My son just took his social studies course for Gr, 7 - and learned about Canadian history - one of the huge reasons immigrants from other countries came over to Canada was because they believed that their ethnicity, as well as their religion, would be embraced in Canada (and it was) - it was a huge draw factor. In Canada, we sometimes call it a 'melting pot' of cultures.
Bumbershoot has a positive outlook that is very encouraging to hear - assimilation within a country can take place in many ways - but at the same time, cultures can still be embraced.
I love going to Disneyland, and find, for example, that a lot of hotel workers don't speak English, but we manage to find ways to communicate with them that work very efficiently. We love seeing and speaking with these friendly citizens! They are such sweethearts!! (Hojo hotel housekeeping, for example.)
I personally don't care if a Disney worker is wearing a head scarf - maybe I feel differently because a few years ago there was a struggle with our local police force, the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) wearing turbans... some felt that the official RCMP head gear should be embraced, and others felt it was o.k for some to wear their turbans for their own personal reasons.
Though I appreciate and admire the head gear worn by our RCMP I have no problem with someone else's desire to wear a turban to work as an RCMP officer if they so choose.
On another note - I understand the employee had no real issue with it for 2 and a half years until she discovered her rights - but one should understand that until she knew her rights she may not have wanted to rock the boat for her employment.
I do understand that Disney worked to try to resolve the issues. I know they gave her the option of not being seen by customers when on duty, (perhaps a poor choice if her main job was primarily dealing with customers) or of allowing a designed head gear to blend with Disney. I love that option, but feel it took too long for them to come forth with their design so in the end, it didn't appear to be a large enough effort on their part.
However, that being said, they might have erred by simply knowing the employee well enough she had been employed with them for 2 and a half years) to feel she may wait until they came up with their decision.
I do feel respect should be given to one's employer, as well, respect should be given back.
Kind of between a rock and a hard place, Disney and the employee are.
Not worth a law suit IMO. I think both parties should listen and respect each other. The Disney designed headgear sounds awesome, I'd love to see it.
Peace and love.
In Canada, we are proud to be a multi-cultural country - but I have also seen the
exact same acceptance of all other cultures in USA - where all cultures are embraced.
P.S. Bumbershoot, don't you dare move to Russia!!!
(How on
earth will you get your Disneyland fix then?!!?)
