in style and substance...
It's funny to realize that I speak to more Americans than Canadians in my daily life. I speak to more people from Boston to California, and have a fondness for those down south. I've come to the conclusion that I hate talking to women from New Jersey, and that the quickest conversations originate in New York City. When customers of my company find out that I'm in Canada the reaction is genuinely warm and interested, unless it brings on a rant about outsourcing. Whenever we get doozy calls, the common interjection is Bloody Americans! Bashing our southern neighbours is a regular habit.
While eating my American food (McDonald's Big Breakfast), I came across a review for The Political Machine. In my morning paper. Small world after all. I don't know if it's a good thing or not but the line that resonated the most was this "In style and substance it's basically an electronic card game, but if you're a political junkie it can eat up hours." Sounds addictive.
My Canadian life bears little difference to an American life, I'd guess. We eat the same food. See the same movies. Breathe the same air. I wonder what it is that makes a Canadian a Canadian and an American an American. A love for our own politics and history? I don't see much love, or pride for that matter, out there. Although, if hard pressed, I guess I'd be more inclined to admit finding comfort and satisfaction in declaring my Anishnawbeness to anyone who's interested. But what does it all mean?
What does it mean to anyone?