Pre-emptive 1 July post

[silburygirl]

Because for the first time in three years, I shall not be working on Canada Day. (At least not in the evening.) Which means that I get to drink cocktails with maple syrup in them, eat food that has as yet not been determined, and watch some of the finest specimens of Canadian film. Like this:

Click to view

And this:

Click to view

It would be a lie if I were to tell you I

Comments

[harmony_bites]

If you don't love your country, how else are us foreigners to learn how awesome it is?

Nothing wrong with patriotism--except what's been made of it in America for about the last 8 years but I digress...

[silburygirl]

I dislike a lot of things about patriotism and/or nationalism-I think it's inherently divisive and lends itself too easily to a lack of criticism. Which doesn't mean that I think there is anything wrong with liking where one lives, I just find straight-up, chest-swelling, tear-jerking country love (of any country) a lot bit disturbing. And it's a frighteningly easy line to cross.

Also, national anthems always make me cringe. Without fail. Epitome of bad taste.

[harmony_bites]

I think it's inherently divisive and lends itself too easily to a lack of criticism.

That's the danger, yeah....

Also, national anthems always make me cringe. Without fail. Epitome of bad taste.

Well, try having the Star Spangled Banner as your anthem (Oooh oh, say can you seeeee!!!!! *voice cracks*). I think the idea is they're supposed to be easy for a crowd of people to sing? Not require professional operatic standards and often being the cause of absolutely painful singing...

[silburygirl]

And the lyrics are always filled with the most revoltingly self-congratulatory smugness... Not enough vomit in the world.

O Canada isn't actually too embarrassing. It just has lots of nature loving and some heavy-handed imperial references. And emphasises the fact that it's a really fucking big country.

Well, no, I shouldn't say it isn't embarrassing. "With glowing hearts we see thee rise/The true north strong and free" is pretty painful. And that's not even the crescendo...