The Crew Gazette

Visual: Yasmine Elsayed

One thing I have noticed since moving to Canada is how most people view others immigrating from Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA). Many move to seek asylum, education, or even to spend a year abroad. In my case, I moved to Canada because I genuinely wanted a change of scenery. Granted, I’ve been seeing the same scenery for about 11 years, but you know, tomato, to-ma-to. 

Since arriving, I’ve noticed a few things; one is that the West has a saviour complex. Many people immigrate, but not all do so for the same reason. We need to come to terms with that. Unfortunately, I’m about to trigger a few Canadians right now (I apologize in advance), but someone has to say it. So here goes: I’m an immigrant when I criticize Canada and a Canadian when I don’t. However, I pay taxes like everyone else, see the domestic issues that need to be addressed (they never are addressed), vote in elections, etc. I even cheer for the Vancouver Canucks, even though I’m not a hockey fan. 

So, as a person who lives here full-time, I have never once called Canada home, mainly because people won’t let me. I’m always a guest, which is fine; after so long, you kind of get used to it. I can’t say I appreciate it, though. 

I remember when I was in high school, my social studies teacher said, “You’re safe now; you don’t have to worry.” From what, though? The entirety of the SWANA region? Yes, the Middle East in particular is war-ridden, but does anyone know why? Civil wars and proxy wars. International interventions are a big one; just look at Palestine. And the list goes on. Be considerate of the person on the receiving end of your savior complex.

It’s like owing the bank money; you’re constantly reminded that you need to pay off your loan. We are constantly reminded that we “have been saved.” It’s funny; I don’t want to generalize, but it mainly comes from white Canadians. When my teachers heard me speak English for the first time, they asked me how I knew it. They were surprised that education exists in the Middle East. Want to know the big kicker? Some schools give you a second language option; French was my second Latin-based language. Some schools teach German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese. But they wouldn’t know. It’s easier to assume.

Recently, I was at a job interview. I don’t want to mention the establishment’s name, but here’s my interaction. Enjoy:

Interviewer: “So, where are you from?”

Me: “From Canada” 

Interviewer: “No, yeah, of course. But from where?”

Me: “Oh! Calgary, Alberta” 

Interviewer: “I see. Do you speak any other languages?”

Me: “Yes, but my French is mainly conversational. Is that okay?”

Interviewer: “Oh yeah! French isn’t mandatory, so don’t stress. Any other languages?”

Me: “…Arabic.”

Interviewer: “Oh wow! Is that your native tongue?” 

Me: “Yes.” 

Interviewer: “It must’ve been hard, hey?” 

Me: “What is?”

Interviewer: “You know, moving to Canada, learning English, and stuff.” 

Me: “Right…”

I don’t remember how the rest of the interview went, but yeah. So, to answer a few questions you probably didn’t ask, I didn’t want to share where I was from because it’s a way for me to screen the interviewer. To begin with, asking that question is a good indicator that the conversation will shift toward how I was a victim in my home country and how Canada saved me. I wish I were making these things up. But it’s true. That’s my reality. Whenever I go to an interview, I know that question will be on their list. I made my peace with it. For you, readers or lack thereof, don’t ask that question. If you are an employer or educator, don’t ask that question, and don’t assume. It does not concern you. What does concern you, though, is my performance. 

Regardless, I wrote this article to highlight a few things as a woman of colour in Canada. I can only make jokes out of these situations because what else can I do other than laugh? Humour aside, hopefully, this can be helpful to you in some way or another.

This article is merely an opinion that reflects my personal experience. It does not reflect the opinions or the views of other members who write for The Crew Gazette.