Should Canada Try to Receive More Cultural Influence from the United States?

Without a doubt, Canada should not seek to absorb more cultural influence from the United States. We have more than enough of this influence already, and accepting any more would only further dilute our national identity and erode the distinctive cultural heritage that makes us who we are.

Why Culture Isn't About Guns and Tyranny

When we discuss cultural influence, there are many terms and concepts that come to mind, such as art, music, literature, and traditions. However, phrases like "gun culture" or questions about political figures such as a "moron" winning with a minority of votes, do not align with the notion of cultural sophistication. These are issues related to governance, social norms, and political practices, not cultural elements.

Canadian Culture Defined

The Canadian government once asked an American what Canadian culture was, receiving the response, "well, ours is dropping napalm on babies, and I can't relate to that." This answer is poignant because it captures the stark contrast between the two nations' approaches to governance, war, and societal norms. Canada does not have a clearly defined cultural identity in the same way that the United States does, and this is often due to our diverse and inclusive nature.

The Perils of Excessive US Cultural Influence on Canada

Canada has already been significantly influenced by American culture through media such as TV programming, movies, and music. Canadian news media is also more liberal compared to its American counterparts. Issues arise, however, when this influence becomes excessive. For instance, despite efforts to promote Canadian content through regulations like Canadian Content laws, these measures have often backfired, leading to increased costs for popular American programming. Canadian networks and radio stations end up spending more on acquiring American content, which detracts from funding for genuinely Canadian productions.

Balancing Act with American Cultural Influence

Canadian citizens already have access to a vast array of American cultural products, from TV shows and movies to music and literature. We can watch most American channels on our cable services, and Canadian TV networks often air American shows. Large American movie studios release films in Canada simultaneously with American premieres. US news stands and bookstores display prices for Canadian readers, and our music on the radio is predominantly American in nature. Our society is already one heavily influenced by American culture, and integrating more such influence would be redundant and potentially detrimental.

Practical Examples of American Influence in Canada

For starters, Canadian department stores like Walmart command a significant market share. We drive American cars more than people in the United States do in California. Our fashion trends are closely aligned, and we consume fast food from the same chains that dominate America. If we cannot resist these influences, how could acquiring more influence be possible without moving to the United States?

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The idea of becoming even more Americanized is a non-starter for most Canadians. It would not only undermine our national identity but also exacerbate issues such as cultural assimilation and loss of cultural heritage. The current level of American cultural influence is already high, and any attempt to increase it would likely cause more harm than good, making it highly impractical and undesirable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canadians should resist further American cultural influence. Our nation has enough of it, and any additional absorption would only dilute our unique cultural identity. Instead, we should celebrate and protect the distinct elements of Canadian culture that make us different from our American neighbors. This way, we can maintain our own form of cultural preservation and ensure that we remain a strong and proud nation.