I Am Not American
Pierre Elliott Trudeau once said of living next door to America: “Living next to you is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.”
As a Canadian, I am North American, not American. Canadians enjoy American television, food chains, sports, and freely admit there are certain benefits (and pitfalls) to living in the elephant’s shadow – however we are not American.
I’m a huge history nut. As this week heralds in Remembrance Day on Nov 11 (Armistice Day), I am always reminded of my country’s history and distinguished accomplishments. I hear our national anthem, the trumpets, and see Canadians gather around our flag (one of the few times a year we do) – and tears spring to my eyes every time.
The story of Canada’s contribution on D-day at Juno Beach from World War Two is one that has always resonated with me. If you’re not familiar with the history, Canada became a sovereign dominion on July 1, 1867 (The American War of Independence was declared on July 4, 1776) – removing from Britain the expense of having a colony but retaining many of the privileges they had enjoyed. When war was declared by Britain in 1914, Canada was defacto at war too.
In World War 1, Canadian soldiers fought under the British flag under British commanders. Our boys fought with distinguished courage and valor in World War 1 (1914-1918) with decisive if perhaps infamous battles such as those at Passchendaele and Vimy Ridge. And of course, it was a Canadian, after the war to end all wars, who penned the now famous “In Flanders Fields the poppies grow, between the crosses row on row…”
The Canadian performance in World War 1 earned our sovereignty globally. So much so that when Britain declared war on Germany in 1939, Mackenzie King (Prime Minister) declared Canadian Parliament, not Britain, would decide whether Canada went to war. Canada declared war on Japan before America did after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
In World War 2, our boys fought under the Canadian flag, many units fought under Canadian officers, and by 1944 we had the 4th largest air force and 3rd largest army in the world. The Canadian navy was a key player in keeping the Atlantic shipping lanes open, and considering Canada had virtually no navy when war was declared, is fairly impressive.
Big deal. It wasn’t anywhere near the size of the American contribution. It’s been said, given the population of Canada at the time of around 11 – 12 million (one-eleventh that of the USA at the time), to multiply our contribution by 11 before comparing it to the American war effort. Not so shabby anymore, eh!
In 1944, the D-Day invasion saw the offence divided into five assault areas: Gold and Sword beaches were assigned to the British, Omaha and Utah were given to the Americans, but the crucial middle ground between the two super-powers, Juno beach, was given to Canada – the emerging middle power. Canadians took 50% casualties on that first day of fighting, but our boys penetrated further inland than all other forces except a group at Omaha. We earned our stripes.
We emerged from D-Day stronger, more independent, and a major player on the world stage. Later, it was Canadian Lester Pearson who pioneered the idea of modern-day peacekeeping.
I do have a point…
Canada was founded on completely different principles than the USA. Historically, people chose to immigrate to Canada because they wanted to keep their traditions, their way of life, but regain the freedoms no longer available to them, or to search out better opportunities. The largest Ukrainian population outside of the Ukraine is found in Saskatchewan, Canada. The largest population of Finnish people outside of Finland is found in Thunder Bay, Ontario. This is repeated across our country.
This leads to our identity crises. There is no “Canadian Dream” other than to live in peace, with freedom to retain many of one’s cultural and social traditions. That’s why, so often, when you meet a Canadian they will qualify their nationality – I’m Irish-Canadian, French-Canadian, etc.
My intent is not to diminish the American war contribution, or belittle our greatest trading partner and ally – but merely to emphasize that Canada is not America – we have unique traditions, history and a multicultural kaleidoscope that we have a right to be proud of. Many men, who believed in the idea of Canada, died defending our sovereignty and freedom – and we should remember their sacrifice instead of hiding in the elephant’s shadow as though we have anything to be ashamed of, or left to prove.
What about you? Wherever you’re from – do you take time to remember the sacrifice of those who have served in the armed forces? How do you remember?
Lisa
I’m on Twitter and G+, but I hang out on Facebook – would love to chat 
I post great writing links everyday on the Girls With Pens Facebook page, or you can subscribe to my profile here.
Hi Lisa – great thoughts for this week. Too often what we Canadians did in both wars is overshadowed by what the Americans did. I think part of is that we Canadians aren’t as prone to bragging about our great victories. My great-uncle fought in WW2 but hardly ever talked about it. He passed away this year, just a month before his 100th birthday. This year, I remember him.
Many veterans are reluctant to talk about it – in fact, typically they only mentioned their experiences briefly with those they served with. I think the memories are very painful, and it’s a generation where you didn’t air your dirty laundry. I’ve only had the privilege of speaking with a couple of Vets about their war experiences. Very rich history and stories. Ever heard of the Guinea Pig Club? Now there’s some interesting history.
