Nationalism has flared up in Canada—not in celebration, but in defiance of its closest ally, the United States.
Absolutely, the fight is with President Trump, an egocentric autocrat who threw diplomatic niceties out the window with a storm of tariffs and the bizarre notion of making Canada the 51st state.
For all noticeable and practical purposes, we, the citizens of Canada and the USA, share the sameness in every walk of life. Our histories are intertwined, our economies deeply connected, and our cultures mirror each other in countless ways. Yet, nationalism—fanned by political opportunists—is now disrupting this long-standing camaraderie.
Nationalism is a tool for politicians to stir up citizens’ feelings and gain political advances. Canadian politicians across the spectrum have found common ground in a rare display of unity—by fueling anti-American sentiment. From Parliament Hill to street corners, nationalism is being wielded as a political weapon.
A feeling of hatred is being brewed against America and everything American. The public mood is being steered in Canada against the USA. Fans in Montreal greet the US national anthem with booing and loud cheers for O Canada. Don’t buy anything labelled “made in the USA”; this is the new national slogan in Canada. “Canadian products flying off the shelves” and “Canadians are cancelling trips to the USA” are the headlines generating and fueling the anti-American rhetoric.
I have been an anti-national ever since I understood the true nature of its narrow and confined allegiance to the country one belongs to.
Nationalism arises from the word nation. At its root, nationalism demands unquestioned devotion, elevating one’s country above all else. It seeks pride in the nation’s identities, which is more noticeable in monolithic societies. However, in the case of Canadian and American societies, both are not monolithic in their population but instead share the same multicultural, multi-national and multi-religious identities.
In a world where technology, social media, and globalization are dissolving borders, nationalism feels like an outdated relic—one that often serves as a tool for manipulation. Governments rise and fall not on policy but on manufactured fear—fear of foreign influence, control, or domination.
Albert Einstein said: “Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.” Canada, take note.
Promod Puri.com 