I questioned myself if I should write anything non-relationship related on here, but it’s my blog; I should be able to write whatever I want. So here it goes….
My first non-relationship related post is about my thoughts on the Canadian nationality. The election is right around the corner (early voting started already), and I’m sitting on the sidelines, waiting to be told the results, unable to participate. Why? I’m not a Canadian citizen. I’m pretty fucking close, if you ask me. I’ve been a permanent resident for 20 years.
Although I’ve been to kindergarten, elementary school, high school, and 2 universities in Canada, I’m still not considered a full Canadian. Born in Asia, but being raised in Canada, I grew up thinking I was Canadian.
In high school, when students started hearing about the election, I was in the same boat as everybody else; do a mock election at school because we were under aged.
The real issue hit me this year. This is the first election where I took such a strong interest in politics. I’ve dabbled here and there in the past, but having to pay for bills, being employed, and just growing up in general, has started giving me an urge to vote for change. I even love discussing politics with my boyfriend and his roommate; they’re smart guys who love reading up on each of the parties, that I got so much discussions and information about each candidate. I felt prepared to vote.
But I can’t. Just because I’m not a Canadian citizen.
That makes sense to an extent. You must be a Canadian citizen to vote. So just become a Canadian citizen. It’s so much easier said than done.
I refuse to be a Canadian citizen. Why do I
I feel betrayed by this country. They’re giving out Canadian citizenship left and right, to those that don’t even speak the language (I mean, the language test that you have to do is ridiculously easy). And yet, people like me are sitting on the sidelines, being told we’re not Canadian enough; not good enough to vote for the next prime minister.
I think I have the right to an opinion like every other Canadian here. I’ve done my share of paying taxes.
The line up for the voting was ridiculous. There were people who barely spoke English!!! How is it okay that I’m being treated like a fresh-off-the-boat, while these people are voting for the next prime minister?! How did they even understand the parties’ campaigns?!
I feel like a failure at being Canadian. I’ve never felt so alone about being Canadian. Apparently, loving the country, being raised in the country, and having pride for the country isn’t enough to make you Canadian.