Asianadian Vol. 1, #4
Periodical profile published 1979

Publisher:  Asianadian Resource Workshop, Toronto, Canada
Year Published:  1979  
Pages:  32pp  
Inactive Serial

Resource Type:  Serial Publication (Periodical)
Cx Number:  CX2056

Abstract:  The Asianadian - an Asian Canadian publication aims, among other things, to find new dignity and pride in being Asian in Canada, to promote an understanding between Asian Canadians and other Canadians, to speak out against those conditions perpetuating racism in Canada.

The vol. 1 #4 issue centers around Asian Canadians in the work force. One common theme that the writers find to be racist is the question by possible employers, "Do you have Canadian experience?" Bobby Sui sees this as one of three "Great Canadian Myths" which are all racially discriminating. The other two myths are that Canada is a land of opportunity, and that foreigners only increase the unemployment statistics. All three-myths are false. Siu shows that the question "Do you have Canadian experince?" is particularly a racial myth for it assumes that Asians are not born in Canada and that Canadian experience is crucial for carrying out the job. This racial assumption is developed more fully by W.M. Lee in "But, Do you have Canadian Experience?"

Anjana Murthy in "East Indian Working Women" points one other race discriminatory practice in the work force. In her study she sees that the division of labour in Canadian society is based on gender and nationality for East Indian working women can "find" only clerical or factory jobs, no matter what their level of eduction or experience.