Oh Canada, I Hid Behind You

Traveling around the world for over 30 years, I've felt the reputation of our country shift back and forth. During the Vietnam War, doing graduate work in London, I had to fend off in-my-face anti-American arguments and insults even though I was young and against our involvement. I just tried to Zen-out as the vocal Brits vented away.

Later, through the Clinton era, I basked in the glow of the "specialness" of being from the US. And almost anywhere I went, if I mentioned that I lived in New York City, waiters would chat me up about their uncles in Astoria or sisters in Seattle and tell me how they hoped, somehow, some day to visit. I remember drivers acting giddy, shopkeepers smiling and handing me little gifts, chefs sending out an extra dessert. Being a New Yorker meant I was specially blessed: a symbol of hope and opportunity to many who did not have a chance for these precious ideals, and knew they never would.

For me the apex of good will came right after 9/11. About half a dozen of us from New York, including a deputy mayor, were invited as symbolic guests of the government of Florence, Italy. We were feted for several days, and the Florentines expressed that they were New Yorkers too in our time of trouble. The Pitti Palace was opened at night for us, their mayor felt our pain, we met the Ferragamos in their home. We were toasted and praised, and left feeling supported and healed. As Americans we seemed to be loved.

Then, rapidly, the nadir. The world's silences, glares, disappointments, shock, hatred.

To avoid stress, as a frequent solo traveler, and especially since Bush's reelection, I've sometimes avoided mentioning that I'm American, and have even resorted to saying that I'm from Ottawa, a lovely capital city I know a bit about. This desperate ploy has saved me from unwinnable tirades and arguments in hostile lands. I"ve avoided the shame and frustration of having to answer why we reelected GWB, or why we have a congress that has led us so far off course, and why the war effort remains in the wrong place.

And so, seeing the immense crowd cheering our presidential candidate in Berlin on a golden July afternoon brought tears to my eyes. The world wants to love us again. It is still on our side! Despite it all we remain a beacon of hope, and Barack Obama represents the best of us, an American creation of youth and grace and possibility.

I feel proud. So Ottawa, you have deflected the blame and have been a safe haven, but I will not need to hide behind you any more. I hope.

Lea Lane is founder/editor of sololady.com, and author of Solo Traveler: Tales and Tips for Great Trips (Fodor's).

Comments

[watchingfromCanada]

I'm a very proud Canadian, and from Ottawa. What I've learned over the past 8 years or so is that Americans really don't speak up very much... Too many Americans let themselves be 'amBushed' and lost respect around the world because of remarkably arrogant policies and big money. Every country has it's issues, but I hope Americans never forgets, and never permits this to happen again. It's not just your reputation, guys, the impact of U.S. decisions is painful to the world community... Your president must never be 'a guy you'd like to have a beer with' - what low standards. Your new guy has to be inspirational and above all, SMART. Go Obama.

[NoSandwiches]

I travelled to Germany as a 16 year old back in 1980. We were TOLD to claim we were Canadian if asked, told not to have any American flags on our clothing, purses, or packs, and heard from other travellers who encouraged us to purchase a Canadian flag to stich onto a backpack if we were going to try to travel without the group. That was the first time I had considered that Europeans may not have a positive view of my country.
When speaking with the Germans, they would bring up history and current events in which my country had done something offensive, yet I had never heard anything about these events in the news back home. Everyone should travel abroad because it can really open your eyes. It was especially odd to watch the news in another company and see yourself through a different lense.

[HeidiRenee]

As an American living in Canada (and married to a Canadian) I can so relate. I haven't traveled abroad, but have extensive interactions with people from all nations and regularly I allow them to assume I am Canadian too. Thank you for expressing my deep desire to be proud of my country again. What he said yesterday was so powerful and beautiful. How could anyone listen to his words not have hope restored?

[ema]

I do the same thing. I usually say I am from Toronto.

[ewoman]

Ms. Lane - I felt immediate empathy with you, as I had to hide behind Canada once when I was in Australia (they couldn't tell the difference in my 'accent' and a Canadian accent, fortunately). The reason I did it was the same as yours - to simply have a 'normal' conversation with that country's residents when I was out with friends (my friends appreciated my 'switch' - even recommended it - as they were frustrated with watching me tirelessly try to explain that I didn't vote for the person in office). With that said, many residents in other countries want to love America (again) - they just haven't been able to do so with the actions and rhetoric that have occurred over the past eight years. From 9/11 it was all downhill...

So, to see so many turn out to listen to Obama in Germany today brought a lump to my throat and pride to my heart. For Obama to show the respect to Germans and others that we so dearly lack at this time in history is the first step to a stage for mutual respect, support, and admiration among all allies.

Rockwell - Thanks for trying to understand. You only faced your parents - imagine facing people who don't know you and who assume that you voted for Bush since you're an American. It's rough out there. That's why the overwhelming German response today was heartening to some. I only hope it will continue to positively impress

[Chillinout]

Ms. Lane, I feel for you. I have several friends that toured Europe and they went as far as sewing Canadian flags on their backpacks.

Thank you Canada for being so nice that us Americans can hide behind you.

It will nice to be proud to be an American abroad again. :-)

[CapitalCat]

Unfortunately, Obama has not yet visited Ottawa although we are hopeful one of his first visits as president will be here.

Even more unfortunately McCain delivered a speech here a few weeks ago.

[Aleka4]

What I don't understand, is why so many people want to undermine that. What kind of American DOESN'T want to restore its rep? What kind of American wants more of the same as Bu-sh?

Here on this blog and in the msm, they are all like rabid wolves looking to twist each and every word O utters, his every action to negative, smearing, lying and bashing, twisting and misrepresenting. I mean they are not even honest, they actually are so morally bankrupt they will bald face lie to undermine a candidate who can repair so much damage and do so much good.

If you ask me, THEY are the unAmerican ones, the unpatriotic ones. They care more for themselves, their egos or power, have so little morality, and have such a low disregard for life or others, that they willingly and gleefully contribute to trying to undermine the good of their own country.

They really make me sick.

[jemeagirl]

I can very much relate to this. A lot of Americans who do not travel outside of the country do not understand this. I travel the world several times a year. It used to be when you shwo the blue passport at the airport, people respect you and are nice to. Now when I travel even with mt children I have to squeeze through hoping no one will notice I am american because in Europe, they all have this look on their face "you are the people who voted for Bush twice."

So yes it is a new day today. I knew it was going to be a wonderful event in berlin because I have a lot of relatives throughout Europe and a lot them were travelling to Berlin today to hear Sen Obama speak.

Let's get it right this time, please. And Yes Rockwell, the pressure is great around the world

[Rockwell]

Wow. I understand your post and I agree that Obama's embrace is an embrace of America, not the man. But I just can't get past the fact that you lied about your nationality. I despise this administration and I'm deeply angry at my fellow Americans who stupidly voted for him twice. But I can't imagine ever denying my American citizenship.

But I've not traveled abroad and not had to face the pressure you have. I may feel differently if I'd travelled in your shoes. The worst I've had to put up with is abuse from my small minded, Rush Limbaugh parents when I confessed I'd voted for Bill Clinton - twice!

[rgersmrk]

While I've never been proud in any way of this current administration I've never been ashamed to say I am an American. Every major country has gone through bad leaders. People just tend to forget that.

[overtheedge]

I agree! I haven't traveled outside the country in a long time but I can't imagine being ashamed to say I'm an American. America is far from perfect, but so is the rest of the world.

[JimR]

I agree. I am ashamed of what our current leaders have done, but I am not ashamed to be an American.