There is this idea floating around out there that I have heard a number of times recently, I suppose, because of my current surroundings. A very international gaggle of folks at The Moving Picture Company brings these things out at times. People tell me there is a kind of "short list" of factors that make Canadians not Americans in the minds of people other than Canadians and Americans. It is funny when you hear this sort of thing in that there is one very obvious fact that people tend to completely ignore. Canada and The Untied States are not the same country! There's a border for god's sake! The same conversation makes absolutely no sense when comparing the French and the Spanish, because it is implicit that these people are different in many ways because their individual histories. They are also very similar in a lot of respects, but I digress. Specifically with respect to Canadians, people seem to need to "make a case" for the independant assessment of Canadians.
The list goes something like, for example, the fact that Canada has universal health care, which is a very socialist idea (Clinton was raked over the coals for some of his near commi-pinko-Canadian ideas about health care for all). Canada is "more European" in general, because of having two languages officially recognized in the constitution (similar to Spain, which has four!). Also, Canada's reputation, however questionable, since the Second World War (and The Korean War, I guess) as a "peace keeping" nation as opposed to a new imperial nation. We didn't go to Iraq after all, and history has already judged us well on that account. Also, the more nebulous ones like the comparative lack of violence in society, more environmentalism with pioneers like David Suzuki leading the charge and Greenpeace originating in Vancouver. Also, the contrasting ideas of Multiculturalism (retaining identity while living in a new land where everyone is essentially a foreigner aside from indiginous peoples) versus The Melting Pot (whatever you were before, forget about it, you're an American now). And then recently, more liberal attitudes towards religion, sex, marijuanna, and gay marriage in Canada.
I submit that the following footnote should be added to that admittedly ramshackle list: Canadians are the helping hand that allows Americans an opportunity to express that essential, yet recently forgotten, American ideal of civil liberty. Plainly that DISSENT IS NOT UNAMERICAN FOR GOD'S SAKE!!!
The following is from Michael Moore's website, on the news that Lions Gate Films has picked up distribution of Fahrenheit 9/11 (sadly, the note about the Stanley Cup didn't happen, but there were 11 Canadians playing in Tampa Bay so no matter):
Jon Feltheimer, the man who runs Lions Gate, was the executive in charge of the company that produced my television series, "TV Nation." And the people at IFC (which owned Bravo) were the same people responsible for funding and broadcasting my other series, "The Awful Truth." So we are in very good hands. And, as an added bonus, Lions Gate is a Canadian company. Once again, the Canadians to the rescue! It was also a Canadian company, Salter Street Films, that produced "Bowling for Columbine." I know, it's kinda sad we have to keep depending on our good neighbors to the north. But maybe this is the year we give 'em their Stanley Cup back.
1 comment:
You've got some good points there.
But let us not forget that many of the things we like to pat ourselves on the back for came originally from the US.
I'm thinking specifically of the environmental movement. I think the Canadian record is fairly lacklustre. The modern environmental movement was largely born in the US and californian still has the toughest environmental regulations. All the organic produce we buy is certified from regulations created in California.
One of the most interesting things about the US is the extreme range of opinion that exists there; probably more diverse than any other country in the world. There are a few very liberal spots; as liberal as any place in the world. Go to places like New York & San Francisco and I think you'll find many of the same debates going on there that are happening in Canada. You'll find the same things being done or being considered, i.e. allowing gay marriage, decriminalization of marijuana. In some cases they've gone beyond what we've done. I think many people here and Europe fail to see this. They see George Bush spouting off on TV and can't believe there are Americans who loathe him as much as everyone else. They don't bother go any further.
We are lucky that the kinder, gentler view prevails here, whereas in the US the conservatives get to push all the buttons. But lets not forget to give them the credit they deserve.
Neil
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