Former congressional staffer and Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Rob Goodman, discusses his book "Not Here: Why American Democracy Is Eroding and How Canada Can Protect Itself". Topics include Canada's vulnerability to American influence, the importance of independent journalism, challenges faced by new immigrants, the erosion of public goods, rejecting populist right-wing ideals, higher unionization rates in Canada, the absence of nationalism, and the impact of psychological wage on labor politics.
Canada's lack of a monolithic story or founding myth allows for a more inclusive and expansive vision of Canadian identity.
Canadians place greater importance on material conditions such as healthcare, education, labor rights, and public goods, leading to stronger demands for social welfare and better living conditions.
The absence of a dominant narrative and a more diverse understanding of Canadian identity create opportunities for resistance against right-wing populism and threats to public goods.
Deep dives
The Strength of Canadian Nationalism Lies in its Lack of Monolithic Story
One of the distinctive features of Canadian nationalism is its lack of a monolithic story or founding myth. While America has its founding fathers and a strong sense of a singular American identity, Canada embraces its diversity and multiple stories of origins. This absence of a singular narrative allows Canadians to be more open to different perspectives and people from various backgrounds. It also makes it harder to create an exclusionary nationalism based on a narrow definition of who is a real Canadian. This absence of a dominant narrative contributes to a more inclusive and expansive vision of Canadian identity.
The Importance of Material Conditions in Canada
In Canada, the emphasis on material conditions plays a significant role in shaping national identity. Without the strong psychological wages of exclusivity and vivid mythologies, Canadians place greater importance on factors such as healthcare, education, labor rights, and public goods. The focus on improving these tangible aspects of society leads to stronger demands for social welfare and better living conditions. Rather than rely on stories that reinforce a sense of exclusivity, Canadians prioritize collective well-being and tangible benefits.
The Possibility of Resistance in Canada
While Canada is not immune to the political challenges faced in the United States, such as right-wing populism, the absence of a dominant narrative and a more diverse understanding of Canadian identity create opportunities for resistance. Canadians have been shown to mobilize and stand up against threats to public goods and democratic erosion. As conservative governments come into power, it is crucial for Canadians to unite in defending public goods and actively supporting social policies that strengthen democratic values.
The Relevance of Indigenous Influence on Canadian Identity
The Canadian nation-state and its nationalism has been influenced by indigenous cultures and their inclusive concept of civilization. This non-racial idea of civilization, rooted in the encounter between European settlers and indigenous political thought, differs from the European and American conceptions of nationalism. Canada's incorporation of indigenous influences expands the idea of Canadian identity beyond a singular ethnic or cultural group and embraces diversity. This inclusive approach offers a unique framework for Canadian nationalism.
The Strength of Canadian Nationalism Lies in Material Reality, Not Storytelling
The strengths of Canadian nationalism lie in its focus on material reality rather than storytelling. Canadians understand the importance of ensuring better living conditions, healthcare, education, labor rights, and social welfare. With the absence of a singular national story, Canadians prioritize tangible benefits that improve quality of life for all residents. This emphasis on material conditions reinforces a sense of collective well-being and solidarity, fostering a resilient and inclusive form of nationalism.
Rob Goodman was a congressional staffer in the US and as a rising authoritarian movement brought America to the brink of a coup, he did what all Americans threaten to do when they are fed up with their country: he moved to Canada. Now an Assistant Professor in the department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University, he has an urgent warning for his adopted country.
Jesse sits down with Rob to talk about his new book, “Not Here: Why American Democracy Is Eroding and How Canada Can Protect Itself.”
Host: Jesse Brown
Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Bruce Thorson (Senior Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)
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