We Are What History Has Made Us
 

By Walter Kish

 

The July 1 Canada Day holiday has always been a much enjoyed day of rest and quiet celebration for us.We usually spend it at the family cottage, situated amid the beauty of a verdant forest at the edge of a tranquil lake not far from AlgonquinPark.Here, it is not difficult to imagine what the original explorers of this great land must have felt as they canoed and portaged their way through a seemingly endless wilderness.

For all of our technology and modernity, Canada is still mostly this, a vast expanse of undeveloped and natural landscapes of almost every form imaginable.Some five hundred years since the Europeans first started to settle this country, it still remains largely unsettled and undeveloped, except for that thin strip along our southern border where virtually all our population is concentrated.It seems that Canadians never really “conquered” this country and its wilderness; we merely adapted to it.

This is in sharp contrast to our American neighbours to the south who are rather proud of how they have “tamed” their share of this continent.There is little of the U.S. today outside of Alaska, that has not been developed, populated or exploited to the maximum.What little is left of wilderness America is packaged into federal parks that are increasingly overcrowded with tourists eager to experience a little of Mother Nature’s genuine creations.

The vast differences in our respective histories as well the current state of our environments are reflected in the national ethos and character of our peoples.Americans are suffused with an overabundance of bravado, rugged individualism, risk-taking, self-confidence and a “can do” attitude that to some may seem borders on arrogance.Canadians, on the other hand, humbled and hardened by the magnitude and power of our geography, history and environment, tend to be more quiet, dependable, resilient, co-operative and tolerant.

Our development as distinct nations is also sharply contrasted by the manner in which both countries absorbed the large waves of immigrants that came to our respective shores over the centuries.In the United States, the predominant trend until recently was to assimilate each ethnic group as quickly as possible into a relatively homogenous “homo Americanus” character type.

In Canada, which never really had a numerically dominant ethnic group, assimilation was much more rigorously resisted.The initial bicultural historical reality eventually evolved with the arrival of new immigrant ethnic groups, into the acceptance and encouragement of a multicultural national identity.In contrast to the American ideal, in Canada it is quite normal and acceptable to be culturally “hyphenated”.

Canadians generally celebrate their official national birthday by escaping their urban environments for the peace and tranquility of the cottage, the beaches or the countless lakes and forests that are within easy drive of our cities and towns.

We celebrate through the peaceful enjoyment of the natural bounties we have been blessed with.

For Americans, July 4th is more of an urban celebration, punctuated with concerts, baseball games, family re-unions, barbeques, entertainment events and spectacular fireworks.Americans celebrate through energetic and colourful displays of patriotism and pride in their unity, achievements and accomplishments.

I do not intend to render judgement here as to the superiority or inferiority of either country or character.We are what history has made us.We collectively capitalize on our strengths and cope with our weaknesses.We each feel that we are living the best country in the world. By our success we are role models for the rest of the world. So long as we do not seek to export our values or way of life by force or imposition, we will continue have not only a history but a future worthy of celebration.

Have a Happy Canada Day!