It does not apply in Canada: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

The perception that ethnic communities create ghettos and bring along old baggage while settling in Canada is a stereotyped conception.

This view often suggests that ethnic communities do not assimilate according to the outdated adage, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Does the creation of ghettos encourage racism? Or does the “old baggage” of ethnic identities—from food to dress styles, language, and even speaking English with an accent—contribute to xenophobic hatred?

Ghetto formations have been part of the ethnic pattern of settlements on the North American continent. Major cities in the USA and Canada have Chinatowns, Italian, Polish, Cuban, Mexican, and many more ethnic neighbourhoods. While some of these areas may now be tourist attractions, their origins lie in being “ghettos.”

Ghetto living can be seen as a nostalgic behaviour. Newcomers feel more comfortable living with some “old baggage” while adjusting to a new environment.

The term “old baggage” is often maligned. It only has negative impressions, suggesting that immigrants stubbornly adhere to their rituals, customs, and traditions without change.

An interruption of what “Romans do” is poignantly illustrated by an interaction involving New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh a few years ago.

A Quebecer asked Singh to “cut off” his turban to look “like a Canadian.” Singh responded calmly, “I think Canadians look like all sorts of people.” When the man insisted, saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” Singh politely replied, “But this is Canada; you can do whatever you like.”

This encounter between two Canadians of different cultural backgrounds gives the old proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” a broader meaning from a Canadian perspective.

The question then becomes: Under what culture do Canadians represent themselves?

The answer lies in Canada’s multicultural fundamentals. Here, Canadians look like all sorts of people.

Canada is not a monolithic society. And has never been since its inception. The culture of multiculturalism is an ever-evolving and developing phenomenon in this nation.

Promod Puri