This First Person piece is by Olabisi Adesina who is a Nigerian business professional living in Regina. For more information about CBC’s Opinion section, please see the FAQ.
The other day I came down the stairs and saw my 12-year-old daughter playing a game with her 18-year-old brother, who is in college, and his friend. They were talking back and forth, communicating almost as equals.
As I watched them, it hit me how much of a cultural shift has occurred in our lives.
Back home, there was no way a 12-year-old would sit with 18-year-olds, calling them by their first names and conversing on an even playing field. I was raised to call older people, even siblings, “aunty” and “uncle” as a sign of respect. My own siblings call me “aunty Bisi” to this day.
This tradition means absolutely nothing to my kids.
Immigrating to Canada and becoming a Canadian citizen has brought me euphoria, but has also led to some cultural clashes with my children that I never anticipated. While it has led to some discomfort, it has also changed my perspective in positive ways.
When I was growing up, I saw kids with dual personalities — they portrayed a docile nature at home but were wild elsewhere. I found this truly abhorrent and swore my kids would never be like that. I want to raise my kids to be bold, fearless and confident. I can’t expect them to be like that out in the world, but not toward me.
I am getting what I wanted, but I didn’t realize how much it would shock me. As I think about it, though,� I am all for the trade. I gladly accept the cultural frustration, because I see there are also positive sides to this different culture.
Letting go of some cultural values
Becoming immigrants shone light on parts of the culture back home that we never questioned.
It still gives me a jolt to see my kids greet their teachers or principal by name with just a wave, a big smile and eye-to-eye contact. I was conditioned to say “Hello sir” or “Hello ma” on bended knees, even within the school environment. I initially tried to tell them to use “sir,” but they looked at me with incredulous eyes and said, “Mom, that does not happen here.”
I also had to do some learning myself. I still find it difficult sometimes to be on a first-name basis with elderly folks in my office or in the church, because I have been conditioned for decades on how to address them.
I have become used to my kids asking me a whole lot of “whys.”
“Why can’t I twist my hair as a guy?”
“Why can’t I have coloured braids — how does that make me look wild?”
“Why do I have to go down on both knees to greet other African parents?”
My husband and I have come to realize we need to provide convincing answers to some of these questions. We just went along with a lot of things solely because it was taboo to question elders, parents and centuries-old norms back home.
Olabisi Adesina wearing traditional Nigerian attire. (Submitted by Olabisi Adesina)
We have had to go through the painful and sometimes frustrating process of letting go of cultural values that we have held onto our whole lives and meet with our kids in the present.
We have learned to understand that it is not rude when they challenge some of our positions and stand their ground on what they believe. They simply need reasonable explanations, and “because I am your mom/dad” will not cut it.
They are being brought up to look their teachers in the eye and debate issues they have a different perspective on. They bring this home and I must understand they are not being rude, because rudeness is defined within the context of the environment you find yourself.
What I have realized is that my kids aren’t being disrespectful, they are just being taught respect in a fundamentally different way.
Future is bright
Coming to Canada was a lifetime achievement. We wanted to give our kids a platform to conquer the world. I just didn’t realize there was much more contained in the decision.
Honestly, even with the challenges, I would definitely still choose to come here.
I look at my 18-year-old driving his siblings to school, being in college and working part-time to earn some extra money. I see him making decisions I never had the opportunity to make by myself, doing things I never had the opportunity to do, and being able to see life from a different perspective.
Olabisi Adesina, third from left, stands with colleagues back home. (Submitted by Olabisi Adesina)
I have been freed from long-held beliefs and values that I never questioned. Once brought under scrutiny, they couldn’t hold up.
The experience has been both exhilarating and painful, but as I peer into the future, it is so bright.
I know these kids of mine are well-equipped to take on the challenges that will come their way.
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
