Monday, November 03, 2003

GRANATSTEIN: ANTI-AMERICANISM

Much of Granatstein’s criticism of Canada’s current foreign policy is based on an assumption that Canadians are inherently anti-American and that being so is opposed to the nations foreign policy interests. Granatstein writes, "anti-Americanism has been and, to a substantial degree, remains Canada’s state religion, the very bedrock of Canadian nationalism." This is simply hyperbolic rhetoric. As one of Canada’s finest historians, Granatstein should know that Canadian nationalism is based on more than anti-Americanism. Admittedly, a certain degree of Canadian identity is defined in opposition to the United States, however this does not necessarily equal anti-Americanism. To me, anti-Americanism suggests a sentiment of extreme dis-like bordering on hatred. I think that Granatstein exaggerates the degree to which this sentiment exists in Canada as well as the influence it has on our politicians.

Granatstein argues that this anti-Americanism results in Canada opposing the United States simply for the sake of opposition. He writes,

"It is time for Canadians to recognize that there is no shame in agreeing with the United States when its actions accord with our national interests and in working to advance those interests with Americans. Sovereignty is not necessarily lost by cooperation and it can even be advanced by it. Nor is there any reason to resist U.S policies for the sake of opposition."

I would agree with him and say that this is a good lesson for Canadians to consider. However, people such as Granatstein also have to consider the reverse of this statement. Consider the previous statement with a few key terms and concepts reversed:

"It is time for Granatstein and other Canadian conservatives to recognize that there is no shame in occasionally opposing the United States when its actions do not accord with our interests or values, nor with advancing our own interests by working with nations besides the U.S. Sovereignty is not necessarily gained by cooperation and it can even be lost by it. Nor is there any reason to accept U.S policies for the sake of feeling the need to be accepted by the biggest kid on the block."

Throughout his paper, Granatstein argues that integration with U.S policy will always benefit Canada. This is not the case. The situation can work both ways depending on the circumstances.

Posted by Matthew @ 12:12 a.m.