Black Press: Not so Canadian anymore?

[tuvor]

There’s a metaphor floating around the world at large that should have all Canadians very, very worried.

It’s one not of contrast, but of comparison between our nation and the United States. We are the Shrub – Bush’s little friend that always echoes the statements of our much larger buddy. We’re Diet America, Big Brother’s little brother. The idea sends shivers down my spine.

One reason this is happening is because our cherished beliefs about what makes us Canadian, or even “not American,” are no longer true.

...

Does any of this sound even remotely Canadian? Well it should, because this is the image we’re currently projecting to the outside world, like it or not. We back the U.S. no matter how much it damages our own profile. We’re seen as not particularly liking human rights, sitting on our hands concerning the environment and thinking we’re huge peacekeepers when we’re not. Some of us would even choose to vote in our neighbour’s election over our own.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/opinion/15867082.html

[HEyHEY]

1. meh

He's based it on one survey. It was just a couple years ago Canada and the US were in the most contrast they'd be in a long time. Shit ebbs and flows.

[Pat Blennerhassett]

5. Survey

I'd love to read this survey, I've never heard of it. Maybe you could post it online?

[mynameisearl]

2. Patrick Blennerhassett

only seems to have written about Junior B hockey and for the arts and entertainment section prior to this and it would seem he should maybe stick with that . At 24 years old and a drop out from Thompson Rivers University english program i am not sure he knows what is "floating around the world"

Our local dog catcher who is about the same age also writes for our local paper but she graduated from college should i start posting her world views ?

[Pat Blennerhassett]

3. Reply

Anybody can Google someone's name, and then trash their column willingly on the internet. But can you do something other than trash, say, maybe offer some constructive criticism, incite debate? Now that would be worth publication.

[tuvor]

4. Don't mind mynameisearl.

Despite having made only two dozen posts, he never struck me as caring about the facts if they got in the way of his opinion.

Case in point: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=190&topic_id=22566

And welcome to DU, fellow Islander!

:hi:

[IntravenousDemilo]

6. Our press is much less Black now that Conrad is in jail. And BTW...

...the link gave me a "Sorry, this page is unavailable" message.

[Pat Blennerhassett]

7. Black Press is in no way affiliated with Conrad Black.

[IntravenousDemilo]

8. I was making a joke there. n/m

[jwlashta]

9. The search for an identity

has always been tough for us because, like it or not, we are living in the shadow of America. However, I would not go as far as saying that we are a nation that always echoes the statements and sentiments of America. The fact that we refused to participate or even support the war in Iraq in light of "ample proof" at the time lends itself against such a notion.

If the federal Liberals had not been embroiled in scandal as Chretien stepped away from his public and political life, the Conservatives would not be in power now. Before Harper and co. took the reins of the state, I recall mention of a rift between Canada and the US (or, rather Chretien and Bush Jr.) that Martin was eager to fix--Martin's political views are much further right than Chretien's were (and please do not take this as an endorsement of Chretien--I'm more of a Layton man myself).

One thing that bothers me is this notion that Canada is "seen as not particularly liking human rights." Where or from what does this idea stem from? I would also take some issue with the idea that we are "sitting on our hands concerning the environment." Sure, Alberta's refusal to adopt any measures to the protect the environment is beyond disconcerting, but that's Alberta; that's Alberta's political atmosphere: it does not typify that of the rest of Canada. Many factories (outside of Alberta) do take the initiative to reduce emissions in order to appease the public and in anticipating future politically imposed emission caps.

The problem of perception is one that I think anyone around the world has. People have a hard time separating the country as a political entity (represented by its Prime Minister or President) from the citizens.