The first video, “Canadian, Please” expresses pride and what it means to be a Canadian by comparing Canada to other nations and superpowers like the US and Britain. Even though Canada may not compare or be the best in everything, the singers dig into some ways to show how Canada is better off–from health care to gun control to being a multicultural nation and more. As well, the singers in their humorous tone show how Canadians have a lot to be proud of as Canadians have the largest freshwater supply, abundance of wildlife and for their contribution to various advances in medicine. Furthermore, Canadians are able to withstand the cold and frigid temperatures with a smile while being a good friend indeed.
Similarly, the second video, “I am Canadian” spoken by a patriotic Canadian, dispels most of the stereotypes of Canadians that everyone lives in an igloo and that Canadians are lumberjacks or fur traders. The video attempts to dismiss the myths that people outside of Canada have of Canadians and instead creates a sense of identity through Canadian symbols such as hockey and the beaver.
I believe that what is being sold here is the notion of Canadian identity which would predominantly be bought by Canadians but may also appeal to other nations that wish to understand the unique characteristics and condition of being Canadian, as well as the many symbols and expressions that set Canadians and Canada apart from the other countries, people and cultures of the world.
Nadir, while you’re absolutely right to point out that Canada and Canadians have many things to be proud of as a country, we should be careful to not simply replace stereotypes about us with others (even if they are more flattering ones!). What differences do you see between the stereotypes, symbols, icons, and expressions you notice in these two videos?
The first video, “Canadian, Please” shows how Canada differs from other countries in the 21st century and expresses a sense of what it means to be Canadian. By mentioning Britain, the United States, and Australia, the video first establishes what Canada is not, and then goes on to list all the things Canadians should be proud about (as well as hinting at why other countries should want to be friendly with Canada or in fact, become Canadians themselves). The two people are also dressed as Canadian mounted police in their red uniforms and the song lyrics touches on a wide range of things such as Canadians being able to have free healthcare, fresh water, trees, and enjoy multiculturalism.
The second video, “I Am Canadian” Molson Beer ad is also very proudly Canadian as the passionate speaker states traits of Canada that make it unique, particularly from the United States. The speaker also rules out the many stereotypes Canadians are associated with and afterwards, presents images of what he thinks Canada actually is about. The types of things that the speaker points out that are implied to define Canadian identity are similar to the things in the first video. Canadian identity then, in the 21st century, seems to largely be a compilation of a multitude of various symbols and characteristics, such as the beaver and the particular way we pronounce the letter “Z.” Given that Canadians are so diverse and multicultural as both videos acknowledge, the various symbols and characteristics are those with which the majority of Canadians can collectively recognize, appeal to, and agree with, thus uniting Canadians in this manner. I think that the videos are “selling” this sense of Canadian-ness to Canadians as well as people from other nations who may not know much about Canada. What also seems to be being sold and stressed by the videos is that Canadian identity is distinct and entirely different from the United States.
Geena, you’ve done a nice job summarizing some of the key points of the two videos here! I’m going to push you in the same direction as Nadir and ask you to dig a little deeper into what you see as the differences between stereotypes (which usually get characterized as “bad” and “untrue”–i.e. “we don’t live in igloos”) and the (more positive, flattering) “multitude of various symbols and characteristics” which you argue unite Canadians.
Do some of those symbols and supposed characteristics function as stereotypes? For example, how do you think a Francophone living in Quebec would react to the Canadian identity being put forward in these shorts? Or a citizen living in the NWT? BC local? Newfoundlander?
“Canadian, Please” and “I am Canadian” both bring up generalizations about Canadian identity and what it means to be a ‘proud’ or ‘patriotic’ Canadian. “I am Canadian” does this through a rousing speech, denying stereotypes from Americans about Canadians, and affirms Canadian identity as ‘not American’. It brings up national symbols such as the beaver, the maple leaf, and the toque, and the great amount of pride that this particular Canadian speaker has in them and therefore his identity as a Canadian. The speaker is an exaggeration of a typical Canadian, but is a reflection of what Molson Canadian believes to be essential parts of Canadian identity, and the parts of Canadian identity that are points of pride.
The “Canadian, Please” video approaches Canadian identity by presenting Canadian multiculturalism as well as typical Canadian stereotypes. It mentions Canadian institutions, such as universal healthcare, and the singers themselves are dressed up as Mounties. Much like the “I am Canadian” advertisement, the song is presenting Canadian identity as ‘not American’, but also as unlike any other country. This establishes that Canadians believe their uniqueness to be an essential part of Canadian identity and patriotism.
Both of these shorts are selling Canadian identity as unique, ‘not American’, and a nation of symbols. The “I am Canadian” advertisement is selling this idea to Canadian viewers, particularly white males, much like the one that is speaking in the video. The “Canadian, Please” video however, is trying to reach a broader audience by mentioning other countries and their symbols. It is promoting Canadian patriotism, but to a more diverse audience due to the fact that it is not a commercial for a product that is to air on television, but instead a music video that anyone can access online.
