Are New Canadians Leading the Olympic Band Wagon?

On the onset I should say that as a younger person in the 1950’s and 1960’s I don’t remember much nationalistic excitement in Canada. Sure we were proud to be Canadians or perhaps in our Canadian way we were proud not to be Americans.

We are Americans. We are North Americans … but those guys down wind of us made that particularly title their own.

I digress.

I’ve seen a national spirit and an excitement about being Canadian grow over the years and in my old fuddy duddy Canadian way I get a little embarrassed by all the flag waving, parties, parades, fire works, concerts, etc.. Canadians just aren’t like that. That’s almost like being those “Americans”

Now that the Olympic spirit is upon us I can’t help notice the participation by “visible minorities” in the Olympic Torch Relay, sponsorship events, media gatherings, community groups and Olympic volunteers.

In this part of the world when the TV cameras visit school children singing Oh Canada and cheering for our Canadian athletes the presence of immigrants is very noticeable. Of course this old guy is a bit stuck in the past and the reality is that these are children of immigrants from the 1980s and 1990s. some will be grandchildren of 1970’s immigrants. They are well steeped in the lore of Canada and display a great passion for their country.

I’ve listened to “on the street” interviews of people whose manner of speech tells me that they are immigrants to Canada. Many still wish there home country well but they are enthusiastically cheering for their new home while they are wearing our Canadian Red. One person was dressed with half of their costume supporting Poland and the other half supporting Canada. Great stuff.

I’m a bit ashamed that it has taken “new Canadians” to show me how to demonstrate and celebrate nationalistic pride.

Let’s not start a discussion about Pierre Trudeau but multi-Multiculturalism does not to seem to have damaged the spirit of this country as many predicted in the 1970’s.

We are much more vibrant and a whole bunch more fun.

Go Canada Go