Categories: Andrew Coyne, Capital Read

O Canada…

by Andrew Coyne on Thursday, February 19, 2009 2:35pm - 211 Comments

This is Just. So. Embarrassing. If there is anything less attractive than the anti-American streak in our national character — a trait made worse, one suspects, for our neighbours’ sunny indifference to our seething — it is our tendency to prostrate ourselves before American celebrities. And they don’t get any more celebritous than Barack Obama. Okay, I get that he’s a likeable fellow. He avoids excessive partisanship, he comes across as thoughtful and decent, he connects with people — yes to all that.

But people, really: camping out at 4:30 in the morning on Parliament Hill for five seconds of waving from behind plexiglas two hundred yards away (and five seconds longer, at that, than scheduled)? Hours and hours of television coverage given over to a few brief clips of the President a) landing, b) walking with the Governor General, c) sitting with the Governor General, d) flashing by in his motorcade, and e) walking, sitting and standing with the Prime Minister?

Have we all taken leave of our senses? The CBC interviewed some lunatic woman who gravely informed us that, with the election of Barack Obama, she now knew that “everything was going to be okay.” A sign in the crowd read “First God, then Obama,” which was positively restrained compared to some of the comments one overheard. And I don’t just mean from the reporters.

I find all this openly worshipful behaviour more than a little disturbing. I don’t like it when I see it directed to rock stars — What possesses people to chant their names in unison? Is it not enough to be a slave? Why do you have to advertise it? — but I really mistrust it when it slops over into the political arena. And is it not all just a bit more loathsome for being attached to a foreign leader? Could we be more craven? Usually we reserve such spinelessness for Quebec separatists.

What is it people hope to achieve by such behaviour? What do they hope to prove? Is it all just a form of conspicuous consumption — an opportunity to flaunt their taste in political leaders, to bathe, somehow, in his reflected coolness? Do they suppose that Obama is in doubt about the degree of public affection he arouses? That he is insecure, and needs to be reassured? Or is it just blind, unthinking infatuation, a rush of blood to the head (and other parts) such as prompts teenage girls, mysteriously, to scream aloud at the sight of a Jonas brother?

This need for heroes, this cult of charisma — and we in the media are the worst offenders, though for more explicable motives — is not merely empty and shallow. It is dangerous. At the very least, it is a distraction. At the worst, it is a kind fascism. It appeals to all that is hollow within us, and — worse — within them. Was that not the least attractive thing about Trudeau: the glamour?

“Unhappy the land that has no heroes,” Brecht wrote. “Unhappier still the land that has need of heroes.”

Tags: Barack Obama, hero worship, spinelessness

More by Andrew Coyne

http://www.sortofpolitical.som Springer

I guess not many here are old enough to remember Trudeaumania, eh?

Like AC today, I didn’t understand that silliness then, either.

Anyway, kudos to PM Harper. It’s been longer than I care to remember…definitely 16 years at least…since a Canadian Prime Minister represented our nation to America with such class, dignity, and intelligence.

Refreshing beyond words to describe.

Ti-Guy

Refreshing beyond words to describe.

If only.
Yoyoma

Hey, maybe now’s the time to begin the dialogue between US and Canada regarding amalgomation? If the lefties were anywhere near accepting becoming American it’d be now~!

Brett

I’d give my left testicle to see that happen. I’d give my right one if we could also leave Quebec behind.

James Connors

Is this some sort of non-religious, Lorena Bobbitt right-wing fantasy y’all share? Being castrated and joining the United States? Like the rapture but it doesn’t screw up sleeping in on Sundays?

Marie

fascism? Are you like, going through a break-up or something?

emilyjoythomas

Hahahaha

J@ck M!tchell

“Unhappier still the land that has need of heroes.”

Ah, Brecht, that famous proponent of the flat tax. But did he mean a land that needed even the heroes it had, or the land which had none but necessarily needed some? We fall into the latter category; Comrade Coyne surely doesn’t mean to imply the former?

Ti-Guy

Glotz nicht so blöd.

