Walk of Fame

Celebrating our own is not something we as Canadians like to do. We have so much talent in this country but a lot of it goes unrecognized. We tend to consume American culture and degrade our own. I don’t know why this tends to be the case, but it does.

The 2007 Canadian Walk of Fame Ceremony was broadcast last night and I was tuning in. Katherine O’Hara is a fine actress who has starred in some great comedies. When she accepted her award she thanked the organizers of the event and then said “It all seems so unCanadian.” I know it was a joke, but as a friend once told me, there is a lot of truth in joking.

I think we need to celebrate the talent that we have here in this country. I always watch the Juno Awards to celebrate the best in Canadian music. I go to professional football games all the time and am a huge supporter of the Hamilton Tiger Cats. I buy Canadian CDs, both independent and major label releases.

I know some people that don’t like to acknowledge anything Canadian. They watch the NFL but not the CFL. They only watch American movies and support American artists and musicians. Some of these people would probably be surprised at how many big hitters in Hollywood are actually Canadian.

Some people tend to think that Canadian means “not good.” I cannot fathom where this mind frame comes from. I am glad that this show was aired last night and that the Walk of Fame exists. We have got so much talent here. It is about time that we recognize it and celebrate it.


4 responses to “Walk of Fame”

  1. You are so right.

    I picked up a book on Greek mythology the other day by Jane Cahill, who teaches at the University of Winnipeg.

    Here is a great writer, a smart woman, a cause for celebration, living and working in a place few Americans could find on a map — culture and civilization north of North Dakota, imagine that.

    And I talked — or tried to talk — to a friend of mine a month or so ago, who is from Canada, about his country. He ducked his head and made it obvious he didn’t wish to do so.

  2. I don’t know why many Canadians have this inferiority complex. It is just crazy. We have a rich and vibrant culture here that often goes unnoticed. We also don’t seem to be as patriotic as Americans. I am proud to be Canadian and will say it loud.

  3. Amen. Seriously, Canada is a fantastic place with a lot of fantastic people in it. And not just the ridiculously talented ones, either.

    I was in the nation’s capital last weekend, and upon visiting Parliament Hill, was rendered completely speechless and awestruck by everything it symbolizes. I am so fortunate to have been born here and to be able to experience this great country and its people every day.

    And, eastcoastdweller, I’ll talk about my country any time. 🙂