I Am Canadian

This was a very popular commercial made for Molson Canada a few years ago. After watching it people would videotape it, watch it over again, and even show it to their friends in the US.

Canada is constantly stereotyped country. People say we “live in igloos, have pet polar bears and drink maple syrup.” Because of our diversity, others around the world don’t see our identity; they don’t believe we have one. That is why this commercial became so famous. It brought pride to our country. Many people on YouTube have made their own I Am Canadian videos and speeches. Here are some by people I know. The first one was actually one I made a long time ago. Two friends from school made the second one. If you’re looking for a laugh, definitely watch that video!

I live in a country where stereotypes are constantly made against us. Well, I’m here to set the record straight. My name is Billy Joe. I’m afraid I don’t know an Emma or a Bob because you know what? There are over 34 million of us! We are run by a democratic government with a great Prime Minister. I live in a multicultural society where we believe in diversity and acceptance, not discrimination and assimilation. I actually enjoy our freezing cold winters and the fact that during our burning hot summers the weather can change 3 times a day. But that doesn’t mean I live in an igloo, and “put it in my freezer” during the winter. Nor does it mean I drink maple syrup and have a dogsled. However, it is true that I love eating ice cream when it’s almost -30 outside. I don’t have a pet polar bear but I do like to use the toonie that it’s on. I enjoy eating bagels and drinking coffee from our famous Tim Hortons. Even though I don’t play or watch hockey all that much, I am proud of the success my country has at that sport. I am not obligated to join the military. Because of this, I know that the people protecting my country are doing it with great patriotism. Not that that is a big problem at the moment because we are not at war with others. This is because we are a great peace-keeping and supportive country, we are not assertive. This nation is known for our politeness, friendliness, and passion. Oh, and our universal health care. We pronounce is ‘sore-ee’, ‘ah-bowt’ and spell it color. And we may even say eh a lot. So what? We’re different. These so called “stereotypes” are what separates us from our counterpart, the United States. They are what make up our identity. Our identity is faint but it is still there. All of these things are the reasons why I am proud to say, I AM CANADIAN!

So, what do you think? What makes a Canadian, Canadian? Leave your answers in the comments section!