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The Uncommon Road Essay

827 Words4 Pages

Jaison sohi
Ms. Sandhu
ENG2D & CHC2D
May 31, 2023

Exploring Themes of Identity, Assimilation, and Resistance in An Uncommon Road: A Reflection of Canadian History

By examining identity, belonging, cultural assimilation, and resistance it is clear that there is a lot of identity of the Sikh culture and the struggles in the book “The uncommon road”
This essay aims to explore these themes and their connection to Canadian history. By viewing the struggles faced by the characters in their quest for identity and belonging, the pressures of cultural assimilation, and their acts of resistance and resilience, we can gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of small communities and their place and overall long-term impact on Canadian history. …show more content…

Through their experiences, the novel sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrants and marginalized communities. For instance, when Gian Singh is called names and the Sri Harmandir Sahib is attacked in India, it reflects the historical experiences of countless individuals and communities who sought to establish their identities while simultaneously adapting to a new culture and society. In fact, Sikh Canadians have played a significant role in shaping Canadian history, from being defense ministers to working every job known to man. As noted in Sandhu's work, "Sikhs have been part of Canadian history since the late 1800s when they first arrived in British Columbia to work on the railroads" (Sandhu, 2012, p. 22). This citation underscores the fact that Sikh Canadians have a rich history in Canada and have contributed significantly to the country's development. Despite facing discrimination and challenges, their resilience and determination have made them an integral part of Canadian …show more content…

The novel portrays the unwavering resistance and fortitude of its characters in the face of injustice, highlighting the significance of collective struggle in the fight for justice. Set in Canada's historical backdrop, "The Uncommon Road" offers readers a glimpse into the struggles faced by marginalized communities throughout the country's history. The novel shows how individuals and communities have fought tirelessly against systemic oppression, discrimination, and inequality. Through the lens of the characters' experiences, the novel encourages readers to reflect on the progress that has been made, as well as the work that still needs to be done to achieve a more just and equitable society. The characters in the novel exemplify unyielding determination to persist and surmount obstacles in the pursuit of their objectives, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable hardship. For example, Gian Singh was one of them, and how he spent countless hours in court trying to prove a point and make sure that the Sikh community of Canada is safe and is not stereotyped for other people's mistakes or certain people that did something wrong. Each person that supports and helps Gian Singh shows the courage of the human spirit, and their struggles shed light on the larger systemic issues that have plagued Canadian society for

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