I’ve been thinking a lot about this topic due to the recent Olympics. I had a roommate in university who was a dual citizen of the US and Germany. When people would criticize the states, she would claim her European-ness. And when people would criticize Germany/Europe, she would claim her American-ness. It seemed like a win-win. You could always weasel your way out. And when it comes to moving across borders, it is definitely a win to be a dual citizen (although I’ve yet to experience this).
But I’ve recently come to realize that when it comes to living in Canada, being a dual citizen is more like a lose-lose. When I’m in the states (or just interact with friends/family that live there), I relentlessly get snide comments about living in Canada. The usual stuff – it’s so cold everyone lives 5 minutes from the border, they love curling and hockey, don’t know what baseball is, it’s winter 7 months a year, or their dollar is worth pennies – all of which is true (the dollar is worth about 95 pennies). And while in Canada, I’m definitely seen as a yank (partially because I don’t think Albertans consider Quebec to be part of Canada) and people feel the need to share their reasons for hating Americans with me. It’s grand. The really frustrating part is that I’m always seen as an outsider. I’ve been living outside the US for 6 of the last 7 ½ years…but I suppose I’ve moved too much to be considered an ‘insider’ when it comes to any of the places I’ve lived.
Fortunately, the only place I really feel like an insider happens to be the hottest city in the world: New York! What a place to know like the back of your hand (well at least some of it anyway)! So no matter where I’m living and no matter how much people put me down for being an outsider, I can always say quietly to myself – “wait, where are you from? I’m from New York. Beat that!”. Ha!
But I’ve recently come to realize that when it comes to living in Canada, being a dual citizen is more like a lose-lose. When I’m in the states (or just interact with friends/family that live there), I relentlessly get snide comments about living in Canada. The usual stuff – it’s so cold everyone lives 5 minutes from the border, they love curling and hockey, don’t know what baseball is, it’s winter 7 months a year, or their dollar is worth pennies – all of which is true (the dollar is worth about 95 pennies). And while in Canada, I’m definitely seen as a yank (partially because I don’t think Albertans consider Quebec to be part of Canada) and people feel the need to share their reasons for hating Americans with me. It’s grand. The really frustrating part is that I’m always seen as an outsider. I’ve been living outside the US for 6 of the last 7 ½ years…but I suppose I’ve moved too much to be considered an ‘insider’ when it comes to any of the places I’ve lived.
Fortunately, the only place I really feel like an insider happens to be the hottest city in the world: New York! What a place to know like the back of your hand (well at least some of it anyway)! So no matter where I’m living and no matter how much people put me down for being an outsider, I can always say quietly to myself – “wait, where are you from? I’m from New York. Beat that!”. Ha!
I was about to shed a tear for you Rachel, until your last paragraph!
ReplyDeleteJust tell 'em you're from New York. If they don't like that, Tough!
I suggest giving them the NY salute, loudly telling them you're from NY and to go choke on a caribou antler.
ReplyDeleteI know plenty of Americans who like or love Canada. I don't know as many Canadians, but plenty of canadians who move to the states, so they must not hate us too much. There are obviously people who will make fun of something because they can, and there are people people feeling revved up (in a bad way) by the Olympics. I agree that NY is kind of a trump card. I may not brush my hair or shower, but I feel like I can say I'm from NY and feel cool. :) Thanks mom and dad, who knew that moving to NY would grant your kids such an aura of superiority? :) Love you, Rachel!
ReplyDeleteSorry for my double people and my lack of needed punctuation in my second to last sentence.
ReplyDeleteThis is how I feel about being from Hawaii and New York. I know that sounds lame when you're in a bunch of snow and lonely, but it is true. I wonder at you saying you never feel like you fit in because I always think you're perfect anywhere and everywhere ;)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I just now got your letter! Seriously like right now. I walked in the door and there it was, sitting on my kitchen table at 11pm on a Wednesday night. I get it the day before you're going to be here?!! YAY!!! and (no fair) I am writing back right now anyway. Love you, you weird Canadian/American, you.