EFL
Ready to trade that Yo for an Eh? There are those who insist that smart American travelers should stow their Yankee identity and simply pretend they're Canadians to ensure safe passage overseas.
Something like a Bull Mastiff pretending to be a kitty cat?
New Mexico-based T-Shirt King, in fact, is offering a "Going Canadian" kit for $25 that includes a T-shirt emblazoned with the Canadian flag and the phrase "O Canada," a matching maple leaf patch for luggage, a window sticker, lapel pin and a little guide called "How to Speak Canadian, Eh?"
I have spent my adult life traveling around the world. And never once has such an impish idea crossed my mind. I am an American and take responsibility as such. If fact, I once had a bit of tussle with a Canadian in Ethiopia. When he learned I was an American he rolled his eyes. I charged right for him. He flinched, realizing I saw his little eye roll. I never thought I would do something like this, but it was instinctive. My translator—thankfully—pulled me away.
Do not back down from being an American. Do not be ashamed. Stand up for our moral imperative. Most important take responsibility for the vote you cast at the ballot box. Let no one tread upon us.
| I disagree. When you travel abroad, you should disguise yourself as a Canuck. That way you can start fistfights, get drunk and throw up on your host's carpet, grope female (or male, if that's your bag) MEPs, drive in the wrong lane, and no one will blame the rest of us. |
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