achieves this is by assimilating race with culture. The issue is that the government is focusing on cultural tolerance instead of addressing systemic racism. Non-white groups are often labeled as “culturally deficient,” and their traditions are treated as outdated, in contrast to the progressive and modern image of white Canadians (Thobani,147-149). This shift allows Canada to appear inclusive while maintaining white supremacy in a subtle way.
Furthemore, Thobani exposes the problems linked with categorizing cultural communities as “neatly distinguishable.” This framing erases the diversity within these groups, simplifies governance but marginalizes voices (158). For example, as Linda Carty and Dionne Brand observed, state funding for multicultural initiatives often shifted attention away from the struggles to cultural celebration, undermining solidarity among anti-racist movements (Thobani, 159-160).
Another key critique is the use of the term “visible minorities,” which reduces the diverse histories and experiences of racialized communities to a unique category. This label helps sustain white privilege by shifting the focus from systemic inequalities to cultural differences. It also undermines solidarity among marginalized groups by emphasizing identity over shared struggles for justice (Thobani, 159-160).
Finally, the idea of “cultural enrichment” positions immigrants as sources of exoticism for white Canadians. Multiculturalism commodifies immigrant cultures, presenting them as resources for the nation’s enrichment while ignoring the socio-economic challenges these communities face. This reinforces unequal power dynamics by allowing white Canadians to consume and celebrate other cultures without addressing the injustices (Thobani, 170).