BACKGROUND

Mosaic

America is the melting pot, Canada is a mosaic. Background comes before being Canadian. Even though it is generally something Canadians celebrate, we see the opposite in this book. Tuyen’s family is very proud of their heritage, but she rejects it. She ends up moving out of her house and away from her family because she does not want to live their Vietnamese culture.

The video posted above shows people who live in Toronto discussing Toronto’s nightclub scene. Jackie’s parents spent their nights in the clubs of Toronto, and in doing so neglected Jackie during her childhood. Through the nightclub scene, the author explores the lives of young immigrants and other people in Toronto. Jackie’s parent’s behaviour clearly had a negative affect on Jackie and caused her to steer away from the black community. She ultimately went on to only date white men.

Canadian flag made up of immigrant's faces

The picture seen above has faces of many people from all ethnicities and backgrounds. They are all brought together to show that Canada is a very multicultural country that accepts people from anywhere and embraces their cultures. What We All Long For is the story of four young adults and their families. It tells the story of their experiences and how they are shaped by their backgrounds.

I may be metal and have no heart
But in your life I have become a part
As I carve and carve at your tender wrist
I feel in your brain there must be a twist
Is it normal to turn to me for help?
When if I scar another they scream and yelp
Your feeling empty and rather alone
But I'm not left sitting alone in your home
In your bathroom cabinet I'm normally sealed
Although next to your heart your dreams become real
You use me to express your raw self hate
But should I be used in this way to create
The pain that you long for, you yearn for to feel
You want me for pleasure but your pain is real
What your feeling inside, it's not what you show
Unless it's you and me in the bath tub alone
You try to keep secrets from those who protect
But is it right for this secret to be kept
I know how you feel can not be ignored
But the slitting and cutting cannot be endured
I know that I that I hurt you and that's what you want
But you've gotten so pale, and withered and gaunt
I shouldn't worry, you'll stop one day
But the deep dark scars will not go away
As the scarlet fountain seeps from your arm
I really wish you wouldn't do so much harm
But how can I protect? How can I save?
When I am nothing but your trusty razor blade.

This poem titled “My Best-Worst Friend...The Razor Blade” discusses suicide. Carla’s mother committed suicide when Carla was just a pre-teen, leaving her neglectful father to take care of her and her brother Jamal. Carla’s mother’s suicide had a profound impact on Carla and Jamal. From a young age, Carla was forced to act as a mother to Jamal.  She became embarrassed of her past, and as a result, wouldn’t discuss her family with her friends.