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Ideology and Citizenship: Acting for ChangeShould my actions as a citizen be shaped by an ideology?

Chapter 15: Reflecting on Ideology and CitizenshipTo what extent should ideology shape responses to issues in times of peace and in times of conflict?

1. RIGHTS, ROLES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENS – Hothan, Samreen, Shumiam

What are various understandings of the rights, roles, and responsibilities of citizens in democratic societies?

Respect for Law and Order: The law is the contract in which citizens within society follow, based off of their input through

political and legal systems. Individuals working as judges, police officers and prosecutors are there to confirm that these laws

are followed. Groups such as “Citizens on Patrol” take it upon themselves to report unlawful behavior of other

members of the community.

Political Participation: Citizens are given the ability to change the way their country is governed and what laws are made

in a variety of ways:- Write a letter to the Mayor.- Organize a rally to protest an issue- Run for public office- Circulate a petition

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Joining a Political Party: Political parties are the embodiment of ideologies trying to gain power within the government. Youth wings are established for young underage voters to support candidates or national leaders. These youth wings ensure the support of future voters.

Discussion Question: Should a Direct Democracy be established in Canada?

Humanitarianism: Difficult situations around the world can influence citizens in society and change their

perspectives on how they should act in response to such events. Many groups have been formed to help organize the efforts of these citizens 

Actions include:

-Providing medical aid-Food-Shelter-Support those in need

There is a common goal amongst humanitarians, even though they have different beliefs, values and ideologies 

Example: In 2006, an organization by the name of “Doctors without Borders” wrote about the problem of the 10s of 1000s of malnourished children in the West African country of Niger. Out of the 60,000 children, they were able to save 95% of the treated patients.

Discussion Question: Is there criteria for the decision of where Humanitarian aid is necessary? If so, is that unjust?

Civil Disobedience: Important element of liberal democracy is the freedom to question the decisions made by

governments.

Protest: An expression of opposition or dissent; a public demonstration against the politics of a government or other organizations.

Civil Disobedience: Intentional, public refusal to obey a law; usually a form of non-violent political protest.

- Occurs when citizens feel that a law or situation is unjust in their society or government.

- Desire to take a strong but non-violent approach to enlighten the issue and bring about change.

Example: Protesting Canadian Military Involvement in Afghanistan

- Some support their presence in Afghanistan, and believe that it is Canada’s global responsibility to help them through humanitarian projects.

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- Others argue that the solution must come from the Afghanis, and are concerned that Canada has a bigger military role, rather than a humanitarian role.

February 23, 2007: Thousands of Canadians protested Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan.

Many Canadians Wonder:

- Is it appropriate for citizens to protest their military’s role during a time of conflict?

- Believe it is a duty of citizenship to support the country’s troops, regardless of their own beliefs and values.

Discussion Question: If citizens need to break laws in order to have their voices heard, then is it truly a liberal society?

2. CITIZENS AND GOVERNMENT DURING TIMES OF CONFLICT – Hanan, Torfa, Asiya

In what ways might the rights, roles, and responsibilities of citizens be affected by the actions of government during times of conflict?Citizens and the government during Time of Conflict

Citizenship and Aboriginal Participation in the First and Second World Wars

Aboriginal youth accompanied Aboriginal veterans of the Second World War to Juno Beach in France in 2005.

Many of the soldiers who fought at Juno Beach were not much older than the young people who accompanied the veterans.

In the First and Second World Wars, Aboriginal soldiers accepted the responsibilities of Canadian citizenship even though, in the opinion of many people, the Canadian government had not granted them the rights of citizenship.

Dae Fawn Assinewe of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, was one of the young people visiting the battle sites in 2005. She said, “People sacrificed their most precious years…I’m eighteen, an age when I’m learning things and making choices that will affect the rest of my life. And people sacrificed that choice.” (Source: Dae Fawn Assinewe, quoted in Phil Hahn, “Aboriginal veterans recall journey of healing.” CTV News, November 8, 2005, http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051107/ aboriginal_veterans_feature_051107/20051108/.) (Nosegaard, 2010, pg.405)

The veterans also thanked the young people for being there.

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Volunteering to serve Many Aboriginal people in Canada were already feeling betrayed by the federal government as a

result of colonial policies of assimilation and discrimination. After all the trouble the federal government cause the Aboriginals the Aboriginal people still

volunteered in large numbers to serve in the military As some Aboriginal veterans remembered, the war proved the bravery of Aboriginal soldiers. Many Aboriginal men were skilled trappers and hunters; they were often called on to act as patrol

leaders, safely guiding soldiers through dangerous territory. During the wars, the Armed Forces was the only place where some Aboriginal men were treated

equally in society. But after both World Wars, many returning First Nations and Métis veterans expected to receive

the same benefits as non-Aboriginal veterans, such as educational and employment opportunities as well as subsidized housing, from the Canadian government.

