My Critical Question
Was the prolonged dispute between BESCO and Cape Breton's steelworkers and coal miners worthwhile, considering what the latter gained and lost throughout the process?
Canadians have developed a reputation as affable, modest, and polite people. One popular myth that persists about us is that we are peacemakers , but we do intervene in wars to honour our Commonwealth commitments to Britain and to prove our loyalty. Indeed, some view our allegiance to the Queen and attachment to the monarchy, as evidence of the fact that we are passive "push overs," incapable of breaking off the chains of colonialism. Well, I wish to shed light on an episode of Canadian history that demonstrates the fighting spirit of Canadians, unafraid of protesting against difficult work conditions and poor wages. Additionally, in the last few years, we've witnessed many strikes by public sector workers locally, and on a federal level. Canada Post, BC Ambulance Paramedics, and BC Teachers, just to name a few, have all implemented job action measures, and where all ordered back to work by the government, with very little change to their working conditions. The media coverage of these strikes and protests is always interesting, and tends to foster the misconception that the strikers are "whiners" and "greedy," and that unions encourage laziness, by protecting inefficient workers. The general public's conception of unions is decidedly negative and not always well-founded. Through my critical question and exploration of an early and prolonged labour dispute in Canada's history, I hope to dispel some of the misunderstandings surrounding unionism and workers' rights.
Canadians have developed a reputation as affable, modest, and polite people. One popular myth that persists about us is that we are peacemakers , but we do intervene in wars to honour our Commonwealth commitments to Britain and to prove our loyalty. Indeed, some view our allegiance to the Queen and attachment to the monarchy, as evidence of the fact that we are passive "push overs," incapable of breaking off the chains of colonialism. Well, I wish to shed light on an episode of Canadian history that demonstrates the fighting spirit of Canadians, unafraid of protesting against difficult work conditions and poor wages. Additionally, in the last few years, we've witnessed many strikes by public sector workers locally, and on a federal level. Canada Post, BC Ambulance Paramedics, and BC Teachers, just to name a few, have all implemented job action measures, and where all ordered back to work by the government, with very little change to their working conditions. The media coverage of these strikes and protests is always interesting, and tends to foster the misconception that the strikers are "whiners" and "greedy," and that unions encourage laziness, by protecting inefficient workers. The general public's conception of unions is decidedly negative and not always well-founded. Through my critical question and exploration of an early and prolonged labour dispute in Canada's history, I hope to dispel some of the misunderstandings surrounding unionism and workers' rights.
Why do I teach Social Studies?
The goal of education, I believe, is to shape cultivated and open-minded students who are critical thinkers and are capable of asking the tough questions to those with authority. I am driven to teach Social Studies, as I think that it pushes students to think about what it means to be a citizen in a democracy and what that entails on the level of personal and social responsibility. Social Studies also places an emphasis on the development of reading and thinking skills, providing students with many opportunities to practice investigating bias or problem solving with real materials. For instance, they are urged to question the textbook and its inclusion and exclusion of certain elements, whereas in other subject areas, the textbook, although not sacrosanct, isn't always an object of in depth analysis. In this way, students will leave the Social Studies classroom with an ability to discern a dependable source from a suspect one or see through a politician's rhetoric. Social Studies also plays a key role in educating students about diversity on multiple levels, whether it be political, ethnic, religious, racial, etc. Historical incidents of discrimination, though uncomfortable to discuss for many students, become ways for students to reflect on the discrimination present around them, and to ensure prevention of these incidents in the future. Social and economic inequality continue to be prominent in our province, which boasts one of the worst child poverty rates in Canada. I see myself as having a responsibility to guide students in discovering the factors that encourage and perpetuate these inequalities, while urging them to consider the humanity of the poor, the working class, and other marginalized groups, such as Chinese or female workers. If we want students to live in a socially just world, it is imperative that we not only foster empathy, but critical thinking skills.