About the Author
Charles F. Doran has long been interested in the effects of social theories with regards the regaining of peace and security within the different stretches of the world. In this case, Canada has become one of his focused elements that naturally give him the idea of possibly being able to see the different effects of globalization toward the worldwide dream of having peace and security. In his book “Why Canadian Unity Matters and Why Americans Care”, he actually shows that there are different impacting issues between the political standing of both countries that actually affect their views with regards the rightful way of living in terms of realizing the importance of unity within the society.
About the Book
Charles Doran actually professed that the [political situation that is exists around the world affects the human systems accordingly with an interconnected impact on their lifestyles and continental political bearings. The idea of democratic pluralism is then highly focused upon within the book of Doran. This is primarily because of the argument that he wants to prove with regards the effectiveness of relational effect that political equality brings towards the aims of being united amidst the major fact that communities today are widely considered to have diversified populations making them up.
Contents and Summary
The average citizen of the United States is aware of certain “facts” about Canada, the vast country that lies to America’s north. But his information may not go much beyond knowing that there are descendants of the British, French and Americans living there, that they see the northern lights, and that the Mounted Police ‘always get their man.’ If he is old enough he may have heard about the Dionne quintuplets. One of such “facts” the average American assumes is that for the past two centuries Canadians as a whole have loved Americans. Indeed, he may feel that Canadians would no doubt have been willing to become a part of the United States if the British or Canadian governments would have permitted it. But is this the way it really was?
A consideration of history from Canada’s viewpoint reveals many things generally unknown or ignored by most Americans. For instance, Americans would find it difficult to believe that Canadians do not always think so kindly of their neighbors to the south. This is because most Americans fail to remember, if they ever knew, that the first English-speaking Canadians were ‘Loyalists.’These ‘Loyalists’ were people who chose to remain loyal to British rule when the thirteen American colonies rebelled against England in the 1770’s. While the colonists regarded their action as a rebellion against tyranny, the ‘Loyalists’ regarded it as a rebellion against the established ‘law and order.’ Again, it depended upon whose ‘ox’ you were considering. Anti-British mobs tarred, feathered and sometimes even murdered the ‘Loyalists,’ who were forced to flee, literally for their lives. They went to Canada. In most cases they lost their personal property and lands, which were confiscated and never paid for. The approximately 50,000 or more Americans who chose to support the government of England understandably did not like or trust the country from which they had to flee. And the events of the next one hundred years did little to change their minds. Americans twice invaded Canada, and on at least two other occasions it was the victim of attacks based in the United States. The people who fled, who resented, and remembered are the forefathers of many present-day Canadians. While they no longer have the same fears, some resentment still remains.
Thus, the events that have taken place on the North American continent have been viewed quite differently, according to who was doing the viewing. But, then, is it any other way elsewhere? Is it not true that every nation interprets history according to its own interests? Almost always the view is similar to the one declared by a famous American: “My country, may she always be right; but my country, right or wrong.” Such attitudes in all nations have been responsible for much hostility and bloodshed. Indeed, history is filled with the sickening reminders of such misunderstanding and blunders under man’s rule. How obvious it is that human government, however well intentioned, is simply incapable of providing a system that brings true liberty, justice and equality for all.
Although history itself attests to the fact that the American-Canadian relationship has primarily existed within the war years, Doran’s book further points out that the current relations that Canada and America has towards the neighboring countries are rather a proof that both countries have moved on towards the betterment of both their political and social systems.
Thus, today, the systems of both countries are directly interrelated that they are considered as the closest neighbors there are that amidst the major decay that history has implored upon their political understanding as they are experiencing today, both governmental administrations of both countries were able to overcome the deafening effects of the past with regards their present civil relationship. This is the reason why Doran pointed out that whatever political standing Canada has; the American society is directly affected as the mater obviously is involved with the major political implications of the United States. Considering this fact, it may as well be well understood that the application of democratic pluralism within the political systems of Canada should be well recognized by the United States as it may as well help them in attaining their dream of a more unified America that naturally gives them the stronger stand that they need in the global society of economy and trade, especially considering the fact that they are in dire need of dealing with highly diversified human population at present.
Further Comments and Overall Reaction
As a well-versed writer with regards the topics that he handles through the subjects he presented through his book, Doran was able to present the situation he wants to show in a much balanced idea. Whereas, he sees the two different communities as different countries having different standings when it comes to political issues as well as social dealings, yet are having considerably impacting effects to each other’s existing system of living within their own societies. Understandably, making the ends meet is the major aim of Doran in publishing his book. The use of authenticated sources has validated the informations that he shared through his writing. All the more, the use of the historical background of the relationship of both countries has actually marked a better state of acceptance for the fact that each government from both sides of the party impacts the other as changes are implied within their own communities specifically when dealing with human diversity.
Moreover, it could be noticed clearly how the “voice” of the author made his writing convincing thus showing his knowledgeable state with regards the issue that is being presented through the reading. Overall, it could be considered that Doran’s book is indeed a fine read for all those interested on the possibility of having political issues and political systems interact with each other because of the existence of the global neighboring scene.
Reference:
- Charles F. Doran. (2001). Why Canadian Unity Matters and Why Americans Care: Democratic Pluralism at Risk. University of Toronto Press.