Finding Our Identity

What does it actually mean to be a Torontonian?

Recently, the issue of identity has been on my mind lately. When I read through the newspaper and catch the on-line headlines that seem to continuously flash before my eyes, issues and events are defined in certain perspectives; the liberal perspective, the conservative perspective, the global consciousness, national interest, municipal benefits. Each article identifies with a certain group of people, beliefs and ideology.

So when we talk about Toronto and what we want to see our city become, is it really for the collective good or individual? We are an extremely multicultural city and will always be very proud of the number of languages and cultures that fill our city streets.

I feel that we need to think about what actually brings us all together. What connects our city? Leafs nation is still going strong (don’t ask me how or why), but let’s face it, although it’s a big group of people it still doesn't define our city.

My vision for the future of Toronto is finding our identity and embodying what it means to be a Torontonian. What are our values? We all know what our own values are, but as a community what do we stand for?

Is it too radical to suggest we should have community animators in every part of the city strengthening the bond that holds us all together through local centres, libraries, schools and businesses.

I’m not talking about pricey government supported programs, which I truly believe we need more of, but going back to grass roots; people helping people. Whether this is a "learn to play" night for kids at the local community centre or a book/movie exchange at the library, the importance is consistency.

We must continue to bring people together and I believe and would expect my provincial government and those who govern us to do just that.

About Alexandra Orlando

Comments

[Sonny Yeung]

a Torontonian would be someone who resides in Toronto... The question is will this city embrace more newcomers from other provinces and countries? Different backgrounds?!

Side note: On the weekend I was at a conference and there was a session on feminism. Even identity politics occured among the discussants...

[Jose]

To be a Torontonian is losing its meaning. This is due to too many people settling in Toronto in the 10-15 years without any control, and how too much neverending talk of multiculturalism is diluting what it means to be a Torontonian and perhaps Canadian as well. It has backfired. I suggest asking a Canadian-born Torontonian or a Torontonian who has lived in the city for more than 25 years, what it means to be a Torontonian. They will really know what it means, they feel it, and they will give you a real answer.

[Ragu]

Being Torontonian is symbolized by the flag of Toronto and everything that it stands for. It means living in an ever-changing place with a so envied ability to integrate people from all over the espousing every race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, disabilty. It is based on a set of ideas that makes us unique in Canada.