J@ck M!tchell

So blöd als was? Brechts Meinung ist doch unverwechselbar? Die Leute schaffen sich ihren Helden; keine Leite ohne Helden oder ohne Lust fuer Helden; glaubst du deshalb dass jedes Land ungluecklich ist?

Ti-Guy

Dies hat gar nichts mit nazionalen Helden zu tun.

In his productions, Brecht would put up posters on the walls of the theatre to greet incoming spectators, who entered with the a look on their faces that said “I’m here to learn!” with the message “Stop gawking like an idiot.”

Kind of like how one should approach a Coyne missive, especially one that references Brecht.

Nicht?

J@ck M!tchell

Ha, genau!
glak from planet zork

ti and jack, your brown shirts are in the mail.
I’m with Coyne on this one. If Obama had cured cancer or the common cold or even acne, I might be able to forgive my fellow citizens their sycophantic display, but he has not done thing one, yet.
Ti-Guy

ti and jack, your brown shirts are in the mail.

*sigh*…Philistine.

FYI, Glak: Jack and I wouldn’t have been the Brownshirts. We’d have been among the first to perish in a concentration camp.

Please don’t use terms you know nothing about.
http://macleans.ca kc

It’s amusing to me [ it's not actually] that many off the excited fans in the crowd were black. Let’s see these guys aren’t allowed to celebrate a black man becoming Prez. Almost fascism eh! Look what you started Coyne! Evn if it was never yr intent.

Senator-Elect

You’re over the top here, Mr. Coyne. The crowd was a positive thing; it showed that people still care about politics, are curious about an untouchable figure, and that they want Obama to succeed. The fandom is all about having a little fun.
Albertaclipper

Great article Andrew. I never thought I’d say that. You have it bang on. This mass prostration before the “next one” by certain members of the media and the general public is not only embarrassing but demeaning. He is only a man. Flesh and blood. With all the hub bub, I am expecting him to distribute fish and wine to the masses. On a much better note, our Prime Minister showed that he belongs on the world stage. He is a class act. If all the lefties in Canada were expecting him to look and act like a few former PMs that we’ve strutted out they were sadly mistaken. Stephen Harper, no matter your politics, is someone we can be proud of.

James Connors

“Stephen Harper, no matter your politics, is someone we can be proud of.”

From the evidence available; if your definitions of pride derive from diminished aspirations, circumscribed expectations and lumpenproletariat desires . . . yes, Harper would be your man.

If, however, you believe Canada’s potential inspires something beyond Harper’s mediocrity and inadequacy you might want to look around for an alternative to invest your time and energies in building a better nation.

Chris

While I agree that the mania exhibited over Obama is misguided at best, it does exist for a very real purpose.

People need Heroes.

People need the vision of what humans could be if they tried. People want someone to look up too. Not necessarily to blindly follow, although that seems like the case here. But definately to lead them by exhibiting integrity, good ethics and strong values, of course charisma doesn’t hurt.

The fact that people project these traits onto Obama is the problem because he doen’t actually exhibit them.

The fact that people need heros is not a problem. But they should try someone better, like BIll Casey.
S T

Andrew, sweetheart, lighten up. I think that Canadians are entitled to one display of childish adulation of political figures (foreign or domestic) every forty years or so. Whether cynics like to acknowledge it or not, we’re living in a transformational time, when for the first time in decades, America has a chance to be a force for positive change in the world. The opportunity to be able work with them rather than against them is an energizing prospect to many young people and idealists of all ages around the world. Of course, we’ll see if Obama is able to deliver on his promises, or live up to his own stated ideals, but it’s certainly a fascinating time to be on the planet, and in the midst of all this uncertainty, people are enjoying it. Let them enjoy it for a little while before you pour the bucket of cold water over them.

I’d also like to call your attention to the fact that many of the joyous faces in the crowds celebrating Obama are Canadians of colour, who perhaps have varied reasons for celebrating this particular president that you, with your oh-so-tony pedigree, are ill-equipped to understand. Despite your quoting Brecht, your class bias is showing.

