So this morning on the Z1035 morning show, I was informed that along with this being Federal Budget day, that there is a proposal to change a line in our country's national anthem.
The line that currently reads "True patriot love, in all thy sons command" is under review to be changed to "True patriot love, thou dost in us command". This has only won the praise of Liberal Senator Vivienne Poy. "I am thrilled," said Poy after hearing that this change may in fact go through. In addition, Queen's University professor Adele Mercier was also pro-change. "The national anthem should reflect its population and Canada consists of 51 per cent women," said Mercier. The complete article by the Globe and Mail can be seen by clicking here.
OK Canada, where do I begin with this?
We get it. As Canadians, we are labelled with an ideology of being a country that represents diversity, change and improvement to the societal standards that, to some, may be seen as outdated and in this case, sexist. Mercier said that a national anthem that should reflect its population, and Canada consists of 51 per cent women.
However, is it really that big of a deal? For example, not a single female athlete who was standing on the podium for Canada after winning gold refused to sing that line because of the word "sons". A national anthem is about uniting a country through the powerful source of music and poetry.
I don't see the Italian national anthem being changed because the first line is "Brothers of Italy" so why should Canada? Also, it may be just me, but many times when Canada as a country is mentioned, is it not referred to as a "her"? As in, a country is something to protect, love and praise (which I feel that most men would agree are their feelings towards their mothers, sisters, wives and girlfriends).
Let's not get sidetracked though. I don't know if it is a coincidence that this issue happens to fall on Federal Budget day or not, but it seems a bit strange that on the day when Harper's government is proposing new financial strategy plans about where tax payers' money, that this issue is the one that they knew would spark a lot of conversation and one that people would definitely be passionate about. What are you trying to slip by us Harper? What do you think we won't notice in the budget? We're onto you...
All in all, I heard a recording on the Z1035 morning show with the new line. I don't hate it, but at the same time, do that many people really care?
Ms. Mercier and Senator Poy, just because you find a hair doesn't mean you have to split it. Our country's values will not be questioned because we have "son" in it. Get over it and love life. Its too short to be wanting to be "remembered" for changing one line to prove a point.
Women's rights are increasing and are being valued more and more everyday, which is a sign of how your beliefs and contributions to this issue are already successful. Don't ruin it with this.
Until next post. Live.It.Up.
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