Canada takes a very different view of immigrants than the US. Integration - not assimilation. Diversity is welcome. Bienvenue à ceux qui viennent au Canada et qui respectent nos valeurs!
Well said. I’ve already left, and even just across the border you gain an amazing amount of calm perspective, even as the absurdity and apathy make you sadly shake your head.
I think it is worth remembering that for almost every American, their ancestors went through the same process - leaving their country because their 'home' became too difficult, and they were willing to move in the hope of a better life for themselves and their offspring.
They thrived in their new home, even though many of them never fully adopted the new American way of life, or even the language, but still they found it worth doing. As always, it is the bravest and best that have the courage and confidence to leave, and the country they leave behind is poorer for their departure, even as the new country they move to benefits from their arrival.
But it is also fair to say that the ones that stay behind are, whether consciously or inadvertently, supporting the regime with their work, their taxes, and their acquiescence to the system they are living within. Whether it was Nazi Germany, Mussolini's Italy, south Africa's Apartheid, or today in Netanyahu's Israel, the people that stay are inevitably held complicit in supporting what their state does.
Trump's economy and government can only function because people stay there, fulfil their work responsibilities, buy American products, drive American cars, buy and rent American homes, eat American food, holiday in American resorts, and invest their pensions and savings in American companies. The example of Canada's recent boycott of all things American has demonstrated the considerable impact such simple, everyday choices can have.
Supporting America is now, sadly, supporting and enabling Trump and his regime, and rewarding those oligarchs and Republicans and MAGA supporters as they destroy the country. Worth considering, don't you think?
Canada will be a good place to settle or transition. Once you're settled, the Liberal party or Tory party may need your know how. Ontario uses spelling closer to US spellings while BC is closer to British spelling. It's not exactly standardized
Today I’m thinking of the many African Americans who found freedom in France over several centuries through today. It’s not that there's no racism in France, but it is/was directed in different directions. African Americans were welcomed as culturally interesting outsiders.
.."we will never fully belong anywhere else. I’ll live in Canada but never be Canadian. I could live in Italy, but never be Italian"
Good post, but would add a alternate point to your quote above....
Yes, you will belong. Agree maybe not fully, but for wherever you end up you will eventually belong in almost all ways that matter. It just takes time.
For me, I'm now approaching 20 years of living in Australia, with being a dual citizen for over 75% of that time. The first 4-5 years was obvious in my American-ness, but it slowly faded. I'm now generally feeling more Australian than American, and belong here much more than back in the states. Things slot in. For myself it was things like understanding the rules of cricket, for saying "mate" in sentences without any self-consciousness, cringing when I hear an American friend say "root for the home team", or flying into Sydney and seeing the Opera House and harbour sparkling on a summer's day and thinking "ahh, I'm home".
I still can't shake the accent though....
For those that are getting out. Best of luck and take the time. Keep the American optimism, and adopt the best of where you are going to.
Canada takes a very different view of immigrants than the US. Integration - not assimilation. Diversity is welcome. Bienvenue à ceux qui viennent au Canada et qui respectent nos valeurs!
Taking my ember to Portugal in 6 days!
Boa viagem!
I immediately thought of you when I read this, Karen! I’m excited to watch your next chapter unfold
Aw thanks amber! 💗🙌
Well said. I’ve already left, and even just across the border you gain an amazing amount of calm perspective, even as the absurdity and apathy make you sadly shake your head.
About that Thanksgiving turkey. Twice. We insist. Dual citizens abound, too.
As usual I can't argue with a thing you wrote. We're not in a position to leave now, but there's not a day goes by that i don't think about Canada.
Same here, John.
Went to college in Canada, and have always wanted to return.
I think it is worth remembering that for almost every American, their ancestors went through the same process - leaving their country because their 'home' became too difficult, and they were willing to move in the hope of a better life for themselves and their offspring.
They thrived in their new home, even though many of them never fully adopted the new American way of life, or even the language, but still they found it worth doing. As always, it is the bravest and best that have the courage and confidence to leave, and the country they leave behind is poorer for their departure, even as the new country they move to benefits from their arrival.
But it is also fair to say that the ones that stay behind are, whether consciously or inadvertently, supporting the regime with their work, their taxes, and their acquiescence to the system they are living within. Whether it was Nazi Germany, Mussolini's Italy, south Africa's Apartheid, or today in Netanyahu's Israel, the people that stay are inevitably held complicit in supporting what their state does.
Trump's economy and government can only function because people stay there, fulfil their work responsibilities, buy American products, drive American cars, buy and rent American homes, eat American food, holiday in American resorts, and invest their pensions and savings in American companies. The example of Canada's recent boycott of all things American has demonstrated the considerable impact such simple, everyday choices can have.
Supporting America is now, sadly, supporting and enabling Trump and his regime, and rewarding those oligarchs and Republicans and MAGA supporters as they destroy the country. Worth considering, don't you think?
Leaving the US 3 months ago was among the best decisions I’ve ever made. My physical and mental health has improved exponentially.
Happy to provide guidance, recommendations or introductions if you land in BC.
My family won't listen.
This is the reality for many people I know.
Canada will be a good place to settle or transition. Once you're settled, the Liberal party or Tory party may need your know how. Ontario uses spelling closer to US spellings while BC is closer to British spelling. It's not exactly standardized
I think it depends on your age perhaps... I went to grades 2 to 8 in Ontario, did the rest in Quebec. British spelling all the way!
Yes no clear standards. Best to update spell check to English Canadian
Also planning my exit very carefully as I read this. Québec, je viens. 🩵
Love this piece. And let's plan to meet once you are settled
Reading this and sipping my coffee from BC. We’re a few weeks post-departure and the reality still hasn’t sunk in yet.
Today I’m thinking of the many African Americans who found freedom in France over several centuries through today. It’s not that there's no racism in France, but it is/was directed in different directions. African Americans were welcomed as culturally interesting outsiders.
.."we will never fully belong anywhere else. I’ll live in Canada but never be Canadian. I could live in Italy, but never be Italian"
Good post, but would add a alternate point to your quote above....
Yes, you will belong. Agree maybe not fully, but for wherever you end up you will eventually belong in almost all ways that matter. It just takes time.
For me, I'm now approaching 20 years of living in Australia, with being a dual citizen for over 75% of that time. The first 4-5 years was obvious in my American-ness, but it slowly faded. I'm now generally feeling more Australian than American, and belong here much more than back in the states. Things slot in. For myself it was things like understanding the rules of cricket, for saying "mate" in sentences without any self-consciousness, cringing when I hear an American friend say "root for the home team", or flying into Sydney and seeing the Opera House and harbour sparkling on a summer's day and thinking "ahh, I'm home".
I still can't shake the accent though....
For those that are getting out. Best of luck and take the time. Keep the American optimism, and adopt the best of where you are going to.
It is becoming more and more real. The post leaves me verklempt.
ja verklempt
Buona fortuna per il tuo nuovo inizio in Canada.