What makes a nation? Beyond the difference of Nations and States, what really makes a Nation and how does one identify as a member of said Nation? When discussing whether or not Canada is actually a nation or a state with multiple nations within (as discussed later), the question I pose is: Why is this even a question? Why is there such disbelief or bewilderment when discussing whether or not Canada is a Nation; why does no one have the same reaction when the United States is the one in question? Simply put, the reason why this confusion exists is because Canada has a weak self-national identity. Canada’s weak self-identity can be attributed through our history, lack of symbols and multiculturalism.
One of the reasons why Canada has a weak …show more content…
Common symbols that often come to mind would be the maple leaf, hockey, Tim Hortons, free health care, etc. However, a point that is always brought up is the clear distinction by many Canadians that “We are not American”. Due to being neighbours with one of the most influential nations in the world, Canada is often overshadowed by the achievements of the United States. However, if the United States is so well recognized, then why does Canada want to make themselves unique opposed to just being grouped up with them? Michael Billig (1995) coined the term ‘banal’ nationalism, which he refers to the subtle everyday portrayal of a nation, an unconscious element in the background. As Billig put it, banal nationalism is not a flag being consciously fervently waved, rather it is the “flag hanging unnoticed on the public building” (Billig 1995). Although Canada may have a weak national identity, it still has a national identity. Anthony Wilson-Smith (1995) from this week’s reading argues that Canadians are convinced that there is something unique about their identity but they are “unable to agree on what constitutes it”. Perhaps it is a sense of moral superiority, but Canada is well known for their kinship externally and internally, being global peace keepers around the world and for having free health care for its citizens; opposed to the United States who could be seen as war mongering individuals, setting their priorities on the insistence to the rights to bear arms any every opportunity. It is due to the United States outshining Canada in many aspects and the fact that Canada itself lacks many symbols to call their own that such distinction is even worth mentioning. However, to Canadians, it’s something important that must be emphasized and something that defines the Canadian
One of the reasons why Canada has a weak …show more content…
Common symbols that often come to mind would be the maple leaf, hockey, Tim Hortons, free health care, etc. However, a point that is always brought up is the clear distinction by many Canadians that “We are not American”. Due to being neighbours with one of the most influential nations in the world, Canada is often overshadowed by the achievements of the United States. However, if the United States is so well recognized, then why does Canada want to make themselves unique opposed to just being grouped up with them? Michael Billig (1995) coined the term ‘banal’ nationalism, which he refers to the subtle everyday portrayal of a nation, an unconscious element in the background. As Billig put it, banal nationalism is not a flag being consciously fervently waved, rather it is the “flag hanging unnoticed on the public building” (Billig 1995). Although Canada may have a weak national identity, it still has a national identity. Anthony Wilson-Smith (1995) from this week’s reading argues that Canadians are convinced that there is something unique about their identity but they are “unable to agree on what constitutes it”. Perhaps it is a sense of moral superiority, but Canada is well known for their kinship externally and internally, being global peace keepers around the world and for having free health care for its citizens; opposed to the United States who could be seen as war mongering individuals, setting their priorities on the insistence to the rights to bear arms any every opportunity. It is due to the United States outshining Canada in many aspects and the fact that Canada itself lacks many symbols to call their own that such distinction is even worth mentioning. However, to Canadians, it’s something important that must be emphasized and something that defines the Canadian