Jian Ghomeshi

Canuckistan. I guess before we get into the rest, I should explain where this hate filled word has it’s origins – which should explain my fiery response to it.

Google it. The first thing that will come up is the Wikipedia entry “Anti-Canadianism“. Canuckistan originated in 2002 when Pat Buchanan, who’s no stranger to racism, hate and fear mongering, called us “Soviet Canuckistan” for hating America and being a safe haven for terrorists. Since then it’s been used often by right wing US speakers such as Ann Coulter (remember the controversy of her speaking in March?) in an attempt to slander our good name.

So when I saw Jian Ghomeshi, a Canadian musician and CBC Radio morning show personality use it, I was offended. The word has zero positive connotation. It’s not funny. It’s not ironic (as he tried to tell me in a post soon after).

It’s just offensive.

Plus the context is all wrong. Do you really think Kelly Cutrone is going to get that “Canuckistan” was said hatefully about Canada? Then it enters her vocabulary unaware of it’s hateful origin. Cycle continues.

As someone who works for CBC, you have to be more responsible. Sarcasm or tonality isn’t translated in tweets.

Fortunately, Kelly was able to break me out of my anger with a simple tweet.

PS. I like Jian. I always have since I was a kid. Moxy Fruvous was one of my favourite bands growing up. I just expected better of him.