In 2001, when then Governor General Adrienne Clarkson dedicated the Aboriginal Veterans War Monument in Ottawa on National Aboriginal Day.

Citizenship and Anti-war Movements:

People can express their citizenship in a democratic society is to take part in movements or protests against their government’s decision to participate or not participate in a war.

Anti-war movements generally involve citizens engaged in non-violent actions. Sometimes the government of a country may listen to protests and may decide that the best

expression of its citizens’ rights, roles, and responsibilitiesDiscussion Question: What’s a way people could express citizenship in a democratic society?

The Vietnam Anti-war Movement: War between North Vietnam and South Vietnam Lasted from 1954-1975 United States were involved and attempted to hold back the spread of communism

between North and South Vietnam This movement was a citizens’ campaign against the Vietnam War Public opinion supported more the limiting of government intervention in Vietnam and

the pubic also agreed on stopping the spread of communism The worse the war conditions got the more questionable the American involvement

became 1967, Muhammad Ali refused his draft into the military and and further proved

Americans inability to provide legitimate support in foreign countries The movement grew which led to official abolishment of US government from Vietnam US colleges and Universities is where the Anti-War movement began in 1960s when

Vietnam was being sent more troops End of 1968 over 500 000 American soldiers were in Vietnam = growing of movement Largest peace march in US history took place on Nov 15, 1969 and brought 500 000

protesters to Washington Americans questioned their role in Vietnam and their own responsibility as citizens 1973 = ceasefire between US and North Vietnam = gov’t ended American involvement in

war & they were convinced that they had no right to fight in Vietnam

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Anti-war Protests and the War in Iraq March 20, 2003, U.S, Great Britain and others invaded Iraq Millions took part in protests, anti-rallies and marches Over 1 500 000 people protested the impending in various countries Many anti-war protests in many cities in Canada Calgary held rally in support of War in Iraq and against Canada’s decisions not to join the

invasion

Citizenship and Pro-Democracy Movements November 21, 2004 = citizens of Ukraine took part in a presidential election Candidates = Viktor Yanukovych (pro- Western) backed by Russian gov’t & Viktor

Yushchenko People claimed that Yushchenko was unable to reach some of his rallies due to other

allies of his interfering He was victim of dioxin poisoning = left disfigured Assumption = poisoning was done by Russian agents Day of election = many allegations of election fraud such as voter intimidation, multiple

voting and burning of ballot boxes in areas of strong Yushchenko support to work towards his win

YANUKOVYCH WON… November 22 = massive protests erupted against results Citizens wore orange (Yushchenok’s colour) peacefully stated their objection to election

fraud and began pro-democracy movement in Ukraine 500 000 protesters demanded for elections to be held again same time = citizens in favour of Yanukovych celebrated election results December 3, Supreme Court pronounced the election invalid and ordered new vote New vote took place on December 26, 2004 Clear victory for Yushchenko Peaceful protest by citizens helped change history of country

3. CITIZENS AND GOVERNMENT DURING TIMES OF PEACE – Shamah, Hoda, Aisha

In what ways might the rights, roles, and responsibilities of citizens be affected by the actions of government during times of peace?

Famine Relief in Africa

In 1984, it was reported that civil war and drought in Ethiopia had resulted in a massive famine

Over a million people had died, and 8 million more were facing starvation Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, External Affairs Minister Joe Clark, and Canada’s

ambassador to the United Nations, Stephen Lewis, led the way in helping to get food and medical provisions to the victims of the famine in Ethiopia

But when no international leaders did anything, Clark went to Ethiopia in early November to see what Canada could do to help.

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Canadians responded with great generosity. Money was donated Farmers donated milk powder and grain Students held rallies in their schools to raise money The Canadian government gave $50 million Unfortunately, according to Mulroney and Lewis speaking 20 years after the

famine, international help to Ethiopia and other African countries has not been offered consistently since that time

Concerts were being organized and eventually $3.2 million was donated

Responding to the 2004 Tsunami

It was December of 2014 when the coast of Indonesia was hit by a strong tsunami affecting millions of people.

With citizens rushing in to donate to help in any way possible and with taxpayer’s money, Canada alone was able to donate over $213 million dollars. This money went to organizations like Canadian Red cross, and UNICEF. It was also about time that Canada donated to those affected

Canada was the first country to speed up its immigration process for those affected Canadians could bring relatives who had been affected by the disaster to Canada, and

they did not have to pay the usual processing fees. Orphaned or homeless children got top priority.

Responding to Climate Change

Many people in Canada and other countries are concerned about global warming and climate change issues. Global warming is an increase in the earth’s atmospheric temperatures, which is believed to be caused by greenhouse gases. The average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere has been rising since the Industrial Revolution.

Some individuals choose to follow the advice of organizations Some citizens take a more active political role by joining political parties It is our job as not only a Canadian citizen but a global citizen to take action and help

slow down and possibly stop the damage being done to the earth. Things as little as composting or joining the green party of Canada are things one can do.