Wayne

Well said : i wish I could communicate as clearly.

Kevin Coyne

The mega sensationalism that is B. Hussein Obama will not serve the world well. My Canadian brethren, be prepared to spank Washington and protect your interests, because truly….the Washington crowd will try to own you and force you to their will. I am embarassed with our government, and I was part of the 46% that did not vote for false hope and theft of my change.
Greg

People don’t need heroes. If you want a hero, by a comic book. People need experienced leaders with a plan to succeed. Unfortunately Obama delegated his plan to Pelosi, thus dooming us all to an extended economic disaster.

Chris

Experience, intelligence, knowledge, integrity, ethics and courage to stand for their convictions.

Sounds like someone to look up to, say a hero.

It may be just a semantic arguement here because in today’s political/cultural climate someone who exhibits those traits is heroic.

Kim

I couldn’t agree more. I’m glad to know my hubby and I weren’t the only ones baffled by the whole display. And don’t get me wrong … I have nothing against the man or his policies. I just agree that the whole reaction of the Canadian media and public was a tad ridiculous for a 6 hour political visit.
T. Bronstetter

This was an interesting article but let us reserve the word ‘fascist’ for rock stars that demand that we spy on our neighbours.
Martin

I agree totally. Canadian reporters are paid handsomely to cover events in an objective professional manner.That does not include going into hysterics at the sight of a man buying some cookies.TV reporters yesterday acted like mindless, adolescent groupies. In contrast, CNN reported the press conference and about 3 minutes summary of the news. After all, he is their President, not Canada’s.
I agree that the Obama frenzy contains a whiff of facism, that is in the original meaning of the term. oulined in Jonah Goldberrg’s book LIberal Fascism.
Not a great day for Canadian journalism.
Bill Simpson

And of course the best thing is that Obama has not yet actually done anything. He has no achievement of any sort at all.

Brad

O, apart from being the first man of his racial background to cut through the deep racial divide and achieve the seemingly impossible goal of being elected – with a majority of votes, not the decision of the Supreme Court – as President while at the same time reigniting a sense of hope, purpose and altruism almost extinguished by the civil rights abusing Straussians most recently in charge?

O, apart from coming from as far “outside” the establishment as one can in the USofA and locking in the support of a coalition of Democrats previously untapped to steal a march on Billary.

O, in comparison to the vast list of achievements racked up by the spoiled, AWOL, DUI, intellectually-stunted puppet n’er do well who preceded him?

http://Macleans Mochumbo

Isn’t he just another rich guy? with nothing better to do?
I guess that’s what makes him presidential. Rich and bored.
And of course a need to have some war, or some conflict with some random nation. It’s the American way. I think he wants to send 30,000 more troops into Afghanistan. Mission Accomplished.

Brad

Yes, you’re right: O does not come from poverty. Is he just another rich man? Not in the sense that he was given an oil compnay, ball team or governor’s job to play with in his spare time.

Not sure how the rest relates.

These two replies notwithstanding, I agree that expetations are high, even outrageous. But what’s behind the sarcasm of others about people being a little pumped about a leader for a change?

Rich, grubby Haliburton and Enron executives had their bit of fun. They got their little Lotto 649 Happy Dance (TM) when their puppet won. Why not your average, everyday jane and joe?

Sure, disappointment is probable in comparison to expectations vs the mess he is inheriting, But is that what is behind the cynicism? Or is it that the ones uttering the derogatory sneers just can’t stand to see the great unwashed daring to hold out some hope for a kinder, gentler society?

Bill Simpson

I have nothing against Obama, but I happen to think it is simply adult to question what his actual achievements have been and what his concrete plans amount to. We will all find out the hard way the huge gap between expectation and reality, but we had better be a bit more clear-headed about him if we want to make sense of the next few years.

