Earle Birney

We see in Earle Birney's poem "Canada: Case History: 1945", that Canada is depicted metaphorically as being "deadset in adolescence" in that this poet is able to demonstrate to the reader fairly effectively that while Canada is a progressive, evolving nation, it is still struggling with many hurdles and shortcomings that it must overcome as it works its way through its infancy stage in its quest to truly establish itself as a sovereign and independent nation. The poet's deep and profound imagery evokes a somewhat narrow-minded but sadly an almost realistic view of the hindered, yet somewhat incubated, Canadian identity. In Earle Birney's concluding rhetorical question "will he learn to grow up before its too late?"one is left to ponder whether or not Canada will merely get swallowed up by the almighty U.S of A., thus evolving into a wholly subservient or a satellite state and economically dependent upon the American economy never obtaining any formidable clout in the American, geopolitical arena. Clearly the symbolic representations of NHL hockey and maple syrup as the mainstays of Canadian culture may not be able to carry and sustain a true Canadian identity successfully to the next anticipated level of pride and patriotism. It is my contention that Earle Birney compares Canada to an immature boy not quite yet comfortable in his own skin ergo postering in a "gangling presence" but stumbling amidst the underdeveloped landscape of "high school land". Still quite awkward in many respects and experiencing ongoing struggles to this day, Canada has been ineffective with respect to positioning itself on the world front globally as a top leader either politically or economically, therefore Canada's overconfidence has not always been deemed an asset especially when it has been outmatched. The poet here seems to echo these sentiments similarly regarding Canada's overzealous and false sense of pride by acquiring "new coins and model planes and never refuses a dare" somehow suggesting that it is not a good idea to get ahead of oneself. Personally I feel that the poet is denigrating the intellectual horsepower of Canada's societal members as a whole with his derogatory statement "doesn't like books (except about bears)" suggesting that Canadians are at a clear disadvantage or suffer severe limitations with respect to envisioning the bigger picture. Canada's struggle and steadfast determination to establish a true Canadian identity in the face of American domination socially, culturally and economically sees several obstacles stacked in the way of this North American nation's lofty ambitions of aspiring "to be different from everyone else". I think that popular opinion amongst many Canadians is to strive to be on par with our American counterparts without losing ourselves and falling prey to the trappings of greed, corporate growth and pompous methods of conducting business on the heels of the lowly, little guy or have not. I suspect that Earle Birney is really questioning the autonomy and self -determination of Canada's existence and therefore addresses the issue "of winning the global race" because historically Canada's economy has been inextricably tied to "his Father" (Great Britian) " and "French mother" (France) and is really still experiencing the trials and tribulations of breaking free from the early remnants of an imperialistic regime. Furthermore, we see the reference of the U.S.A as an uncle coddling Canada "with candy of course" but dealing with Canada condescendingly as the United States "shouts him down when he talks at table" suggesting that Canada will always live in that overbearing nation's shadow sheepishly obedient. This dominance and almost hurtful way of stifling Canada's growth and development will most likely cast a shadow of doubt in the mindset of many Canadians and potentially scar the "bright cheeks" of hopeful and unrealistically,optimistic Canadians. "This boy" (Canada) still has a long way to go in order to create a strong, distinctive, national identity in the face of more powerful nations looking to control Canada's direction with respect to its economic infrastructure and sociocultural flavor. Surely it can be stated that Canada's permanent stall which according to Earl Birney is "deadset in adolescence" could only triumph from a much more unfettered direction free from the contraints of the all too powerful U.S.A's stranglehold on the Canadian economy and those imported socialcultural factors that shape and mold the Canadian identity/personality structure. I don't know that I am in total agreement with all of Earle Birney's skewed thoughts put forth in the above-mentioned poem that I have attempted to critically respond to, however he most certainly does put forth some very valid and eye-opening social commentary, while presenting some thought provoking cautionary advice with respect to the direction that the pervasive Canadian identity might be taking. Perhaps he and any others who subscribe to his ideological concepts had not yet taken into consideration the various strides and accomplishments that Canada's thriving population has managed to secure amidst its constant struggle to "pull a great face".

January 25, 2014