The world tends to
see Canadians has polite timid little creatures that wouldn’t do or say any
that runs the risk of upsetting anyone. While this stereotype may be based in
some reality, for the most part we aren’t the reserved push-over’s a lot of the
world seems to think we are.
The problem being a
Canadian living outside Canada is people love a stereotype when they meet us
the focus is on all those “Canadian characteristics” which is all well and good
until people take your “Canadian characteristics” as a sign of weakness or you
don’t get the respect you deserve because you’re “too nice”.
To combat this over
the years I’ve developed a few techniques; there is a tone in my voice I used
to make it clear I know what I am talking about; it can come off condescending,
it’s not the intent but it works. My other technique is to externalize some of
feelings we’re taught as children to keep inside. In other words instead of putting
a happy face on and not making scene, I wear the face I’m feeling. I can’t tell
you how long it’s taken for me not to feel like a horrible individual for
showing my negative emotions.
The problem I have
now is sometimes these techniques take over and I forget to be me. I forget
that it’s ok to be reserved and it’s ok to be friendly and caring, that these qualities
aren’t a sign of weakness but rather a sign of humanity.
And since I struggle
to remember this from time to time the code phrase “Be Canadian” came to be. It’s
just a friendly little reminder given to me quietly to make me.....more placid.
It brings me back to the way I would be acting if my family was present.....most
of the time, sometimes even Canadian’s lose their shit.
Anyways I am off to
bed to try and remind myself that sarcastic comments said in my head in French does
not count as “being Canadian”....what? Like I said sometimes even Canadian’s lose
their temper.
Love,
The Honest Bitch