Lindsey, great job focusing in on the intended audiences for each video, as well as the “uniqueness” of Canadian identity–and how that symbolic uniqueness can be read as “not American”. Could you expand on your comment about the target audience for the Molson ad being white males? I think your observation is potentially very revealing about “what” the “typical Canadian” looks (and by association lives & works) like: white, male, plaid-flannel wearing… Nice work!
The first video “Canadian, please” sounds like a praise for Canada as a country, but also for its inhabitants and their lifestyle. The basic idea of the video is to present caracteristic elements of Canada as opposed to some of other countries such as the United States of America, Australia, China, or Britain, which are all powerful nations in today’s world. The other video “I Am Canadian” also plays on stereotypes : it defines what Canada and Canadians are not based on worldwide spread clichés, then move on to what they are with positive images: multiculturalism, free healthcare, respectful and proud people, strong hockey teams etc. By doing this, the video affirm Canadian identity as something unique and now independent from that of countries with which it has historical links.
Both video definitely target two different audiences. Firstly, it targets Canadian people to enhance their sense of national pride and belonging to a great open-minded country. Especially since Molson is a Canadian brand of beer, it is important to flatter Canadians and make them want to buy and consume products from their own country to support local economy. Then the second target is broader, it includes people from the whole world and the cited countries. It is an attempt to prove that maybe these countries have renowned touristic sites, food, money or philosophers, but Canada has nothing to be jealous of because it has as much if not more to offer. I think the “Canadian, please” video is the more effective of the two for promotting Canada worldwide for two reasons. First, it is not judgemental toward the symbols used to represent other countries, consequently it is not excluding people from these countries, and finally because it refers to things that everybody can relate to in a funny way : animals, food, nature, peace, health.
Pierre, I am especially struck by your comment in the second paragraph about the connections between national pride & the importance of having Canadians consume “Canadian” beer/products. It got me to thinking about nationalism & identity-building as something that is marketed to both the citizens who live in that particular country, and those visiting or possibly moving to it. Have you encountered similar “advertising” any other countries?
Hi L1H!
Thanks to those of you who have already responded to the videos–you’ve made some wonderful insights. We’re still waiting to hear from a few more of you & will still accept submissions for this assignment because of the mix-up of switching tutorials and blog walls. Looking forward to meeting you in person this week!
-Kaitlin
Kaitlin, 
Pierre-Marie B., 
lindseyaw, and 2 others are discussing.
Nadir Surani 1:02 pm on January 8, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The first video, “Canadian, Please” expresses pride and what it means to be a Canadian by comparing Canada to other nations and superpowers like the US and Britain. Even though Canada may not compare or be the best in everything, the singers dig into some ways to show how Canada is better off–from health care to gun control to being a multicultural nation and more. As well, the singers in their humorous tone show how Canadians have a lot to be proud of as Canadians have the largest freshwater supply, abundance of wildlife and for their contribution to various advances in medicine. Furthermore, Canadians are able to withstand the cold and frigid temperatures with a smile while being a good friend indeed.
Similarly, the second video, “I am Canadian” spoken by a patriotic Canadian, dispels most of the stereotypes of Canadians that everyone lives in an igloo and that Canadians are lumberjacks or fur traders. The video attempts to dismiss the myths that people outside of Canada have of Canadians and instead creates a sense of identity through Canadian symbols such as hockey and the beaver.
I believe that what is being sold here is the notion of Canadian identity which would predominantly be bought by Canadians but may also appeal to other nations that wish to understand the unique characteristics and condition of being Canadian, as well as the many symbols and expressions that set Canadians and Canada apart from the other countries, people and cultures of the world.
Kaitlin 7:46 pm on January 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Nadir, while you’re absolutely right to point out that Canada and Canadians have many things to be proud of as a country, we should be careful to not simply replace stereotypes about us with others (even if they are more flattering ones!). What differences do you see between the stereotypes, symbols, icons, and expressions you notice in these two videos?
geenalee 8:08 pm on January 8, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The first video, “Canadian, Please” shows how Canada differs from other countries in the 21st century and expresses a sense of what it means to be Canadian. By mentioning Britain, the United States, and Australia, the video first establishes what Canada is not, and then goes on to list all the things Canadians should be proud about (as well as hinting at why other countries should want to be friendly with Canada or in fact, become Canadians themselves). The two people are also dressed as Canadian mounted police in their red uniforms and the song lyrics touches on a wide range of things such as Canadians being able to have free healthcare, fresh water, trees, and enjoy multiculturalism.
The second video, “I Am Canadian” Molson Beer ad is also very proudly Canadian as the passionate speaker states traits of Canada that make it unique, particularly from the United States. The speaker also rules out the many stereotypes Canadians are associated with and afterwards, presents images of what he thinks Canada actually is about. The types of things that the speaker points out that are implied to define Canadian identity are similar to the things in the first video. Canadian identity then, in the 21st century, seems to largely be a compilation of a multitude of various symbols and characteristics, such as the beaver and the particular way we pronounce the letter “Z.” Given that Canadians are so diverse and multicultural as both videos acknowledge, the various symbols and characteristics are those with which the majority of Canadians can collectively recognize, appeal to, and agree with, thus uniting Canadians in this manner. I think that the videos are “selling” this sense of Canadian-ness to Canadians as well as people from other nations who may not know much about Canada. What also seems to be being sold and stressed by the videos is that Canadian identity is distinct and entirely different from the United States.
