I am so very proud to be Canadian at this moment.
Yes, Canada is far from the ideal state. Yes, our history is one of oppressing marginalized peoples. Yes, racisim still exists and gender inequalities have yet to be defeated...
But at the same time, there is so much that is good and beautiful about Canada.
These Olympic opening ceremonies show just some of these qualities.
Canada, like the world, is multicultural. The ceremonies make no attempt to erase Canada's colonial history. Both French, English, and mulitple Indian languages are used in the opening ceremonies. In fact, the Indian nations, who were the original inhabitants of the land of Canada, symbolically invite the world to the Vancouer Olympic Winter Games. Leaders of the Indian nations are included amongst the offical delegation of the Olympics which include the IOC president and the Prime Minister of Canada. The ceremonies recognize Canada's colonial past, but attempt to move past the trauma and oppression of colonialism, by recognizing the Indian nations claim to the land and integral role in forming the nation of Canada.
Canada takes responsibility, and by doing so, does not erase its history of colonialism.
Canada gives voice to those on the margins.
Canada accepts and celebrates difference.
Canada accepts and celebrates the many cultural forces that influence our world and the nation of Canada itself.
The world does indeed need more Canada.
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your Mom directed me here, I'm Chelsea's grandma. Was surprised you didn't allude to kd lang, my all time fav. singer. My cousin who lives and teaches in Montreal posted a wonderful observation on facebook as follows
ReplyDelete"Last nite I watched kd lang sing Halelujuh at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. Where else in the world would you see an openly lesbian cowgirl singing a song by a jewish poet at an international event and not get booed, harrassed or arrested but instead be cheered by 60,000 + fans? The answer is nowhere. It reminds me why I am proud to be Canadian"
My sentiments exactly.
Phyllis Ireland