So, have you ever lived in a country that is not your own yet most people who meet you believe that you belong? I look like an American. I talk (for the most part) like an American. I eat like an American. I smell like an American (whatever that is) and YET I am not American. I am Canadian. Its not a big deal...but its often a bit confusing for people and in someways its very confusing for me. After living in the U.S. for 5 years I'm still not sure what the real differences are. Yes, there are things like citizenship, government and "Smarties," but what really is the difference? We have borders and governments that seperate us yet I've discovered that most people that meet me would never know that I am Canadian unless I tell them. I need some help here. What is the difference between being a Canadian and being an American???
posted by barry-eh @ 10:16 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
What is the difference...other than the color of their blood?
Is this like the Jews/Gentiles debate?
Honestly--it really is an affiliation to a rule of law. An agreement that you will give up some rights (because that is what any law is) for a greater good (i.e. peace, security, prosperity). In fact, it isn't too much different than being a Christian or any other religious or moral movement. Being Canadian means you are agreeing to the order led by the Canadian government. Same with America. And I know you can argue that you were born into it, so you couldn't pick. But truth is, you can. As soon as you are of age, able to make your decisions--you can change. This is the cycle of history--people grouping together, giving up right for a greater "good" and allowing a form of order to occur. Then, people get disgruntled, don't know why they can't have their rights, and want the "oppressive" rule out of the way.
Ok--so see, you opened up a subject. I could go on and on...but I'm sure other people even interpret the question a different way.
Good thought, makes sense...but that still doesn't help me know what it means that I am Canadian. What is the "order led by the Canadian government" that defines me as Canadian? Maybe I'm just a bad Canadian and I need to take a course in Canadian government/law. Also, this brings up the question...can I (a Canadian) be American in my heart/actions/lifestyle and perhaps allegiance and yet not be American legally? Can I pledge allegiance to the United States and still be Canadian?
The order is the way of life, the culture, the identity. And I don't think, no you can pledge allegiance to the United States and still be Canadian. Yes there is dual citizenship...but it would be the same as saying you are a Christian, but pledge yourself to Budha or Zeus or something. Sure, you could be an ally, a friend...
And on a similar note--I am a Hoosier, because I grew up in Indiana. And as much as I love living in Colorado, and maybe even feel that it is "home," my legal residence and obligation is to Indiana. If I truly want to be a Coloradoan, I would have to legally change that residence. Country's are no different. I may love to visit Canada, or you may love to live in the US, but you are not a United States Citizen until you do it legally. Plain and simple. You have the choice--like professing faith in Christ, you either are or are not.
Because what will happen when NAFTA has issues, and Canada then declares war and we have to invade?
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