Rebuttal to Abu-Laban and Stasiulis

A response to Yasmeen Abu-Laban & Daiva Stasiulis's critique (2000) of Howard-Hassman's article on Canadian ethnicity (1999). It is contended that ethnicity is the product of individual choice rather than biological heredity; consequently, it is asserted that both non-Canadian & Canadian ethnicities should be officially recognized. Abu-Laban & Stasiulis are criticized for confusing ancestry with ethnicity & for mistaking the author's sociological approach to socialization as an assimilationist perspective. Despite Abu-Laban & Stasiulis's contention that their approach is not illiberal, it is claimed that they reject some of the foundational tenets of liberalism, eg, denying individuals the choice to determine their own ethnic identities. In addition, Abu-Laban & Stasiulis's critique of the author's understanding of Canadians' religious identities is addressed. The implications of establishing a Canadian ethnic identity for some of Canada's ethnic minority groups are also contemplated. 5 References. J. W. Parker