Sure, he got elected, and sure, he looks and sounds a lot better than George W., but that won’t butter much bread. I was pretty happy he decided to come out against torture, Gitmo etc., but on the other hand the stimulus bill he has supported is a shambles and his proposals about mortgages seem completely wrong.
Dr. Robotnik

Good job listing all of the leftist (sorry, “progressive”) talking points Brad. I also noticed that you used the required name-calling of President Bush. Your “O” badge is in the mail.

I am concerned however that in your listing of Obama’s accompishments, you didn’t actually list any accomplishments.

By the way, nice job labeling other comments as “derogatory sneers” after your list of derogatory sneers. It wasn’t ironic at all.

Isabelle

Right, Brad, private Catholic schools, Columbia and Harvard Law Review are WAY outside the establishment..
http://noneasyet dun roberts

@ brad

*O, apart from being the first man of his racial background to cut through the deep racial divide and achieve the seemingly impossible goal of being elected*

not so impossible, I guess brad. and, of course, “O” only received only one percentage higher in votes than did Chimpy McHaliburton in 2004.

*O, apart from coming from as far “outside” the establishment as one can in the USofA and locking in the support of a coalition of Democrats previously untapped to steal a march on Billary.*

Outside the establishment? The man’s a u.s. senator; he attended harvard law school; he lived in one of the richest areas of Chicago: he’s about as `establishment’ as they come.

*O, in comparison to the vast list of achievements racked up by the spoiled, AWOL, DUI, intellectually-stunted puppet n’er do well who preceded him?*

which achievements are these? get elected to state senate, then the u.s. senate, being a `community organizer’ for a while… and…? I guess “O”;s never been picked up for DUI; but on the other hand he admits to being a cocaine user. HOw much intellect does it take to believe that there are `58 states’? or that a presidential term isn’t `eight to 10 years.’?

Brad

dun roberts:

“seemingly impossible” has a qualifier and, I believe, is a justifiable observation of a country where most pundits prior to this past spring gave him little to no chance precisely because they weren’t certain Americans could yet vote for a black man.

“Outside the establishment”, again, a relative descriptor. In American politics, as with most politics, you need to be from somewhere within the party system ergo from within The Establishment. But check the left media from late winter early spring; Hillary had ALL of the main Democratic money committed to her. Salon, Slate, Atlantic all looked at that and didn’t see how anyone could break through that establishment barrier and overcome. He did it by identifying new sources of potential Democrats and Democratic cash. I’m not naively stating he did what he did as a sharecropper in his spare time. He did what he did, in relative terms, from as far out to the edge as you can be, in a skin that pushed him to the furthest edges of that remote hinterland.

I only brought in the Chimp as a comparison for those who exist out there who blindly cheered him on as their great hope but who are now so set on tearing down O before he gets started.

Isabelle – see above re establishment

Robotnik:

Thanks, but I actually thunk it all up by my ownself; I’m not looking for a badge; and see above re: the Chimp and derogatory sneers.

Thanks for your interest.

http://noneasyet dun roberts

@ brad again
*“seemingly impossible” has a qualifier and, I believe, is a justifiable observation of a country where most pundits prior to this past spring gave him little to no chance precisely because they weren’t certain Americans could yet vote for a black man.*

goes to show what the pundits know, eh? Then why do you bother with them when they are always so spectacularly wrong? I don’t think, in any case, it’s the pundits: it was simply your own prejudicial assumptions about the u.s. electorate.

*“Outside the establishment”, again, a relative descriptor.*

but more particularly, the `establishment’ is itself a poor descriptor of anything. There is – always has been – multiple centres of power in the u.s. (as in any country), and none that conformed to any monolithic `establishment. ‘
Brad

I’m sorry, I forgot to include myuagreement with Bill Simpson. You are right, his concrete accomplishments are thin. In fact, when watching the race back when Hillary had it all but sewn up, but he was beginning to make a stir, I made that observation myself. I wondered if he had the kind of intense, in the trenches experience necessary to handle the public stage, deal with set backs, change course when necessary, etc..

I have to say that the scrutiny he underwent in those primaries and the – in relative terms, mind you – decent way in which he handled his foes, began to give me some comfort. That he did not work to divide but to find what unites was refeshing. I am cautiously optimistic that he has the stuff to handle his job, but I do not pretend to be holding out any expectation that he will be a messiah or that he will not misstep.

Until I was proven wrong, I found it inconceivable that W would lie to the world as blatantly as he did about WMD. I said as much at the time in discussions with my friends. I was flabbergasted as the truth became apparent. I honestly held out hope that he would not be a terrible president. I was wrong then, I might be wrong now.

In the absence of hindsight, how does one approach the unknown? It appears that there are those who are pre-judging O and finding him wanting. Your observation about lack of accomplishment is merited on its face. I probably read it, however, in the spirit of cynical sarcasm rife within this string that so palpably wants him to fail, needs him to fail, prays for him to fail, that I misinterpreted your intentions.

I apologize unreservedly if I mistook your point.
Brad

dun roberts @ brad again

it is possible that I hold prejudicial views abut the US electorate. if so, my prejudice is that there is a whole lot of anti-black prejudice in the US. Maybe it is just in the media and among the pundits and that I misjudged them. Within that base assumption on my part, I believe I am correct. I’m pretty sure there are a number of empirical studies already under way that will settle that question. We’ll see. If I’m wrong, then that’s one point in my whimsical O-ode down the drain.

On the establishment, I’m a little concerned about your neck. Is it alright? Doing a U-turn that sharply at speed can be dangerous.

Your first statement on the establishment :

“Outside the establishment? The man’s a u.s. senator; he attended harvard law school; he lived in one of the richest areas of Chicago: he’s about as `establishment’ as they come.”

would appear to bely the logic behind your second statement:

“the `establishment’ is itself a poor descriptor of anything. There is – always has been – multiple centres of power in the u.s. (as in any country), and none that conformed to any monolithic `establishment. ‘”

Anyway, I’ll assume that my answer was so stunning in its clarity and brilliance that it momentarily dazzled you and that you were reeling when you hit reply. No need to apologize.

Kez

Do people want a hero or do people want someone that they think will rescue them from their own mistakes, with lilttle or no effort on their own part?

While it is good to have friendly relations between our countries, seeing as it is apparently the largest trading partnership in the world now, it does not mean we have to lose our minds and faint at the site of a leader FROM A DIFFERENT COUNTRY! A country that just a few weeks ago placed a little ditty into a bill that would restrict some Canadian goods from being purchased. 40% of our steel products goes to the US – do you think if that was blocked, those workers would be prostrating themselves on Parliament Hill for the man who put his signature on it? Alberta gives more money Per Capita to the federal govt than ANY OTHER PROVINCE and now it is wary of facing the derailment of one of it’s most important resources. How will that fare the rest of the country if plans in the US creep into Canada?

I am all for showing support and brotherhood between the countries, but adulation and adoration? Are you kidding me? Maybe people should have waited to see what will happen between our countries before deciding that he was the great hope. In Canada people holdings signs of ‘first God then Obama’??? What?? What does that even mean? If they want to show their interest in politics, perhaps they should pay more attention to what is going on in THIS country first.
Lamine

Right on the money Coyne! Keep the good work!

I just want to say to those who pay before the meal is even served or eating, watch out for upcoming bad service or worst horrendous cramps! We do not reward people for being glamorous; the peacock is an example for that, but for their hard work and achievements.
I do not see any miracles that Obama has performed, except perhaps becoming president, but then again Nixon, Bush and the like mediocre minds were presidents; this perhaps points out to the fact that being a president is not an achievement in itself.

No one gets points for being born and politicians should not be rewarded for being themselves and mastering the art of politics: it is their job.

Just like the price tag of the last election this costly visit (expected to cost $2 million. That’s more than $5,000 per minute. According to CTV) achieved nothing except bring us back to the status quo with less money in our pockets.

