September 01, 2003

Love It!

I'm having coffee with a friend at a Tim Horton's in the most Asian area of Markham, Ontario. The place is packed, although 5:30 in the afternoon is hardly prime donut shop hours. I'd guesstimate that over 90% of "donuters" are Asian, most probably of Chinese descent. Markham was a primary destination for many families from Hong Kong, prior to the historic handover of their home back to China and that trend has continued ever since. The rest of the crowd is also largely of other visible minority groups and immigrants.

Almost everyone is engaged in this most Canadian experiences; having some Timbits and a fresh cup of coffee. Gotta love the Canadian multi-cultural experience, where there's no insulting "melting-pot" concept and no one is forced or even encouraged to "assimilate", yet everyone is quick to find their own new identity and how it fits within the "tapestry" that is Canada.

Posted by Pedram at September 1, 2003 11:03 PM
Comments

ah!!!
i've been away from toronto for a week and already i miss the timbits, and the tim horton's experience in general.
where i currently am, all they seem to have are dunkin' donuts. what the hell is that?

i'm also finding that i suddenly feel a lot more canadian now that i'm in the u.s. i enjoy the fact that "canadianness" is not shoved down our throat up there. much better policy that american-style assimilation.

btw...welcome back pedram.

k.s.

Posted by: kaveh at September 2, 2003 05:11 AM

Being a little bit upset today, I want to play devil's advocate here.

Guy,isn't it sad that a big corporation with its unhealthy deep fried and sugar coated donuts to be such a cornerstone in identity and commonality among different cultures in a country?

Posted by: Hooman at September 2, 2003 07:24 AM

Spelling: Guy-> Guys

Posted by: Hooman at September 2, 2003 12:34 PM

Hooman:

I concur but but let's face it, which one do you prefer the filthy McDonald or our lovely Tim Horton's? I feel really sad for Americans. Big Mac is their cultural Icon!!!

Posted by: ramin at September 3, 2003 02:37 PM

Ramin,

Ramin:

I don't know if you watch the Simpsons or not. There is an episode where the kids sneak into the neighbouring city where they find a replica of everything of their city there, e.g. the same tavern instead of Mo's, it's Joe's), the same police station, church, you name it.

Finally the bully of the group goes something like: "the colour of fire hydrants are different here. this place is creeping me out.let's get out of here".

Posted by: Hooman at September 4, 2003 07:56 AM

Hooman

I've seen that episode. Your point well taken :)

R

Posted by: Hooman at September 4, 2003 11:28 AM