In the path of heroes: second-generation Tamil-Canadians after the LTTE

Abstract

This paper explores how second-generation Tamil-Canadian university students have modified their ‘cultural heritage’ in the period after the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009. Using a generational framework suggested by the work of Karl Mannheim, I show that the events of May 2009 situated second-generation Tamil-Canadian political activism as a response to the ambivalence of their parents to the conflict in Sri Lanka. Second-generation Tamil-Canadians are also shown to have altered the key LTTE symbol of the Maaveerar (great hero) to better fit a transnational social field that is framed by the new realities of post-LTTE Sri Lanka and by intolerance to imported conflict in Canada. I argue that the Tamil second generation is highly engaged with the politics of their cultural identity, and that this engagement may have a lasting influence on transnational Tamil identity and on the political status of the Tamil community within Canada.

Keywords:

• second-generation immigrant youth
• Diaspora
• transnationalism
• political activism
• Tamil
• youth engagement

Notes

1. This translation was obtained from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I61PIfkggQ, retrieved on 1 October 2012. Any errors in translation are from the original video as posted to this site.

2. ‘Tamil Tigers Trying to Influence Politicians’ National Post 06 November 2007.

3. During the 2003–2006 ceasefire in Sri Lanka, some Tamil-Canadian students did travel to Sri Lanka to volunteer in LTTE-held areas, with some even receiving military training. These trips were arranged by a now defunct agency, and not the TSAs.

4. ‘Back to Toronto Tamils: “We are people asking for help”’ Toronto Star 05 November 2009.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tom O’Neill

TOM O’NEILL is an Associate Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies at Brock University