Obama: the leader! The chosen one! Wait I can see the light! My Eyes! My eyes! Oh Canada someone has just overcharged your credit card and it is at a rate of $5,000 per minute!
Jeffrey Allan

wow, you are one jilted journalist. you just don’t get it do you?

no wonder so few good men run for office.
quelips

I agree that the reaction was a bit on the ridiculous side. And I’m not talking about the crowd in front of parliament hill. The people have every right to manifest their interest, especially in a time when politicians of Obama’s character are far and few between. If anything it demonstrates the need and desire for politicians with tact and vision. However, we cannot say the same about the media circus. I found the coverage spectacularily overwhelming, especially at the CBC. We really need to look at the partiallity of our medias. I don’t believe it is right for any media to rally behind an idea, whether it be american politics or even ‘canadian nationalism. I am disillusioned by the number of times, for example, that the CBC uses the word ‘Canadian’ in any news situation, as if they are the advocators of defining our national identity. In fact, Mr. Coyne, I would be greatly interested in your thoughts on this particular issue as you frequently are a political commentator on the CBC.
Darlene

There are many in the U.S. not too impressed with our new President, myself among them. We don’t understand the adulation.
http://originalpechanga.blogspot.com Original Pechanga

All this fuss for a man who hasn’t DONE anything yet,except to sign a bill that will put us deeper in debt.

He is NOT our savior and most likely will be a ONE term President.
kent

I share your sentiments Mr. Coyne. But I can’t help but feel that your comments are undercut pretty heavily by your participation in the At Issue panel yesterday. What was that entire exercise but an attempt to throw some intellectual justification behind all the fluff. “The symbolism was the substance” huh.

Why so polite in front of Mansbridge, and so frustrated on your blog? I suppose I wouldn’t want to bite the hand that feeds me either… but if the coverage frustrated me so much and I had a soap box to stand on I’d like think I’d say something.
Sherry

It is so refreshing for someone to see Obama for what he is – a man that talks well and hasn’t done anything. It’s unfortunate that I (a US citizen) had to read Canadian news for some truth.
fritz57

I’m stunned by the personality cult around “the one”. The worship for this charismatic man with the smoothest platitudes will only feed his ego and ambitions – Next stop Secretary General of the UN.
(after the decline of US economic and military dominance)

http://mooseandsquirrel.ca/ natasha

Cult is exactly the right word for it. I find hero-worship of any mere mortal somewhat disturbing. As you said, it simply feeds his ego.

British philosopher Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) said this about the topic of hero worship:
“Hero-worship is strongest where there is least regard for human freedom.”

Tom

Coyne is right. Worse, Obama is a fascist, a front man for an insidious agenda. The happy smiley face that makes idiots swoon, and the paid-for sycophants out in force to make us all think that is reasonable. Already the agendas being pushed are for much tighter controls on the populace, to make things more cofortable for the thugs that really run things.

We will rue the day this puppet got his strings. Although, any puppet would have done, he just makes it seem all so acceptable.
Malcom Z.

As an American, I think the current PM of Canada is much more competent than our current president. Over the weeks of president, Obama has been aloof at best, grossly negligent at worst. Sounds familiar over the last 8 years, eh? He has signed bills that have been incredibly short-sighted. I applaud Harper in trying to promote Canadian private enterprise through competition and open trade. Private enterprise is what actually creates wealth, not government departments or ministries. Obama has done tremendous damage already by choosing a doomsday method of communication to sell his so-called “stimulus” bill, which is nothing more than huge government expenditure that will create no wealth and is unsustainable. His lack of experience is appalling and the delusion of Obama’s “character” or “tact” is simply his excellent rhetoric combined with people who ignore what little record he has. I think the events that will unfold will be vindication for those who sounded the alarm on this guy and were ignored by people who were in love with a romantized idea that Obama sold in storybook fashion.

renee payette

I totally agree with you….half of the population who voted for Obama are going to be very disappointed when reality hits them and the other half who didn’t vote for him will feel vindicated. I’m just hoping that he and his policies will not do too much damage in the next four years.

Joshua

Make no mastake about it George Bush and the Republicans caused this mess. Its going to need a miracle from Obama to fix it.

We have hope. You have Eight long years of blogging in your mom’s basement.