'Elbows up!' me hearties

I’m not a born Canadian, but have long been a citizen. I’ve never fully adopted all things Canadian as I’ve kept very much in touch with, and often visit, my home of origin. The most Canadian I’ve ever felt for all these years has been when I’m in another country and everyone assumes I’m American. Now, there’s absolutely nothing at all wrong with being American, but it kind of rankles with many who go to great lengths to ensure a red maple leaf, or the Canadian flag, is somewhere on their person or luggage.

I went to high school in Canada. There I was introduced to the concept of the Canadian Mosaic. America, we were told was a Melting Pot, while Canada has grown in more of a mosaic pattern. I don’t know if anyone has updated that nomenclature but, no matter what you call it, the identifiable difference exists And, though I hate pat identifiers and assumptions and stereotypical fashioning, there is quite a lot to how uniquely these countries have been populated, and how strong the respective nationalism.

America won by a mile (not a kilometer). At least at that time which was, admittedly, quite a bit ago. I liked this comparison and their concepts, so much so that I did my History final essay on the very topic. In pulling together all the information I could find on the topic, I did come to know much more about the relationship and distinct personality of the two countries than did all my classmates put together.

There was a lot of truth to the claim of our differences, in the way Canadians regard their country and citizenship as opposed to how Americans feel about their native land. The Yanks have their Fourth of July and their Star-Spangled Banner, and they celebrate those mightily, with a fierce pride and passion; while Canadians have Canada Day and, I guess, the ‘Maple Leaf Forever’.

I think U.S. history is exciting and compelling, and I know Americans take immense pride in it. Canada’s history is a tad more mundane. What we learn in school about our northern home is that it’s a shorter history by comparison and, definitely, much less colorful and dramatic. And less celebrated.

The Canadian identity, the stereotype of our nature as ever polite and inoffensive is well-known and, frankly, well-documented, at least in the opinion of most. We can be a tad lackluster when compared to our mighty southern neighbor, but there has always been a nationalism here, an honest recognition of the benefits that come with living in Canada: universal health care, strict gun regulations and no abortion laws. Granted, we are taxed at a much higher rate but…hey, universal health care. The pace of life is less hectic, the lifestyle more balanced and, with full kudos to the beautiful country America is, Canada is pretty impressive when it comes to scenery.

But our Canadian nationalism has been taking its time to reach its full apex, in my opinion. Americans are an assertive bunch, strident and self-confident. Canada is a tad more humble about what we have here. We’re not trying to prove anything to anyone. We’re just being Canada. And I always thought we’d blithely saunter along, somewhat under the world’s radar.

But take one narcissistic tyrant of a dictator, add jabs about Canada’s being the fifty-first state, refer to our Prime Minister as ‘Governor’, throw in a pointless tariff or two, and you’ve got some true patriotism riled up and to the fore. I never thought I’d see Canada and Canadians embrace our nationhood and love of country with such zest and determination. We’re truly at fever pitch. And emotions are still growing. I’m, quite frankly, gobsmacked and, immigrant or not, take immense pride in this country that’s housed and raised me.

Canadians are proving they’re more than ready to take on the fight when someone drops the gloves. “Elbows Up” is the battle cry and, though it’s not directed at actual American people – as we know you’re being similarly victimized – it’s fraught with significance and fervor and je ne sais quoi (and not just in Quebec).

When The Toronto Raptors took the NBA championship in 2019, I was impressed with WE THE NORTH which emerged as a Canuck rallying cry. But nothing could have ever prepared me for this current and monumental cri di coeur that now suffuses us from Gander in Newfoundland and Labrador in the east, through the provinces and territories, to its final steam roll into Victoria, BC on our western shore.

Canada. WE THE NORTH may not be perfect, but we definitely have a nice little place to grow up.