WHEN I WAS A KID IN JAPAN IN THE EARLY '90S, my kindergarten teacher asked my class what we wanted to be when we grew up. I told her that I wanted to be a bride. I don't remember what the other girls said, but I can guarantee that none of the five-year-old boys proclaimed their dreams of becoming a groom. In my country, there's a strong emphasis on maintaining what we call "social harmony": you're expected to be agreeable and never express a dissenting opinion. These norms are especially pronounced for women and girls, who are usually meant to be quiet caretakers, often responsible for domestic tasks.
I grew up with two brothers in a suburb outside Tokyo. My mom worked part time while we were young so she could take care of us. She often asked me to help cook and clean, but my brothers weren't expected to lift a finger. My dad, an engineer, was strict and rarely home: he left for work around 6 a.m. and rarely returned before 10 p.m.
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Maclean's.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Maclean's.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A Teacher's Tale
My career in Quebec ended because I chose to keep my hijab
Top Marks
InSaguenay, Quebec, Ecole de l'Etincelle embodies the school of the future
Modernize Parental Leave
Canada's birth rate is dropping, and the cost of living is partly to blame. A more supportive leave plan would make parenthood more affordable
"I spent years trying to learn English.Now I use ChatGPT."
AI isn't perfect, but it helps me write complex emails and understand Canadian culture
MY PREDICTION - The National School Food Program Will Transform Kids' Health
When students have access to nutritious food, they do better in school and life
FOOD
The exorbitant cost of food will have ripple effects on the restaurant industry and grocery stores. The good news? There's a plan to save the country's salmon supply.
MY PREDICTION - New Mortgage Rules Will Drive Up Housing Prices
Looser lending policies will encourage more people to buy homes they can't afford in the first place
HOUSING
Politicians will spar over how to tackle the housing crisis. Falling interest rates will draw young people into the real estate market. And a rude awakening is coming for homeowners renewing mortgages.
MY PREDICTION - Stuctured Literacy Will Help Level the Educational Playing Field
Canadian students have struggled to read and write. That stops this year.
EDUCATION
Quebec's classrooms will take centre stage in the secularism debate. Chatbots will help students create A-plus work, while others will grade themselves. And thousands of international students will be sent home.
