The Activities of Hellenic-Canadian Secular Organizations in the Context of Canadian Multiculturalism

Abstract

This article attempts to debunk and contextualize politically some of the critical approaches to multiculturalism. It examines if and how they relate to the activities of Hellenic-Canadian Secular Organizations (HCSOs). It traces the historical development of multiculturalism and presents a brief summary and evaluations of several of its critiques. It challenges the conception of multiculturalism as a theoretical tool for the analysis of Canadian society. It situates the activities of HCSOs within the multicultural framework and argues that their activities promote folkloric, not civic multiculturalism. Finally, it proposes that a more critical and thorough understanding of culture, “ethnic” politics and the social composition of the membership of HCSOs is required for our “full participation” in Canadian institutions.