HOT OFF THE PRESS: Should Canada change its national anthem?

Should Canada change its national anthem?

3 March 2010

Oh, Canada… In the wake of potentially the greatest cultural and patriotic moments the annals of your history, parliament wants to change the national anthem –seriously.

The Governor General Michaelle Jean announced in today’s throne speech that we, Canada, should adopt a more gender-neutral phrasing of the Canadian anthem:

“True patriot love in all thy sons command”

Yes, that one part, that one word, in the Canadian anthem is under the scrutiny of political correctness all for the sake of…I don’t even know.

In case you were wondering, the revised version may go something like this:

“True patriot love thou dost in us command”

If this is the government’s way of trying to rouse patriotism in an effort to preserve and protect something that, in itself, is perfectly fine, this is not the way.  If this is the government’s way of delaying further action without requestion a third prorogation, congratulations.  I think the Leader of the Opposition Michael Ignatieff got it right in calling out the government for taking no real action on women’s equality, and simply putting forth symbolic gestures.

In all reality, what does this act achieve? Personally, I feel that national anthems, especially Canada’s, are inherently inclusive — after all, that’s kind of the point of a national anthem.  I doubt any of the Olympic female athletes were contemplating the socio-political implications of gender-bias phrasing while they were winning gold last month.

Nevertheless, I kind of get it?  Change isn’t easy and always comes with resistance, and this is all in the name of social progress.  And, our discourse and phrasing shapes and alters the way we should think about and approach issues — theoretically.  But, does it really? Will changing this one word in the Canadian anthem change the way in which we approach gender issues in Canada?  Will further equality of rights for men and women?  Doubtful.  What is more, I don’t think it will be worth the social backlash this government will face in today’s papers.

I think I speak on behalf of the majority of Canadians when I ask, “Is this really happening?!”

Anyone else think Canada’s due for a referendum?

Original Story:

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2010/03/03/o-canada-anthem.html

[Via http://avenuel.wordpress.com]