Open Letter to Gord Downie - Printable Version

Open Letter to Gord Downie - Printable Version

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Open Letter to Gord Downie - Earnest_Canuck - 08-29-2003

Mr Downie,

As a long-time, deeply-involved fan (hell, I even dedicated my last book to you) I have to say I was deeply irritated by a jaw-droppingly underthought comment you recently made in the *Vancouver Sun,* to the effect that "nationalism is inherently racist."

Jesus. This is a silly thing to say. Where to begin? Definition of terms, one supposes. Nationalism is the love of one's country - and this was considered a virtue, indeed the basic foundation of good citizenship, up till a generation or so ago.

As such, how could it be "inherently" racist? There are different nationalisms, as indeed there are different nations, and it's a goddamned good thing too. Some, doubtlessly, are based on contempt for those not part of the favoured group. So what? *Canadian* nationalism, to which I'd always kinda thought you subscribed, would have a hard time denigrating any particular ethnic group as inferior, based as it is on the ancient bargain between English and French which brought about Confederation. If you start out with agreement - or inclusion - just how exactly, Mr Downie, do you think a thoughtful Canadian patriot winds up valuing racism - or exclusion? Maybe you're thinking of some other kind of nationalism. Maybe you're thinking of old-time Germany, or Rwanda or something. But you really ought to consider your own context first when you're talking politics, Mr Downie. You certainly do when you're making art.

The only part of your statement that actually makes a bit of sense is the "inherent" - yeah, people the world over love their countries. It's such a strong phenomenon, surfacing with such regularity in every society, that one eventually has to admit it appears to be a part of human nature, like the urge to spirituality. That is, it's *inherent,* for good or ill. In its modern Canadian form, I and millions like me are determined to use it for good - to build a better Canada, a nation owned by its own citizens, a rich and free and tolerant society -- and not incidentally, one that makes cultural space for its important artists, such as yourself. Even if you do have a moment of inanity from time to time in the public sphere. Fair enough; I mean, what you said isn't unforgiveable.

But it is silly. Without nationalism, Mr Downie, you don't have nations. Without nations, the world's McWealthy and their massive business operations will run the show on *every* front. The particulars of place and language and culture - which you've so movingly evoked with the Hip and on your own - will slowly cease to matter. Then they'll cease to exist. You see what I'm getting at here? When a nation's finest poet sort of casually mentions in public that he thinks people who love their country are all bigoted fools, I get a dreadful feeling like the jig is up, baby; like, within a couple of generations there won't be a Canada. And that won't be the result of external forces or the remorseless match of history: it'll be because smart, important Canadians like you just gave up on it. *Just gave up on it.* Sickening phrase, isn't it?

I'm sure you have a more nuanced feeling about your own society than one newspaper quote can show, Mr Downie (in fact your work proves it, maybe more than you know). But, man, that one phrase is so much "the saying of the things that are said," you know? It sounds sloganish, undergraduate, anemic. Most of all, Mr Downie, it sounds *parroted.* We really do expect more of you, as a Canadian, a citizen, and most of all as a poet. We don't need you to tattoo the Leaf on your forehead, brother; but maybe you should rethink your views, or just stick to versewriting.

Sincerely,
One Earnest Canuck,
Lyle Neff,
Vancouver.

- jen - 08-29-2003

You joined Hipbase today...just so you could show us your disgruntled letter???

Um....okay. Confused

cratch:

- ron - 08-29-2003

how many books have you written ?
Are you sure that was the exact quote or was it the reporter who was the word smith of the quote .

Ron

- beanmedic - 08-30-2003

although i hate to admit it, gord's right. :?

- Storm - 08-30-2003

highwaygirl28 Wrote:You joined Hipbase today...just so you could show us your disgruntled letter???

Um....okay. cratch: cratch:

I guess he wants us to read it Jen. Although I don't know why....
It's hardly interesting.

- Beat - 08-30-2003

He's probably more right than you think Lyle.

- thehip11 - 08-30-2003

Can this guy be deleted from hipbase?

- beanmedic - 08-30-2003

one thing's for sure - he wont be eligible for the BIG EVENT!!!!! :lol: :lol:

- gratts99 - 08-30-2003

yeah.. he would defentily be a PARTY POOPER!!

- Roy-at-tth - 08-30-2003

I think we all just proved Gord's point...

- Kim - 08-30-2003

I read this on the net somewhere and thought it was pretty good:

" The problem is there are many definitions of nationalism.

I love where I come from but there are also lots of other nice countries and people out there. They aren't necessarily better or worse, just different.

I think it was George Orwell who said "a patriot is a man who loves his country, whereas a nationalist is a man who hates everyone else's""

Hating everyone else's country just cause its not your own, implies racism.. its as simple as that.

- Storm - 08-30-2003

Kim... :thumb:

- ron - 08-30-2003

i found this on the web use the picture for your dart board :lol: :lol: :lol:
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.poets.ca/linktext/direct/neff.htm">www.poets.ca/linktext/direct/neff.htm</a>

- Kim - 08-30-2003

:lol:

Anybody know where to find that address? :wink: