There’s an old word for Trump’s brand of nationalism: ‘hatriotism’
The term perfectly describes people who cloak toxic intolerance in patriotism. Let’s bring it back.
I will start by saying that I am saddened by the fact that these kinds definitions are needed for the types of global events we are seeing. At the same time, things are happening, and a response is required.
As a Canadian, I think that most Canadians are pretty happy to be Canadian – no major complaints. However, my sense of what makes being Canadian good is that Canadians are known as peaceful, polite and always welcoming of diversity. This idea of Canada being “the best country” has never been part of any dialogue I’ve been part of – and Canadians, I think, generally recognize that there are lots of things we do well, and lots of things to learn from how other countries do things well.
Some things, however, just don’t mix: Free speech is great – but once it crosses the line into hate speech, it has no place. I’m happy to love being a Canadian, (for myself and others) but not once it crosses into discrimination, exclusivity and pushing others away. Being welcoming, positive and supportive will always be better than building walls (whether physical or emotional), rejecting diversity and pushing people away. 🙂
