Emad Barsoum writes: Back Home, is not Home!

Despite having chosen Canada as their new home, many immigrants still refer to their countries of birth as “back home.” This tendency has raised questions about the level of national pride and sense of belonging that immigrants have towards their new “chosen” country.

It is important to state that the concept of home is a complex and multi-layered one. For many immigrants, their home country represents their roots, culture, and history. It is where they grew up, where their families and friends still live, and where they have their fondest memories. Therefore, even if they have chosen to immigrate to Canada, their home country remains an important part of their identity.

Additionally, for some immigrants, the decision to leave their home country was not a voluntary one. Economic, political, or social pressures may have forced them to seek a better life elsewhere. In such cases, the sense of loss and nostalgia for their home country may be particularly strong.

Another reason why immigrants may refer to their home country as “back home” is the lack of a strong sense of belonging to Canada, even to the extent that they strive to convert Canada to simulate their home. Integration into a new society takes time and effort, and for some immigrants, it may take longer than for others. Language barriers, cultural and ideological differences, and discrimination can all contribute to a feeling of being an outsider. In such circumstances, referring to their home country as “back home” may provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.

However, this behavior is not in favor of nationalism or the sense of belonging to Canada. Nationalism is the belief in and promotion of a country’s interests, and, It is an important factor in creating a sense of unity and identity among a nation’s citizens. The sense of belonging to Canada is a feeling of being part of a community with shared values, traditions, and aspirations. It is what binds Canadians together and creates a sense of pride in their country.

By referring to their home country as “back home,” immigrants are not fully embracing their new country and contributing to the creation of a shared identity. Instead, they are perpetuating the idea that they are outsiders who have not fully integrated into Canadian society. This behavior can also contribute to the creation of ethnic enclaves, where immigrants live in isolated communities and do not fully participate in Canadian society.

Therefore, it is important for immigrants to recognize that Canada is now their home, and that they have a role to play in building a strong and united nation. This means embracing Canadian values, traditions, and aspirations, while still maintaining a connection to their home country. By doing so, immigrants can contribute to the creation of a diverse and inclusive society, nonetheless, all Canadian Citizens must feel the sense of belonging and pride in their country.

Otherwise, they will always feel far from home, although at home. Such a feeling will negatively reflect on many aspects of their lives, leading to more isolation, exclusion, and alienation.

They must realize that Canada is not a transit station, it is the end of the line.