Same-Same but Different. America vs Canada: Round 1

     From an outside perspective, it would seem that Canada and America are very similar countries. And they are. We have most of the same foods and entertainment. Our sports teams compete in the same leagues. We share the longest undefended border in the world.

Free entry for anyone willing to brave the bears!

     But once you scratch the surface, there exists a large gulf between us in terms of culture, national identity, and world perception. So why is that? We were both colonized by the British and the French. We have both participated in two World Wars. We’ve gained access to advances in technology in roughly the same time frame. So what’s the difference?

     Having lived in the Great White North for nearly two months, I’ve decided this makes me an expert. Not really, I know jack shit. So prepare yourself for some pretty rampant generalizations. And for those of you who know more than me (i.e. everyone) please feel free to tell me what I'm missing. Bitches gotta learn!

     In my opinion, the whole thing begins with the British. More specifically, the ways in which the two countries gained their sovereignty from the British Empire. Almost any grade school child in all of North America can more or less recite the story of the American Revolution. Rebels poured tea in a harbor. Paul Revere rode a horse. George Washington crossed a river. The French showed up to save our asses. Mel Gibson was in there somewhere. And a nation was born.

     But how many Americans know how Canada gained their independence?

     Quick summary: in 1867, Great Britain unified the Canadian colonies into one commonwealth so that they would be protected from the threat of the Yankees down south. Then, in 1960, Canada drafted its first Bill of Rights., followed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (their version of the constitution) in 1982. So only in 1982 did Canada finally sever its final ties to the British Parliament. And they are still a commonwealth of Britain. The queen is on their money and everything.

And whimsical forest creatures on the back!

Full disclosure: I had to Google all of that.

See anything missing? No Declaration of Independence. None of the “don’t tread on me” rhetoric that still remains a staple of the American psyche. And while there certainly were Canadian revolts and riots in opposition to British rule, from what I’ve researched they were few and far between.

And that makes a big difference. Americans seem to have this ingrained idea that we had to fight for our freedom, therefore we must always be vigilant in case someone comes along and tries to take that freedom away. And the fear rhetoric that is a staple of our media networks all seems to stem from this basic tenant.

Lookin’ at you Lumpy.

That sense of defensiveness just doesn’t seem to be as big a part of the national mindset in Canada. Yes, they’re aware of the fact that there are threats in the world. Yes, they intend to retaliate with force should anyone threaten their country. But it doesn’t really take up a large part of their day.

And while I fully realize I’m drawing conclusions like a toddler draws on a wall, it makes sense to me. Because a country being birthed by war versus a series of peaceful resolutions would certainly make a difference on the wider outlook of the citizens of that country.

Wouldn’t it?

I’m going to continue to ponder this idea. I’ll keep you posted.