NATIONALISM AND COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS

Social Studies 20-1 Chapter Four

Chapter Issue To what extent do people’s

experiences with nationalism vary? Related Inquiry Questions

Is there a collective consciousness in a Canadian context?

Is there a range of collective consciousness amoung people in Canada?

Do Americans share a collective consciousness?

Is there a collective consciousness in a Canadian context?

Exploring Canadian Identity

Collective Consciousness A group or nation may share a collective

consciousness when its members collectively share similar values, beliefs, and internalized feelings based on their shared experiences.

A collective consciousness can develop when the people of a nation focus on their identity as a group rather than on their identities as individuals.

An awareness, or internal consciousness, shared by many people. It may be based on a shared memory of and pride in specific events, which become myths and symbols of belonging.

What is Canadian Identity? Your group (3-4 people) has been selected as junior

ambassadors for Canada. You will be leaving on a two week trip to a foreign country, where very little English is spoken. Your job is to teach people a little about Canada and our unique culture. Since this is a brief trip, you have limited space to bring items for your demonstration.

With your group, using poster paper, visually represent 5 items you would take along to help explain about Canadian culture.

Be prepared to present to class in 15 minutes, and explain WHY you selected these items.

Think about… what kind of impressions of Canada do want to leave? Are there stereotypes you wish to dispel?

Debrief What items did groups have similar?

Different? Do all citizens in Canada share the same

understanding of what Canada is? Do we all share the same sense of what

it means to be Canadian? What sense of nationalism is tied to

these ideas?

Did you know? 2006 Canadian Census, 91.6 per cent of the

nation’s population responded “Canadian” when asked to describe their ethnic origin.

Their depiction of themselves in this way suggests that they see themselves as belonging to a nation, a nation that is distinctively different from the 196 other possible choices listed.

It would not be unreasonable to propose that people who describe themselves as Canadian possess a collective consciousness

Is there a range of collective consciousness among people in Canada?

Exploring Canadian Perspectives

Diverse understandings Within Canada, there are diverse

understandings of the meaning of nation. Historically, the collective consciousness of

the Quebecois in Canada has developed since the first French settlements in Canada

Also, the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people also hold alternative understandings of nation based on unique languages and cultures that predate European arrival

Quebecois Nationalism Working individually create a

FLOWCHART that traces the evolution of Quebecois Nationalism. Use pages 81-84

First Nations Nationalism Read pages 85-

89 in text Create a MIND

MAP, that shows sources of First Nations Nationalism.

Do Americans share a collective consciousness?

Exploring American Identity

What do Americans share that makes them feel American? The American Revolution (1775-1776)

American feelings of Nationalism and belonging grew until fighting for independence broke out

The Declaration of Independence United States Constitution

Civil War (1861 – 1865) War between North and South was brutal

and deadly, however in the end created a sense of unity between states.

Myths and Ethos The American Dream

America as the land of plenty, opportunity and destiny

Freedom to achieve your goals through hard work The Melting Pot

Assimilate to dominate culture Defenders of Democracy (see timeline page 92)

Why do Americans view themselves as defenders of democracy? Do others view America as defenders of democracy?