"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Unfortunately Steyn appears to be right. My uncle and his in-laws’ extended family live in GTA (more precisely Markham/Scarborough) and all I get is that they appear to live in little Hong Kongs rather than anything like Canada. In contrast, my brother and family live in Metro Detroit just 4 hours away and even if they retain lots of Chinese customs they have far more of “native” American influence and values.
As a migrant background I found it is a bit like walking on a tight rope. Do we define assimilation in believing in the natural rights and republican (small r) values that underpin America’s foundation, or go on the routes like watching NFL and eating apple pies and hamburgers? Steyn is also unclear on the issue of “How many Canadians will be saying “eh?” in 20 years’ time? Or following hockey?”. It was Steyn himself who noted the Islamists who beheaded Danny Pearl 5 years ago were educated in the London School of Economics and were avid followers of cricket. If we use the “you are assimilated into New Zealand life if you follow rugby and eat meat pies” manifesto they are 100% assimilated Britons. Besides, who defines these cultural habits as “native”? 100 years ago pizza was considered un-American food, and today you will be regarded as loony if you say spaghetti is not American.
It is not as easy walk as a migrant. I wish I could have the courage and wisdom to do what is right of God.