Xenophobia
About racism, intolerance and the fear of everything that is different
Unfortunately, racism still exists everywhere. There are people who believe that they should have more rights and fewer obligations because they are of a certain race.
You wouldn't expect that in Canada, a country that is almost by definition multicultural. And yet you will have to deal with it in one form or another.
On your first encounters with Canada, you are told that you are only a recently arrived immigrant. You have to clench your hands that you have been admitted to the land of milk and honey - to the best country in the world. You should be especially grateful for that because many don't even get in.
As a recently arrived immigrant you are not automatically treated with every respect. On the contrary, you are a bit ignorant and stupid because you still have to learn the best way to do things in Canada. Some people feel like, more or less, second-class citizens.
Canadians also often treat each other with contempt, based on someone's origin.
A textbook example of contemptuous racism in Canada is the situation with the original inhabitants. People often find it very difficult to have any respect for each other.
If that happens sometimes, for example in public, it is sometimes so exaggerated that you are surprised.
The idea that people can simply get along with each other and learn from each other's customs and cultures is nonsensical for most Canadians.
There are two official languages in Canada: French and English. These two groups are constantly at each other's throats.
People don't want to know anything about that strange other group, many also refuse to learn that language. There are cities where there are neighborhoods by people with one native language and neighborhoods for the other.
Time and again there is talk of dividing the country to further shape the language problem.
Dealing with xenophobia
You may not be used to people being so dismissive, racist or even hateful towards each other.
This way of black and white thinking (you are either right or wrong) is paralyzing for some. It can make you feel like you don't belong in Canada.
Racism and xenophobia are ingrained in everyday life - it is fueled at every turn by politicians and even in recent legislation. Anyone who doesn't agree with that has simply been unlucky.
This is how Canadians interact with the original inhabitants of the country (link).