Jul 01, 2009 - 04:30 AM
By Dirk van der Werf
"You know! I don't know!"
When was the last time that you heard that line? In effect, you're saying you don't know something, but that I do! Isn't that so very typically Canadian? We're always putting ourselves down.
It's quite remarkable, this inferiority complex we have. Then again, it may be perfectly natural, given the fact that we live beside the United States, the most powerful country on earth; "America the Beautiful", as they sing so lustily.
It's unfortunate that our view of ourselves is a reflection in the giant pool of liquid assets we see when we look southward. In fact, when we actually do compare ourselves to our American neighbours, we come off quite well. In a recent media report, there were some startling differences articulated.
Our health care costs are $3,600 per annum per person. Americans pay about $6,000 Canadian! There are a number of other intriguing differences.
We take more foreign trips than they do. We work fewer hours per week, we take longer holidays, we make more money per capita, we wait longer before we get married, and, yes, we have more sex! All around, you could say we are happier.
One has to wonder, why are we Canadians not more aware of these facts?
And why this inferiority complex?
Well, there's something very "Texan" about Americans. If it's not the biggest and the best, it's no good. So you can see where our feelings of inadequacy come from.
They seem to be ten times bigger than us in everything, except size. And we are only too aware that our size is primarily rock, Arctic tundra, snow and ice -- much of which is melting into the sea.
No value there until you dig below the surface. Then it becomes valuable: oil, potash, gold, copper and what have you. There's a metaphor in there somewhere.
And yes, there is always a bit of anti-Americanism in our being proud Canadians. It's the teenager in us. Who else are we going to compare ourselves to?
On a personal note, as an immigrant to Canada, I have become a passionate Canadian. Much more so than many who were born here.
I find our feelings of inferiority ridiculous. We are the greatest country in the world! Let's shout it from the roof tops!
Of course, that may make us less "Canadian". We carry our pride quietly in our hearts. We have no need to scream out our greatness. In that sense, we are somewhat British, stiff upper lip and all that.
Yesirree, I sure am mighty proud of being Canadian!
Durham resident Dirk van der Werf likes to let his pride in his country shine through. He is a frequent contributor to this space.
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