David Suzuki plays a big role being a scientist, environmentalist, and a broadcaster. He believes the only way to solve the problem is to work as a collective and co-operate on the solution.

Chapter 16: Taking Action for Change

To what extent should ideology shape your thinking and actions as a citizen?

1. WORLDVIEW, IDEOLOGY, AND CITIZENSHIP – Kayser, MC, Ali, Mofaddal

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How can worldview and ideology influence citizenship?“You get what you put in”

We have heard this from teachers, parents, or even friends. If you do not try, do homework, or pay attention, the class is probably not going to be a positive experience for you. If you did the opposite of these things, they might turn out to be something good for you.

Citizenship would be similar. People may choose to be apathetic or indifferent about their citizenship

Others may view citizenship as a responsibility, therefore, as something they will work in exchange for their rights and privileges.

As explained for Understanding of Ideologies, your worldview may lead towards an ideology that influences the way you speak and behave.

Worldview and ideology may shape your role as a citizen. For example, when you react to an issue in your community or respond to an event, different views may change or influence your response:

o Your world view (your world view of life and how the world is and should be, based on your experiences, beliefs, values)

Your ideology (your way of thinking based on your beliefs and values, worldview)

Citizenship: Membership in a society, either by birth or naturalization.Legal Understandings of CitizenshipTwo key principles:

1. Place of birth.2. Citizenship and nationality of parents

Naturalization: Applying for citizenship in order to legally be a citizen. If one is born in Canada they are a Canadian citizen regardless of the parents backgrounds. If they are born to Canadian citizens outside Canada they are also citizens.

Personal and Political Understandings of CitizenshipCitizenship is defined very differently by varying individuals. Some definitions are as follows:

- Where you are born, where your parents were born, your heritage and your past. - Where you live and work and current loyalties. - Obligations and duties in exchange for the societal benefits offered.

Canadian Oath of Citizenship: I swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth

the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian Citizen.

- Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada, “The citizenship ceremony,” Individuals believe that citizenship is more than just a legal definition or oath. Civil duties such as the following could be considered as a highlight of citizenship:

- Town hall meetings - Protests or demonstrations

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- Participating in non governmental organizations

Effects of Worldview and Ideology on CitizenshipMichaelle Jean Appointed Governor General in 2005, believes that:

Canadians should set personal ambition aside and come together to form the worlds strongest nation.

Jacey ChaeElaborates on the freedom every Canadian is entitled to and what national identity means/should mean.

Thomas King Aboriginals do not identify as Canadian or American at first. When asked what they are they respond with examples such as “Blackfoot” “Cree” etc.

Peace Brigades International PBI promotes nonviolence and protection of human rights. Establish peace keeping initiatives. Expose human rights violations. A perfect society in which all conflicts are resolved through diplomacy.

2. DEMONSTRATING LEADRESHIP THROUGH ACTION – Barre, Mostafa, Ahmad, Jamal

How could embracing an ideology affect how you demonstrate citizenship and leadership when you respond to local, national, and global issues?

Many Albertan students in the past have started great initiatives.o Phillippe De Montignyo Peace Wapiti Academy Interact Club

Five steps to developing an effective plan of action:o What Issue is important to me?o What do I need to know about this issue?o What can I do about this issue?o What do I include in my action plan?o How will I implement and evaluate my action plan?

Discussion Question: What is an initiative you can take?

Local leader profile:o Pat Nixon: the ceo of the mustard seed street ministry which is a non profit

ministry to help homeless and poor across alberta He lived on the streets at 15 and went to jail at 18

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He wants to build 224 units of affordable housing in Calgary He stays dedicated to accomplishing it although he will lose his job He is a recipient of the order of canada

o Yvonne Chiu: one of the founders of the multicultural health brokers co operative in Edmonton

This program helps immigrants with parenting, getting health care etc The program is also free of charge and helps by making the newcomer feel comfortable

with their new lives in Canada Chiu has gained this experience herself and has realized why she needs to help them

connect

Discussion Question: To what extent have these initiatives made Alberta better?

David Shepherd and Travis Price from Cambridge, Nova Scotia, decided to stand up against bullying with a simple act, wearing pink.

The two grade 12 student bought 50 pink shirts and tank tops. They also emailed a bunch of their classmates to get them on board with this The next day the boys saw a “sea of pink” to stand up to bullying. Their simple act received news attention from across Canada, and the world. There are various “pink day” anti-bullying campaigns in schools across the country now.

Global Leaders: Kori Chilibeck Runs a bottled water company, that donates 100% of it’s profits to the United Nations

Refugee Fund.o Some also to Darfur Refugees

Selling water a problem?Salimah Y Ibrahim

Runs the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition Conserve Wildlife, Created provincial park.

Discussion Question: To what extent could you replicate these individuals on effecting our world?

Discussion Question: Do you think that people should stand up for what they think is right regardless of what anyone say about it?

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