Crowds cheering. Flags madly waving. O Canada – loud and slightly off-key. Emotions filling up the arena and running over.
Just imagine 
what it would be like to be on the podium, receiving the gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics. I fill up with tears just watching a Canadian receive their medal and listening to our national anthem. And, I'm pleased that we still sing – officially – "God keep our land glorious and free."
I was listening to the broadcasters the other night and they were discussing a new phenomenon. Stephen Brunt, columnist at the Globe and Mail, and Brian Williams were discussing a video report that Brunt did. Williams said that in all his years of reporting on the Olympics he has never experienced the rampant national pride that is erupting all over Vancouver, the various Olympic venues, and in other places across the country – wherever people were gathering to watch the games.
They agreed that, yes, there is always cheering for Canada and pride during any Olympic Games, or important sporting event, but that this was different – bigger, louder, bolder, more confident. People gathering in the streets, sporting Canada's colours, waving the flag, cheering for Canada, and groups of people spontaneously breaking out into song – the "O Canada" song. It's like our feelings of patriotism have been bottled up inside us for many years, fermenting, and finally, it has blown the cork. Our characteristic national shyness has slipped and we're ready to show the world that we are Canadian, and proud of it.
Shani Davis (American gold medallist in 1000m Long Track Speed Skating) was asked "what about the immense Canadian patriotism that has been shown here in Vancouver over the last few days?" Shani replied, "I didn't know that Canadians were this patriotic. I thought Americans were more – not even close! Your athletes and the way you guys just fuel everyone to do the best they can, and give them that unconditional love and support – it's truly amazing and I'm happy that the Canadians have it (the 2010 Olympics) and they enjoy it the way they do – very special."
Really? An American is telling Canadians that we are more patriotic than citizens in the United States? I must say that comment took me aback. The United States, where folks drape their flags in their windows, on their porches, wherever, for all to see. The country that seems aggressive in promoting itself and its beliefs – that U.S.?
Canada's relationship with the U.S. has been compared to a mouse sleeping beside an elephant. The mouse is overshadowed by the elephant. It is affected by every breath, shudder and movement of the larger animal. And that is how it often feels to me – we are overshadowed by "American." Where do the majority of the movies and TV shows come from? The fads and fashion that tell us what to wear, eat, drink, and how to act? The books that help shape our beliefs of society, normalcy, religion and life.
Now, I'm not picking on the Americans. I don't have anything against them. As a matter of fact I have some very good friends, and some relatives, who were born and bred and live in the United States – and I like them.
It is a fact that the U.S. has about 10 times the population of Canada. Just that fact alone means that they have more – more athletes, more news, more movies, more TV shows, more books, more opinions, more churches, more… well, everything.
But, Canada doesn't have to stay in the shadow of the elephant. It can step out of the shadow. And, if what Williams and Brunt say is true, it sounds like the mouse has woken up and begun to roar.
You see, Canadians are not Americans. For all that we share a lot of the same food, fashion, cars and so on, we are different.
Every country has its own history, experiences and weather – which all play a part in shaping the country, and defining its culture.
Canadians – polite, unassuming, humble, peace keepers, talented. I'm sorry, did I miss something?
Who knows the Canadian culture as well as a Canadian? Who understands the Canadian mind? Who cares about the Canadian heart. Who can tell our Canadian stories best?
And that's where we come in.
We're all in this together.
© 2010 Denise Rumble
I think one of the things that makes us different from the Americans, is as part of a smaller population, we do not expect to dominate when we find ourselves in other cultures. That makes it a little easier for us to listen and learn from others about their culture. We do not expect them to know all about us from the media. That opens up possibilities for us to learn what their lives are like and tell them what life is like for Canadians. By being less well known we are all less prejudged and can explain how we see things and receive a more open hearing. What would grieve me would be to think that as Canadians we might consider ourselves better than others. We know that we have strengths and weaknesses just like everyone else. Remembering that can make us welcoming to others. Thanks for your good posting.