Trials and Tribulations of Immigration. – By Noor Rahim
There are many personal obstacles that one is confronted with in emigrating from their own Motherland to another country. The cause for such a life changing decision may be due to persecution, necessity, economic reasons or to seek “greener pastures” – be it to seek a new way of life or to blend with the host Nation.
Whatever the reason be, one must always keep foremost in mind that we have come to a foreign land to seek refuge/succour, of our own accord. In this context one must think of the times that you entertained someone in your own Homes, as a guest. You would of course welcome with open arms and host them with warmth and throw caution to the wind; in entertaining your guests with much pleasure and aplomb.
But would you tolerate your guests imposing on you with their own agendas of negativity and behaviour that is contrary to your ways. Perhaps of “don’ts & wonts” contrary to what you have doled out, in hospitality, under your very own roof?
Having said that we (immigrants) did arrive in this Great Land of the Red Coats; Teepees; and Milk & Maple syrup with great anticipation. We were welcomed with “open arms” into the existing society with warmth, understanding & compassion. So! Remembering the principles of a good host; have we the right to impose our own agendas to change the way of life of our generous hosts; to satisfy our own selfish (?) whims & fancy? This I believe is a question of paramount importance and interest; that I leave in the hands of the learned reader. Of course one must appreciate the host has granted us the “Right to follow our own Traditions & Customs”, willingly and with great accommodation – that which does not impede the existing cultures of course; and more importantly our “Right to practice our own Religion”. What more can you ask of this Great Nation of compassion and understanding. Think of what useful contribution that you can contribute to enrich the existing Customs & Religion – rather than making demands of the Nation that is not in keeping with the time tested and established Customs & Traditions of a Land that most of us are now Citizens of. Keeping the Maple Leaf flying high and above should always be foremost among us all.
Well! We did arrive in this great country one day; and for sure we were faced with a “Cultural Shock” added to the requirement of “Canadian Experience” in seeking employment. The latter was overcome as we were very conversant with multi-tasking in the jobs we did back home; and were very adaptable in executing and performing well in any type of duties we were called upon to do. Initially it may not have been the job you did “back home”. But being the survivor we did excel at whatever job we undertook. Our aptitude and attitude were soon to be recognized by all; for our capability and penchant for the progress in whatever field we ventured into. But still does this give us the right to impose on our host country, is the burning issue that appears to be confronting this Great Nation of ours? Being citizens of this Great Land, isn’t it our bounden duty to strengthen and uphold the existing sacred values of this land? I leave this question in the hands of the learned reader.
Into this potpourri, no doubt, comes the political aspect. They who will bend backwards to appease the “Universal Franchise” holder to curry favour for the next elections. Yes! The vote is a powerful tool to vote-in a suitable candidate to the legislature. However; in as much as you can vote someone to the seat it is very ironic that you cannot vote the candidate out of their seat until their term expires. I always wonder why the voter cannot get a redundant and non est politician impeached in the same as the voter has the power to vote them to represent them, in the governance of this Great Land; until the term expires? I guess it is a case of “Heads you lose; and Tails I win”. So! Zip up and abide by me until the next time; appears to be the slogan. One is thus constrained to the thought of “what price democracy?”
So much for the use of the Political Tool to impose your will on the existing time tested and proven traditions and customs of the land. It was just over 3 decades ago that we not only faced the “cultural shock” we were also to soon find out that our indigenous “taste buds” could not be appeased. The fiery brand of cuisine were scarcely available. Having got used to the mound of steaming rice, with hot and spicy curries surrounding the mound was not readily available. Even the spices that satisfied our palates were hard to come by. The purchase of an electric rice-cooker could only be purchased after an intense search of “oriental” shops; and that was at a price too. Currently many grocery shops and eating places that cater to the Asian palates have sprouted like mushrooms all over the major cities. One is never at a loss to find a place to satisfy ones taste and thirst for the hot and fiery brand of cuisine.
The foods available three decades ago were the perennial Hamburgers, Steaks & Pizzas. Very soon you are to hear of Chicken Balls; Buffalo Wings; Fish Fingers; Potato Wedges; Cocktail Shrimps. All alien to your culinary vocabulary; making you wonder – how many chicken balls will fill a plate; since when have buffalos sprouted wings; and how many fingers has a fish etc. However, all these types of foods had to be doused/drowned in ketchup and other sauces to somewhat appease our South Asian/South East Asian taste buds. Some even called the existing food as “hospital food”; as on its standalone merit it appeared very bland. But with time and the influx of Immigrants from the Middle East and Asian regions we have now a total renaissance of culinary delights at ones beck & call. We should indeed be proud that this is one aspect of our customs that has blended with the culinary customs of the land without any prejudice, objection or encumbrance; and of course the need for political intervention.
The moral of the story is to win the hearts and minds of our hosts in this Great Land of the Free and contribute to their cultures in a meaningful way – the same as the culinary prowess that has captured and attuned their desires for hot & spicy food; in the most unobtrusive but convincing manner.
These are some thoughts into the trials & tribulations that one encounters in immigrating to a foreign land. As the saying goes “Go with the flow” as “Time & tide waits for no man” and “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”.
Noor Rahim
October 28, 2017
