In that spirit, let's take a moment to think of this new study out yesterday, saying that while Canadians and Americans are not so different after all, we're disliking each other more and more. This of course sent John Ibbitson (among others) in to a tizzy, chastising Canadians for daring to criticize their betters. My only response to this is to suggest that people read Fire and Ice by Michael Adams. He really demolishes the idea that Conservatives have that we're becoming "more like each other." And frankly, this latest poll doesn't change my mind too much on this matter. There ARE major differences between Canadian and American culture, and we're drifting apart, not coming together.
And, on that note, let me just say that I'm reading Blockbusters and Tradewars, a book about the economics of culture - and why "free trade" in cultural commodities is a myth. Especially in the digital age, culture can be transmitted and reproduced at almost zero cost, once the costs of production are amortized - and still make a profit. However, the authors have a great line about the international success of Degrassi: The New Generation. Because the show is distributed across the anglosphere, the Canadian producers are constantly getting notes from their international networks:
Flashpoints vary. "Canadians are more liberal than [viewers] practically anywhere else," Schuyler says. In Britain, broadcasters fret equally over portrayals of youthful sexuality and violence. Australians are relatively at ease with the sex - but not the violence. In the United States, violence ruffles very few feathers but depictions of dating across racial lines raise executive alarm."So. Want to watch interracial sex, violence, and anything else? Come to Canada, baby! Now if you'll pardon me, it's lunchtime, and I'm gonna go watch some biracial porn on CBC.
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