In the Blog
Magazine Controversy can be revealing
If you’ve passed a newsstand recently, you’ve likely come across the controversial cover story in (and image on) the latest issue of Macleans Magazine. It’s easy to see why a piece titled “How George Bush Became the New Saddam” could push some buttons, especially down south, but what is perhaps more interesting is what is being revealed in the realm of Canadian/American relations as a result.
D.B. Scott, who has been “watching the blogosphere for comments about the Maclean’s cover” made this observation on his Canadian Magazines blog today:
…most have not even the foggiest notion about what life is like in Canada, hence their bizarre explanations for these people north of the border satirizing their president.
His example? Scott provides this gem of a quote from Maffers Weblog: Political humor is rampant in Canadian culture, as many Canadian children are raised on peasant vision, or basic cable, which offers CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), and not a whole lot else. CBC, being a nationally owned station, is understandably lacking in quality programming, but in one area they have shined for years; the field of Political humor… children of all ages have been bombarded with savvy (or not) political whit (sic), when they are not watching hockey that is.
Inspired by Scott’s interest in the American reaction to this piece, I went looking for commentary and actually found quite a postive response, including this comment:
I applaud the Canadians. They’ve long seen the way things are! Even though they are America’s Hat.
