by Sean Beesley, Spin Killer
July 28, 2004
In the last few years I have witnessed what I feel is a disappointing, yet typical growing hypocritical trend in Canada. The growth of reflex anti-americanism has reached saturation. Culminating into what in my opinion in many cases has crossed the line into an acceptable form of blatant hate dissemination.
Growing up in Canada, it never occurred to me that Canada was vastly different than america. In fact, the relationship of our two countries was praised in school as brotherly and held as an example for the world. Having the longest undefended border in the world was touted as the pinnacle of our family like relationship. It seemed that political differences stayed in that realm and did not digress into attacks against the american people.
Oh, how times have changed.
Today, it is hard to go through a day without witnessing an insult or admonishment directed at america or americans. I am embarrassed to think about what an american tourist would be exposed to in a day. Upon reflection, it is interesting to note that such comments directed at any other nation would be attacked as bigoted and hateful and certainly not acceptable in Canada’s stifling realm of the politically correct. Example; Liberal MP Carolyn Parrish’s now famous "Damn americans--I hate those bastards" comment highlights the point. She was not punished, some touted her as a brave dissenting voice, others saw her comments as an acceptable response to frustration with america. However, pause for a moment and ask yourself what if that comment were made about any other country and its citizens. I suggest she would have been dealt with harshly. However, it would seem those kind of words are quite acceptable if they are reserved for america alone. In fact, our Government cannot seem to presently put together a strong statement in response to Iran’s flipping of the bird in their handling of the Zahra Kazem trial.
So what happened to the love?
Since the days of Trudeau, Canada has slowly developed an inferiority complex. The Liberal molding of our national identity has engrained this complex into much of Canada’s collective identity. This, combined with the massive trade and integration between our two countries, appears to have inflamed fears of the loss of sovereignty and identity. More often than not Canada’s identity now seems solely based on how we differ from america. We have free healthcare, we are multicultural and more "worldly", is the staple reflexive comment. These fears have been propagated by our Government and certain media outlets that repeatedly insult america and fuel the flames of doubt and insecurity creating an air of acceptably if not encouragement of anti-american views and comments. In fact, I suggest the rash of anti —american comments that have come from our Government have in many ways legitimized or encouraged similar comments and sentiments in the population. Canada’s Liberals have created, set in place, and repeatedly used their best weapon. Fear of america and the loss of the elusive Canadian identity. In Canada’s recent election this was witnessed clearly as Paul Martin played the fear card and warned of all things "american Style", be it foreign policy, tax cuts, military or healthcare. What is "american style"? Outside of rhetoric, I’m not sure many could actually tell you. However, a functioning version any one of them would be great. Recently Canada Free Press reported on a poll that stated that 40 percent of Canadian teens view the United States as "evil". Considering Canadian teen’s mass consumption of american products, entertainment, icons, and fashion, one can deduce that this "evil" sentiment is being taught. If this does not speak volumes as to the impact of a message trickling down from Government and media to parents and teachers, and finally into the minds of our next generation. I’m not sure what does. Nevertheless, it says a lot about manipulation, fear mongering and hypocrisy. Sadly, for all that Canadians declare themselves well informed, far too many are unwitting active puppets spreading fear, ignorance and in too many cases hate. So much for the polite Canadian.
Sean Beesley is the publisher and editor of Spin Killer www.spinkiller.com he is also a regular contributor at The Western Standard's Shotgun blog.
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