Lisa
Thank you so much. I’m British by birth, and now live in Idaho, US. My husband is American, but I’ve chosen to keep my British citizenship because not only is immigration (flying both ways) that much faster, it means my children have more of that sense of where they come from. As dual citizens (something difficult to achieve) they can live and work without a visa anywhere in the USA, UK, or EU. That’ll be huge when it comes time for them to choose universities and career paths.
November is such a somber month, as we pin bright red poppies to our lapels, but even more so this year since my Grandfather – who fought in Europe in WW2 passed away early this year.
Their generation has my complete respect for all they went through, for the strength and resilience they showed to the world. A resilience they probably didn’t know they were capable of before then.
Thanks for sharing that bit of Canadian history. It’s easy to live in your own little world and not think about other people’s experiences. (Don’t even get me started on Saving Private Ryan!)
Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing
It’s very important to me that my children know where our families have come from.
thanks for reminding me of the contributions made by our Canadian military men and women. It’s so easy to forget our rich history when we’re inundated with American media.
lest we forget…
louise
Wonderful post, Lisa. I’m from the United States, but my maternal grandmother has dual US/Canadian citizenship. Her second husband is from Winnipeg, and the two of them have lived in British Columbia for close to 30 years, I believe. I grew up visiting them in BC, and learning about Canadian history alongside US history. Their influence, along with having a non-American father (he’s from the Philippines), have been useful in remembering that the US (regardless of what we are told so often) is not the center of the universe.
Thank you for sharing all of this with us!
Aside from at least one glaring historical error (the War for Independence had already been going on between the American colonies and Britain before the colonies declared their independence in 1776), as an American, I actually feel insulted by this post. You say that you don’t mean any slight against Americans, but, to me, this post is dripping with anti-American sentiment — especially the subtle implication that America is somehow morally bankrupt because we expect people who come to OUR country to adapt to OUR way of life, rather than the other way around. Please…get off your high horse.
@Bonnie Way…I’m sorry you think that Americans “brag” about our greatest victories. But it’s not really our fault that our system of government and our economy allowed us to build up the kind of military that was able to turn the tide in so many global conflicts. Believe you me, we’d rather not go to war. Just because we have no problem confronting evil in the world and attacking it head-on, and trying to get others to join us, does not make us braggarts.
Part of the reason I moved to Canada is because the Canadians I’ve met so far have been, for the most part, very tolerant and inclusive. I’ve felt welcome here. But now, after reading the words on this page, I’m not so sure anymore.
My point was that Canadians tend to suffer from a national inferiority complex, but we have independent achievements worth being proud of. That doesn’t disparage America in any way. I think that it’s appropriate on Remembrance Day to write about how a little (in terms of population), young nation earned the respect and autonomy to stand on the world stage alongside the super powers on D-Day with a significant and worthwhile contribution. I think that’s worth remembering.
Canada and the USA are similar in many ways, but we are in fact unique and separate cultures with independent national identities. I never implied that one was better than the other, simply that there are differences. Stating this doesn’t make me a villain.
The Boston Tea Party and other events which incited the American Revolutionary War did take place earlier than 1776, but the Declaration of Independence dated July 4, 1776 officially marked the beginning of the war in the history books.
Lisa
I have never been taught that the Declaration of Independence was the start of the War for Independence, and I have to believe that it did not, as Americans generally tend to know their own history better than people from other countries (despite the revisionist history now being pushed by certain segments of the population).
For my thoughts on the rest of your response to my comment, please see my most recent response to the original post.
I like how Chris is so comfortable speaking for all Americans on the subject of people conforming to the dominant culture. Many of us would argue that having people from diverse cultural backgrounds makes us richer people.
I never argued that having people from so many diverse populations was a bad thing. In fact, I think that’s part of why America is as strong as she is. I just don’t like the fact that those of us who support the idea of Congress passing a law stating that English is America’s official language are looked down upon and castigated as being racist by so many people around the world — including in America.
There’s nothing wrong with immigrants to Canada maintaining their cultures when they got here, but that’s not historically been the case in America. I personally don’t ascribe to it now that I live in Canada (for example, I’ve changed my Internet and Microsoft Office settings to all be in Canadian English, and I am trying to be more Canadian), but there’s nothing wrong with it. However, I would argue that failing to assimilate into your new country weakens rather than strengthens it, as you have (for the sake of example) 20 groups of people pulling in different directions based on their cultural values, instead of 20 groups of people assimilating into the culture and moving in only one or two different directions.
And by the way, I don’t consider myself important enough to even try to speak for all Americans. I leave that to self-absorbed, egotistical people like the man currently occupying the White House.
Hi Lisa,
I’m Scottish/Irish/Swedish – I see myself primarily as British first and Scottish second. I have two first cousins who live in Vancouver, Canada with their families. I have family in North Carolina, USA and Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.
