My life in America (nearly ten years now) has been an intense exercise in cultural adjustment. I have learned a lot about America, but more about Canada. Why? Nationalism is complex in Canada and defies reductive definitions.  We tend to define ourselves not by who we are but by who we are not. And that means how we are not American. 

But do Canadians know what it means to be American? I don't think so. I now realize that a lot of what we Canadians categorize as bad/American doesn't deserve to be judged as so -- and certainly not in black and white terms. And, conversely, the things Americans assume about Canada are also off the mark. (We aren't nearly as "nice." We hide it behind a veil of politeness.) 

So I thought I'd start writing about the differences and similarities between Canada and America.  Hopefully, the research, writing, and cultural analysis/observational chops I earned during my Ph.D. program will help keep my views grounded in awareness of the ills, -ists, and -ologies that complicate personhood in a late-stage capitalistic society. But ultimately, this is based on my observations, filtered through the experience of a flawed human. 

This blog will always be a work in progress. I'd be happy to address any questions you might have about life in Canada vs. America. Drop me a line! I will do what I can to respond in a blog post. 

Enjoy!