Canada recently redesigned its passport and some people are upset since they allegedly replaced images of things deemed of national importance (Vimy Ridge, Terry Fox, The Bluenose) with “post national” images of animals and mundane activities (raking leaves). Some compare the new images unfavourably to powerpoint stock photos.
I haven’t seen the new passport. I might not have been able to tell you all of the meaningful images the current passport uses. I won’t spend much time thinking about it. Any change would cause some complaint, and stereotyping a complex nation in short vignettes is only of moderate use and misses much.
But it is also history and human achievement, and it seems disrespectful in general to dispose of all of that - when deemed somewhat inconvenient or irrelevant or whatever post-nationalism might mean. Canada needs more identity, not less. If there is an argument for promoting Canadian content, surely that is part of it. Is this part of a disturbing trend, or something basically trivial? Not every Canadian plays hockey or eats donuts, but some things still matter too.
When did they first put those images in the passports? 2013, I think. We managed to do without them for a long time. Do we really need potted history lessons on passports, money, etc.?
I honestly don’t greatly care about the images on the passports or money, much less statues and monuments. But I do care if it represents a broader trend and think Canadians should understand their history. Documents don’t help them do this.
A big part of the fuss is “culture wars” with right wing politicians playing the “national pride” card. I’m afraid I side with Brecht on this: “Unappy is the land that needs a hero.”
I think the seeds of such politics are everywhere but only “bloom” when properly fertilized. And there are always those happy to spread such fertilizer for their own gain. As the Quebec Social Credit politician Camil Samson said when denouncing his opponents in the Union Nationale party, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Union Nationale has brought you to the edge of the abyss. With Social Credit, you will take one step forward.”