Many Canadians experience inequalities based on race, religion, education and place of birth. The Ritual Significance of Citizenship New citizens must swear allegiance to Canada. The Media inform, scold, encourage and sometimes cheat citizens of information. Civic attitudes are shaped by the media. In an electronic age, citizens have virtually limitless access to information and influence.
Internet allows citizens to organize and to bring pressure to bear in unprecedented ways.
At the same time, citizens at their computers are physically isolated, susceptible to gross misinformation, and subject to detailed oversight and control. We are a day's travelling time and a micro-second from the opposite side of the world. Decisions half a world away affect our climate, our health, even our food and water supply. Citizens of rich countries watch the impoverishment of the rest of the world. Demonstrations in Seattle and Washington reflect both concern and misinformation.