Kaitlin 7:55 pm on January 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Geena, you’ve done a nice job summarizing some of the key points of the two videos here! I’m going to push you in the same direction as Nadir and ask you to dig a little deeper into what you see as the differences between stereotypes (which usually get characterized as “bad” and “untrue”–i.e. “we don’t live in igloos”) and the (more positive, flattering) “multitude of various symbols and characteristics” which you argue unite Canadians.
Do some of those symbols and supposed characteristics function as stereotypes? For example, how do you think a Francophone living in Quebec would react to the Canadian identity being put forward in these shorts? Or a citizen living in the NWT? BC local? Newfoundlander?
lindseyaw 11:10 am on January 10, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
“Canadian, Please” and “I am Canadian” both bring up generalizations about Canadian identity and what it means to be a ‘proud’ or ‘patriotic’ Canadian. “I am Canadian” does this through a rousing speech, denying stereotypes from Americans about Canadians, and affirms Canadian identity as ‘not American’. It brings up national symbols such as the beaver, the maple leaf, and the toque, and the great amount of pride that this particular Canadian speaker has in them and therefore his identity as a Canadian. The speaker is an exaggeration of a typical Canadian, but is a reflection of what Molson Canadian believes to be essential parts of Canadian identity, and the parts of Canadian identity that are points of pride.
The “Canadian, Please” video approaches Canadian identity by presenting Canadian multiculturalism as well as typical Canadian stereotypes. It mentions Canadian institutions, such as universal healthcare, and the singers themselves are dressed up as Mounties. Much like the “I am Canadian” advertisement, the song is presenting Canadian identity as ‘not American’, but also as unlike any other country. This establishes that Canadians believe their uniqueness to be an essential part of Canadian identity and patriotism.
Both of these shorts are selling Canadian identity as unique, ‘not American’, and a nation of symbols. The “I am Canadian” advertisement is selling this idea to Canadian viewers, particularly white males, much like the one that is speaking in the video. The “Canadian, Please” video however, is trying to reach a broader audience by mentioning other countries and their symbols. It is promoting Canadian patriotism, but to a more diverse audience due to the fact that it is not a commercial for a product that is to air on television, but instead a music video that anyone can access online.
Kaitlin 9:10 pm on January 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Lindsey, great job focusing in on the intended audiences for each video, as well as the “uniqueness” of Canadian identity–and how that symbolic uniqueness can be read as “not American”. Could you expand on your comment about the target audience for the Molson ad being white males? I think your observation is potentially very revealing about “what” the “typical Canadian” looks (and by association lives & works) like: white, male, plaid-flannel wearing… Nice work!
Pierre-Marie B. 6:33 pm on January 10, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The first video “Canadian, please” sounds like a praise for Canada as a country, but also for its inhabitants and their lifestyle. The basic idea of the video is to present caracteristic elements of Canada as opposed to some of other countries such as the United States of America, Australia, China, or Britain, which are all powerful nations in today’s world. The other video “I Am Canadian” also plays on stereotypes : it defines what Canada and Canadians are not based on worldwide spread clichés, then move on to what they are with positive images: multiculturalism, free healthcare, respectful and proud people, strong hockey teams etc. By doing this, the video affirm Canadian identity as something unique and now independent from that of countries with which it has historical links.
Both video definitely target two different audiences. Firstly, it targets Canadian people to enhance their sense of national pride and belonging to a great open-minded country. Especially since Molson is a Canadian brand of beer, it is important to flatter Canadians and make them want to buy and consume products from their own country to support local economy. Then the second target is broader, it includes people from the whole world and the cited countries. It is an attempt to prove that maybe these countries have renowned touristic sites, food, money or philosophers, but Canada has nothing to be jealous of because it has as much if not more to offer. I think the “Canadian, please” video is the more effective of the two for promotting Canada worldwide for two reasons. First, it is not judgemental toward the symbols used to represent other countries, consequently it is not excluding people from these countries, and finally because it refers to things that everybody can relate to in a funny way : animals, food, nature, peace, health.
Kaitlin 9:19 pm on January 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Pierre, I am especially struck by your comment in the second paragraph about the connections between national pride & the importance of having Canadians consume “Canadian” beer/products. It got me to thinking about nationalism & identity-building as something that is marketed to both the citizens who live in that particular country, and those visiting or possibly moving to it. Have you encountered similar “advertising” any other countries?
Kaitlin 11:07 pm on January 11, 2014 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi L1H!
Thanks to those of you who have already responded to the videos–you’ve made some wonderful insights. We’re still waiting to hear from a few more of you & will still accept submissions for this assignment because of the mix-up of switching tutorials and blog walls. Looking forward to meeting you in person this week!
-Kaitlin