Q: What inspired you to write about the topic in Bomb Canada?
A: In 2005, I came across an article in the Winnipeg Free Press while I was home in Manitoba for the Christmas holidays. The article's headline, “We're slow and ‘stalking’ America,” grabbed my attention. MSNBC host Tucker Carlson had just made his infamous “Canada is like your retarded cousin” comment and the Canadian press was understandably indignant at this verbal slight as well as at some other equally provocative Canada-bashing remarks. As a journalist and as a Canadian newly adjusting to life in Los Angeles, I was intrigued. Why were American commentators taking aim at Canada, and how did this compare to what has been said by the American media in the past? So began the process of sifting through thousands of archived newspaper and magazine articles, tracking down comments made by television hosts and political pundits, and trolling the Internet in search of anti-Canadian blog postings.
2 comments:
How would you characterize the media portrayal of Canada at the moment?
Right now, I would say Canada has largely disappeared from coverage because journalists have been focusing their attention on Americans' thoughts and arguments surrounding the health care debate. This is rather surprising because Canada's health-care system would make a great feature story. Unfortunately, most newsrooms are so stretched they don't have the resources to take an in-depth look at it (both the pros and cons).
I have seen some coverage of Canada regarding border security, but the comments haven't been negative. It's been quite factual, not opinionated, which reflects the general American viewpoint that increased security on all borders is a good thing.
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