Happy, er, Canada Day?
Cats: Canada|I’ve always been a tad uncomfortable with the forced patriotism of “Canada Day.”
Flag-waving and nationalistic chest thumping runs contrary to the Canadian national character.
Canadians pride themselves on their understated, low-key, practical nature. We aren’t a terribly flamboyant or excitable people. (Unless there’s a hockey game.)
We don’t wear our pride on our sleeve and we don’t wave flags to express who we are, even though in our hearts we do know who we are.
So how does a low-key, quiet, polite Canadian express pride and patriotism on a day like this.
I would say that our strongest expression of our Canadian-ness is our conviction of what we are not: American.
To the non-North American we appear similar to Americans in look, language and lifestyle. We are often mistaken in the same way that Austrians are mistaken for Germans or Kiwis for Aussies. (I would challenge your average Canadian to distinguish an Austrian from a German.)
But as Canadians we, protest vigourously. We are not American, we say. We are Canadian.
This is what makes us Canadian. And there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a heart-felt and genuine expression of who we are. Or aren’t.
But that doesn’t look good at government-sponsored picnics and celebrations. And this is where is gets ironic because these celebrations are a genuinely American way of celebrating nationhood: flag-waving, anthem singing and hand-on-heart sentimentality.
That’s the American way. That is not the Canadian way. Yet almost by default, we adopt the ways of a nation we are eager to distinguish ourselves from.
I find this funny and endearing in a sort of awkward way.
I hope we are always a tad uncomfortable with the “forced celebrations” on this day.
It’s what makes us Canadian.
So Happy, er, Canada Day.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:20 am
Happy Canada Day to you, eh!
July 1st, 2009 at 10:52 am
Hey, any excuse to drink, right?
July 1st, 2009 at 11:50 am
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July 1st, 2009 at 12:19 pm
“I would say that our strongest expression of our Canadian-ness is our conviction of what we are not: American.”
No, I would say it is when we ask you to say “this is not about the outhouse.” That’s a dead giveaway.
BTW, Canadians are wonderful, wonderfully polite, and I love everything about my northern neighbors except; your weather and your version of football (add another down, please!). Happy Canada Day, long may your country reign and give us a shining example of harmony.
July 1st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
A day to eat cake with white icing with red printing on it – what’s not to love? I awkwardly wish you a good day, eh?
July 1st, 2009 at 4:57 pm
I knew you were Canadian because you type words that contain ‘ou’ differently than an American does
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
Shelagh, back atcha eh
Beckeye, beer drinking is a national sport and should replace those stupid dumb-ass, flag waving, gov’t sponsored picnics and speeches.
Allison, thanks for link
Cormac, the weather here is foul most of the time, but when it’s nice we appreciate it so much more.
Barbara B, white cake with red icing at one of these picnics – that stuff usually makes me choke
Cube, colour, neighbour, humour, yup, I guess I’m Canadian, or British
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Any paid holiday is reason to celebrate. I’d like to thank Christians, Queen Victoria, BC, and Canada. Please forgive me if I forgot anyone else who got me a paid holiday.
July 6th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Jesus, although I guess he comes under the category of Christians, his last name being what it was and all