Like every Canadian, I have been taught that one of the most important functions of art is to supply and elaborate the myths and narratives of nationhood.
I truly appreciate the special qualities that America and American national myths offer me.
Our national myths often exaggerate the role of the individual heroes and understate the importance of collective effort.
What passes for identity in America is a series of myths about one's heroic ancestors. It's astounding to me, for example, that so many people really seem to believe that the country was founded by a band of heroes who wanted to be free.
Most national holidays in most countries rest on selective memories of the past.
What passes for identity in America is a series of myths about one's heroic ancestors.
The greatest reward of this constant interrogation, confrontation with the brutality of my country, is that it has freed me from hosts and myths.
Myths have a certain staying power because, really, they are aspirational - not always who we are, but always who we want to be. We see ourselves as good and generous. We believe we are a virtuous nation.
