The manner in which institutions, such as social institutions, in a society operate, greatly depends on the governing laws of that society. This explains why different countries demonstrate different values for various societal provisions. An example of this is a very general difference in the standard of living between Super powers and third-world countries.
It can easily be observed that the standard of
living corresponds to the types of governing bodies
in place and whether they (the governing bodies)
really operate the way that they should. In accordance
with mock interviews, one may also be able to
demonstrate how significant these kinds of differences
are. This is because of the fact that each individual
prepares him or herself considerably for mock
interviews.
On being interviewed, and individuals (John X) demonstrated knowledge of considerable differences between the United States and Canada. He was well aware of the way that things in society operated, having knowledge about areas like, gasoline prices, health care systems, educational systems, climate, social institutions, national context, resources, retirement systems etc.
Beginning with the gas prices in the two countries, John X asserts that both countries have considerable similarities between them due to the fact that gas prices vary throughout the country; there are differences in prices from state to state. However, on the whole, the gas prices in Canada are higher than they are in the US. This may be explained on the basis of considering the taxes that are included in almost every good sold to the public. It must also be asserted that taxes are higher in Canada than they usually are in the United States (Cletheroe, 2004).
Canada, being a welfare state, it tends to have higher taxes. Through this method the state provides for its citizens vital resources that other countries fail to provide. It must be asserted that through these taxes that are quite high, the government manages to provide healthcare for its people. If one has been paying his or her taxes and contributing to the state welfare, s/he is entitled to treatment for any disease if need be.
Again, considering the taxes that people pay, it is worth asserting that some may see it all as unfair. However, for those in need of healthcare with genuine health problems, the system in Canada is a life saver. Unlike, the United States, Canada is reliant on the funds from the people, In other words, the state depends on the taxes that come from every working man. These taxes are almost completely put towards looking after the people when they are in dire need of healthcare.
In contrast to this is the manner in which the
US has a privatized healthcare system. This means
that one has to pay for healthcare. The alternative
that people in the US do have is that they can
be insured against they take ill. This means that
they still have to pay towards their healthcare,
and this takes place in the form of premium that
they pay to health insurance companies.
Though this sounds like a good alternative, there are pitfalls in it, one of which is that the hospitals that provide care through health insurance are not always paid on time. This kind of problem leads to complications, which eventually directly affects the people.
Another important point that John X emphasizes on in the welfare state ( Canada) is the education system. In contrast to the US, Canada has state-provided education. Again here, it can be asserted that the it is because of the taxes that the people pay that they can have their children educated with quality and uniform education any where in the country; they need not worry about what and how things are taught, as there is no essential difference in the curriculum anywhere in the country.
Though the US also does not have essential differences in the curriculum anywhere in the country, it must be asserted that there are considerable differences between it and the Canadian system of education. While Canada is a welfare state and provides state education, the US has a mixture. This means that there is provision of state-education as well as other forms.
In addition to state-provided education, which is the public school system, there are also charter schools and home schooling systems. Charter schools, though privately operated are still under the authority of the government, which means that these schools still have to conform to national standards.
In addition to this form of schooling in the US, there is also the home schooling concept. People are free to also employ teachers through a streamlined process in order to educate their children at home. It has also been said that this form of schooling is beneficial to students as it builds their self confidence because of having no other students to compete with (Blackwell & Stanley-Blackwell, 2004).
Having asserted the different types of education systems in America, it must also be said that recent law has transformed education significantly. This refers to the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act of 2001 that President George W. Bush implemented. This law asserts that everyone has a right to attain at least a secondary level education (No Child Left Behind Act, 2001).
Though this law refers to the handicapped children,
it also encompasses areas such as ethnic and economic
differences. In this paper, this law is strictly
referred to for the sake of racial segregation
through school segregation. The awareness of this
situation is likened to the past when institutional
segregation was rampant in American society.
In addition to providing people with an education to get on their feet as fully qualifies individuals, it must be added that there is also a means of looking after people after they have served the country and paid their contributions (taxes). Pension paid by the government is one way of doing this. In addition to this, in Canada, the aged are looked after by the state (Blackwell & Stanley-Blackwell, 2004).
Aside from state provision in US and Canada, there are other similarities and differences that are worth taking note of. John X describes asserts that there is a considerable difference between the two countries as far as the climatic conditions are concerned. It is said that that Canada tends to be much colder, and has extreme temperatures in some places. In particular, winter is unsuitable for people who are easily affected with the cold (Blackwell & Stanley-Blackwell, 2004).
Despite considerable differences between these two countries regarding their systems, such as retirement and pension, there are also few core similarities, and these are on the national front. An example of this is the stance that both countries have taken politically speaking towards terrorism. They both work together in order to curtail the spread of this disease (Blackwell & Stanley-Blackwell, 2004).
As it appears, both countries apparent have significantly different systems for their people, but they agree on political grounds. This is evident in their approach to terrorism and also trade between the two countries. The exchange of good is an example of the good understanding that both countries have, and this is an attitude that would help them live peacefully by each others side.
John X apparently has a good idea of Canada and America, and this is demonstrated in his ‘mock’ interview. He demonstrates clear cut understanding of the social systems as well as political collaboration in the international arena. This international backing is what enhances their ( America’s and Canada’s) bilateral relations, and would allow them to work together peacefully for years to come. |