Phoque This

Two interesting events coincided around this weekend--the launch of public trading in Tim Horton's shares and the annual harp seal hunt on Canada's east coast. Both these ugly events have revealed some unfortunate aspects of Canadian nationalism and our relationship with our neighbours to the south.

Politicians and appointed senators have been highly manipulative in communicating with Canadians on the seal hunt. Essentially the seal hunt has become an example of how Canadians are different from Americans (and to a lesser extent Europeans like Paul and Linda McCartney). Senator Celine Hervieux-Payette put her foot in it when writing back aggressively a week ago to Americans concerned about the morality of the seal hunt. She, like so many others, appealed to nationalism and criticized the American penal system (clearly inferior to ours) and American misadventures in Iraq (we stayed out). This rather childish, reactive response was probably lost on these concerned Americans who I expect march against war and racism as well as the seal hunt.

As Canadians are rallying around club-happy seal hunters and wrapping themselves in the maple leaf against the stars and stripes, they are also being manipulated by an American corporation, Wendy's International Inc. For years this American corporation has been developing advertising tying Tim Horton's with the maple leaf. Once Canadians traveling abroad would brandish the flag with pride but now it is partnered with the portable Tim Horton's mug. The result of this campaign, shares expected to sell at around $20 got up to $36.21 on the day of the public launch. Who's buying these Tim Horton's shares? Bet on loyal Canucks. And where's that money going? To an already wealthy foreign corporation.

Sadly I think this speaks volumes about Canadians. Instead of doing something because it seems to be right or patriotic, let's think about it for once. Why are we in Afghanistan? Are all Americans war-mongering racists? Should seals be clubbed to death just to sell their fur? Is all this coffee good for us? Why doesn't Tim Horton's sell fair trade coffee?

Alas thought is the antithesis of nationalism so I don't expect any changes soon. I can hope I suppose.