We Canadians, from our perch here above the 49th parallel, with this watery culture of ours that we grasp at but can never fully capture, often revert to the laziness of defining ourselves by what we are not, which is to say, Americans. An unhealthy amount of Canadian self-perception finds itself in that psychologically tenuous place between inferiority and superiority complexes. We garner pride from our universal healthcare system, a reputation for peacekeeping, and general air of politeness (another gold star please, teacher!) but this pride can swiftly devolve into an attitude of condescension, a coping mechanism for what we lack – cultural power, unbridled technological innovation, and the possibility of encountering ten thousand different flavours of Oreos in the grocery store cookie aisle.
Happy V Day to you too Emily! As an American - immigrant and hence often more patriotic than the post-generations - I thank you. America has its faults but it is also all that you say it is AND more self-aware than most cultures I’ve seen hence my hope in it springs deep.
Happy V Day to you too Emily! As an American - immigrant and hence often more patriotic than the post-generations - I thank you. America has its faults but it is also all that you say it is AND more self-aware than most cultures I’ve seen hence my hope in it springs deep.
Have a wonderful day! 🙏❤️
Happy Valentines Day back atchoo Emily!