American Influence Promotes Canadian Identity

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From the start of the 1920's, Canadians have faced a considerable amount of threat towards the Canadian culture from it's American neighbours. For Canada, living so close causes a concern on Canadian identity from American implementation, however, being in a close relationship with the States, it has also promoted Canadian culture. An examination of the nation's success with CBC from America's involvement in the airwaves, Canadian nationalism is promoted through Hockey Night in Canada and the establishment of the National Film Board during the growth of American entertainment industries, will clearly prove that American influence has not diminished Canadian identity but in fact has strengthened it. Ever since technology has advanced, it played a major role in bringing the American culture in Canadian homes, especially through radio. This resulted Canadians to become more familiar with American artists and performers, because of this, the Aird Commissions were concerned of Canada losing its identity to Americanization, thus was the birth of the successful Canadian Broadcasting Commission as its purpose was to “engage in the quick distribution of news across Canada...and providing exposure to Canadian compositions.” (“Creation of the Canadian Broadcast Corporation”) To begin with, CBC radio was successful because it established a powerful sense of national unity across Canada. This connected Canadians coast to coast with news about what was happening everyday in the urbanized life, and exchanged cultural expressions that were made available in French and English to reflect on national consciousness and identity. Without having to rely on American culture, CBC allowed more airtime with only Canadian content by replacing American cult... ... middle of paper ... ...6 June 2014. . Ohayon, Albert. “Canada’s Diverse Cultures.” National Film Board of Canada. National Film Board of Canada, n.d. Web. 8 June 2014. . Rutherford, Paul. “Radio Programming.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Foundation, 16 Dec. 2013. Web. 8 June 2014. . ShervinFo. “Creation of the Canadian Broadcast Corporation.” Canada in the 20s and 30s. Tangient, 8 Feb. 2010. Web. 7 June 2014. . “2015: Everyone, Every Way CBC/Radio-Canada.” CBC/Radio-Canada. CBC/Radio-Canada, n.d. Web. 7 June 2014. .

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