Objectivity is quickly falling out of fashion in our modern world of science, leaving people feeling lost. There are still those who find solace in religion, however, faith has become an impossibility for many.
Cultures too, like monolithic glaciers, are melting away into the sea. Canada prides itself on its multiculturalism, but is anything being done to assure the survival of cultural identity? Does our country not, in fact, act as a cultural diluting agent? And further, is our government not actively stripping Aboriginal peoples of their culture?
Without religion or culture, people are latching on to economic systems and political parties to fill the void. The competitive nature of our political system makes opposing parties into archenemies. There has always been division in politics, but before now there’s been a strong sense of culture or religion acting as a glue that held people on opposing sides together. Without that glue, political divergence and polarization is starting to threaten democracies all over the world. Our species is now facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, and it is in these defining times, more than ever, that we need to be unified.
It’s essential that we find a new glue, some common adhesive that will hold us together. We must relearn how to compromise. We must choose to work together. We cannot let our differences divide us; it is our tolerance that will unite us.
Technology, communication, and ideas are developing faster now than anyone could have predicted, and the truth is that our governmental systems are failing to keep pace. When we elect a party, we are stuck with them for up to half a decade. Polarization between parties is leading to stagnation in policy approval. Politicians are so blinded by their own agendas that they don’t notice the world is burning. Instead of pointing at their opponents’ flaws, our leaders should be cooperating with and learning from one another.
We must respect and protect each other’s cultural identities. We must respect and accept our cultural differences. Renovate our governmental systems for modern times. And stand united for a sustainable world.
We can lead the way. We can set the example. We are Canadians; let’s make that mean something again.