"Americans": Not the Center of the Universe

Dharapak/AP

It is true that I, Ms. Manitoba, was born on the prairies of Manitoba. Canada. I am a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Some folks think Canadians are just like "Americans" -- we're not. Especially French Canadians -- Quebeçois, Manitobain, Ontarois etc. Look again. Look deeper. (And ... maybe ... dare I say it? Maybe, travel a bit.) For one thing, we put "Americans" in quotes because we remember that there are many Americans -- not just the ones that live in the United States. Canadians believe that they are Americans too -- North Americans. We don't imperialize the name.

And when we see President Obama bow to Emperor Akihito we don't get our undies in a bunch.

For example:

"Treasonous"; "Idiot-in-chief"; "Shocking display of fealty to a foreign potentate"; "How low will he go?"; "Undignified,"; "A first-year English teacher trying to impress with Karate Kid-level knowledge of Japanese custom," were among the harsh headlines and comments in the American press and the blogosphere on the president's bow.

[from an article in online version of The Nation]

"Americans" need to understand that they are no longer (never were) the center of the universe.

Please read this wonderful article -- "More Important Things to Worry About" -- from the online version of The Nation.

And, if you'd like to find out more about the really important stuff, listen to today's interview with Orville Schell on Terry Gross's Fresh Air radio program.

Stumble It!