Britain's Guardian has an op-ed piece titled, "Why Canada Wants Scotland To Vote 'Yes.'" I of course, said, "we do?"
I doubt that headline is true. It's quite a case of wishful thinking on the part of Canadian journalist Stephen Marche. The article is based on some old-fashioned conceptions of both Canada and Britain. As I've said before, people who try to understand the Britain of today using the ruthless, amoral empire-builders of the past end up looking quite silly. And his conception of Canada as gullible masses lead by an England-loving elite is nearly as dated.
The weird thing is that beneath everything, I do agree with his philosophy: by basing is identity around its British roots, Canada has never looked to its own characteristics and accomplishments for identity. Like him, I wonder what Canada would do in the wake of a Scottish separation, which might force us to reassess a British heritage we aren't really ready to give up yet.
In his defence, the headline - which he likely didn't write - is misleading. He does actually acknowledge that there is very little desire in Canada to dump the monarchy, so he does make it apparent that the wish for a separate Scotland is a personal desire. Essentially, the article misrepresents reality, and the headline misrepresents the article, resulting in a headline that has no basis in fact.
I haven't seen any surveys on the subject, but I find it hard to believe that most Canadians are looking for a "Yes" vote. I'm sure people with direct Scottish roots probably would like to see them independent, and many Quebec separatists would like the precedent. But for Canadians who don't have a dog in this fight, i'm guessing they will be hoping for a no vote, because of the precedent for Quebec and the British basis of our national identity.
This has really stressed me out, so I'm going to have to order one of The Guardian's Scottish Separation Squeeze toys.
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