It’s important to be proud of where you’re from. It’s equally important to not have an attitude of superiority because of where you’re from. It’s most important to not think less of other people because of where they’re from, but rather more, because of what they can teach you.
I overheard a conversation on the bus last week between a local and a visitor here for the Olympics. The Canadian asked the Foreigner, “Where are you from?” With a straight face, the Foreigner immediately answered, “Heaven.” Somewhat at a loss for what to say, the Canadian attempted to clarify by asking where he, you know, came here from. Entertained by the obvious clash of perspectives, the Foreigner explained to him that where he’s from it’s an insult to greet people by asking where they’re from, because it presupposes that they are not like you. Unfortunately, the Canadian continued to pursue a straight(er) answer, and clearly wasn’t thrilled about being toyed with.
Similar to the Foreigner, my life has taught me that one of the problems with countries is that they define who you are not more than they define who you are. If I tell a non-Canadian my nationality, that tells them nothing about who I am, but immediately offers the illusion that I am not like them. It also offers the lesser illusion that my government actually represents me.
At this point, even if I had the desire to, it would be pointless for me to explain why I fall under the broad category of “Anti-Olympics.” I’ll be the first person to admit that once everything was going down it wasn’t hard to put aside most of my differences and get swept up in the party. That’s the spirit of the whole thing isn’t it? But amidst the partying what bothered me was that the celebrations, in the streets and the media, seemed to have a constant undercurrent of We Are Better Than You.
I’m all for celebrating athletic achievement. I’ve played sports my whole life and was even fortunate enough to play on a team that won a championship. I know that the pure bliss of We Are Better Than You is one of the reasons why so many athletes work incredibly hard. It’s the same reason why so many people are passionate fans of professional sports. Hell, if the Canucks ever win the Stanley Cup I’ll be celebrating like never before.
But when athletic achievement gets tangled up in a broader attitude of national supremacy my feelings become mixed. Especially when there are important things happening that I’m completely embarrassed about. Am I the only Canadian who felt a bit weird about the attitude that seemed to be present beneath the surface of all the good spirits and flag waving over the last two weeks? Is it possible to separate national pride from an attitude of superiority? The Olympics claim to be about maintaining the purity of sport, and while I believe in the essence of the idea, from my experience the Games and their injection of nationalism accomplish just the opposite.
Domination and burnt American flag photos courtesy of Steeve Lebel. For another perspective on the Games check out Tobias C. Van Veen’s excellent ‘patriotism & the consumption of carnival.‘
March 3, 2010 at 8:57 pm |
i miss your writing.
March 4, 2010 at 9:59 am |
you re saying what we all know simply.
What are borders anyway? Do they not shift and change in time? National identity is nothing except transitory and deeply small minded. And I couldn’t give two shits where I’m from frankly. I do care where I’ve been and where I am going but that is internal.
March 5, 2010 at 6:01 pm |
You really don’t give two shits about where you’re from? How many times have I heard the words, “I’m from fuckin Philly bro,” and, “I’m a Philly kid,” come out of your mouth? You haven’t lived there since you were roughly 18 years old, but if you’re telling me you’re not proud of how that city shaped you, I call bullshit.
Where you’re from is integral to who you are, and a key part of being proud of who you are today. That city left an irrevocable mark on you, and if you could go back and do things over, I would be shocked if you traded it for anywhere else.
March 6, 2010 at 10:37 pm |
Honestly, you can contemplate the implications of nationalistic superiority complexes being injected into sport until the proverbial cows come home, but all other considerations go out the window when hockey is on the line. I have nothing but love for my Yankee brethren but if you’d walked into my vicinity before the gold medal game wearing a USA jersey I’d have tied you to a tree outside. And not one of the lower branches, either.
As far as the olympics went, with a couple of exceptions (hockey and Joannie Rochette come to mind) I personally wasn’t so much concerned with whether our country beat everyone as whether the games were a success. Because given the absolute ocean of money this has cost the city (and country) that was the only way to make up some portion of our outlay.
March 8, 2010 at 3:34 am |
JD it’s been a while since I got a dose of your unique sense of humour.
In my opinion, concerning yourself with whether or not we make the ocean of money back is a pointless exercise. I’m not an expert, but from what I can tell government debt is in a state of perpetual growth. Be it here in BC, federally, or internationally.
March 9, 2010 at 1:51 pm |
Nationalism has undeniably caused a host of problems and defining someone by their place of origin will rarely provide an accurate portrait of them; however the main issue that you identify seems to be the construction of the “other”. During the Olympics, differentiation by country seems obvious, but this occurs constantly on so many levels. Whether it is based on class, religion, an activity or any other number of factors, people are constantly making judgments on those around them. While they may often have a negative connotation, in my experiences, these judgments are often made in an attempt to establish common ground. I think this comes down to basic human nature and that the nation is only one embodiment of this.
Your writing is as thought provoking and well crafted as ever.
March 12, 2010 at 2:34 am |
Mickey I wouldn’t have expected any less of you. Thank you for the compliment and fantastic response. While I agree with you for the most part, I don’t think the main issue I identify is the construction of the “other,” but rather the attitude that was present towards the “other.”
Why the “other” is constructed is a discussion for another time, because the fact that it happens constantly on many levels is undeniable. But, I think the attitude that people take towards that “other” is of the utmost importance, especially if its creation is nearly impossible to resist (human nature) as you suggest.
March 12, 2010 at 12:18 pm |
I can’t help but take a Machiavellian/Freudian view on nationalism,human nature, the olympics and sports in general. I’ll finish this when I get home…
March 13, 2010 at 7:40 pm |
yeah never mind..
March 17, 2010 at 10:45 am |
Fair enough Dave! You definitely focus on the sense of superiority, but I think that this is so frequently linked to how people define themselves, something that almost inevitably involves differentiation from other people, groups, nationalities, etc.
I wasn’t in Vancouver, so I don’t know what the general sense was, but over here, there was definitely a sense of rivalry, only in a fun sense though. I was also interested in the conversation you heard on the bus. It makes sense that this question could be a source of tension, or seen as provocation, but I would have to think that the context plays a huge role in that. I can only speak from personal experience, but I enjoy when people ask where I am from, and have yet to receive a negative response (something that should be qualified by noting that if I were from the former USSR, Turkey or any other number of countries I’m sure that I would have a different perspective).
Also, I’m halfway through The New Kings of Nonfiction and it is great! Lewis, Gladwell, Orlean and Buford are my favourites so far. Thank you. And I’m glad you’re blogging again!
March 19, 2010 at 1:39 am |
Good to hear! I’ll hit you off with an email regarding this asap.
March 20, 2010 at 11:06 am |
sounds good man