My genetic footprint has gone global. It’s a funny old world and it’s interesting to me to see how you perceive your country and its military history. I totally understand your pride in the fallen and how you perceive they’ve been treated in films etc. As a Scot I could certainly discuss the sacrifices my birth country made throughout history, from the Highland clearances which sent men and woman as slaves to Jamaica to make way for sheep on the land, or the penal colonies of Australia. But the Scots created some of the biggest banks and centres for educational excellence in the world, including many in Wall Street. (Pity the recent leaders of finance did not listen to history. But that’s another blog post.)
Armistice is the day a state of peace was agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms. Millions died in both world wars. The men who lived through those horrific times just wanted to get home to their families and get through life as best they could. My great-grandfather was one and he lived life as if every day was his last, in spite of suffering terribly in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. You’re right, many of these men could not talk about their experiences – I believe that at the time, culturally, a stiff upper lip was expected and they were expected to ‘get on with it.’
When I think of Canadians, I don’t see them as smaller or less important than any other country, including the USA. The way I see the world, especially today with everything that’s happening in the global financial meltdown and military/terrorist threats, I see us as being all in it together. A bit like We Are Not Alone.
If there is a perception in the Canadian psyche that they are somehow less than their best friend and closest neighbour then that is terribly sad. But I can’t say I’ve found that when I visit with family. I love Canada and the people I’ve met there. Not once have I heard them express or share your opinion. I adore the States and the fabulous diversity I’ve met there too and I can’t say I’ve come across Americans who feel Canada is somehow less than they are. That’s my perception from an outsider looking in.
But then I’ve lived and worked in eight different countries for an international organisation. And met diplomats/military personnel from Canada and America and they were pretty close and inclusive with themselves and others. My kids went to the International Schools which have anything up to sixty+ nationalities, so my view is an inclusive one. And that goes for religion, colour, gender and politics too.
This is an interesting and thought provoking post, Lisa. To honour the dead heroes who fought so hard for the freedom we all enjoy one day of the year is the least we can do. We should never forget because who knows what is coming. But I can tell you this, we’ll all be standing together when it does come.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. Your ‘outsider’ point of view is an interesting one, and as I’ve said before I have no problem with the USA or Americans. And I agree, one day it will not matter where we come from or where we were born.
Lisa
I am grateful for the sacrifices of Canadian military personnel…past and present. No one should diminish the contributions of these brave men and women. However, the diminished state of our military in terms of our government’s investment in its equipment is anything but a demonstration of our collective gratitude. Heaven help us if we are ever placed in a position to defend our own freedom. Thankfully, Canada can rely on the strength of its southern neighbours for assistance whenever, and if ever, needed.
Thank you for the lesson Lisa. I have been fortunate to travel to Canada several times, yet was unaware of it’s vital role in history. Interesting post!
Thanks for this post, Lisa. I’m American and relish the chance to learn more about the Canadian perspective.
Well, congratulations on writing an important and thought-provoking post.
I am American, and I don’t disagree that others often perceive Canadian history and culture as an offshoot of the U.S., but it is definitely not the case. I congratulate you for taking on this topic, for remembering your fallen heroes, and for expressing your pride in your country.
Perhaps I saw something that wasn’t there, Lisa, and if that’s the case, I do apologize. In talking to my wife, I’m thinking that perhaps the reason I took it wrong was because it seemed like you were comparing Canada to the US and (albeit unintentionally) putting the US down for whatever reason. Had it been a post strictly trying to shed light on the Canadian military and the nation’s sacrifices, I would have been able to get behind it 1000%. After all, I now count myself Canadian as well as American, and I look at Canadian servicemembers with the same respect I view American servicemembers (or British, or Australian, etc).
That being said, I would really appreciate it if you didn’t encourage the people in your blogging/writing/whatever group to make some of the absolutely offensive comments they’ve been making about me (I stole my wife’s laptop when she was in the bathroom and saw the Facebook posts). In particular, I take offence to being called a troll and accused of just trying to stir up controversy. I wasn’t aware that having negative feelings about something and saying so, rather than holding them in and smouldering at a person, made me a bad person.
I am Canadian, too, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else in the world. Thanks for a thoughtful post, Lisa!
Thanks for this insightful, informative post, Lisa!
I can relate the to the identity crisis you mentioned somewhat… My mother, who is 100% Swedish, but grew up in India. She speaks Assamese and Hindi fluently and raised me and my siblings in Minnesota. As a small kid, I believed I was Indian and knew nothing of Scandinavia. I deem learning about all aspects of our ancestry important. The U.S. isn’t the only “melting pot.” We’re all pots ourselves.