Sometimes We Know Stuff

Do you ever find that as a Canadian your contributions to a conversation with Americans (or any others?) are often summarily dismissed? Maybe they think it's too cold up here for our brains to work, or maybe they're only used to hearing exactly one side of things. Perhaps they don't really believe that an average Canadian has a decent base of general knowledge to draw from regarding issues both in and outside of our borders.

This is what would be called a frivolous example of what I mean...

On the Dave + Tim European Tour earlier this year, Dave started playing a particular song as an intro to Don't Drink The Water. We (a handful of Americans and myself) didn't know what it was called or where it came from (though we sure it was a cover). Being overseas and disconnected from the fanosphere found online and stateside we hazarded some ideas but resigned ourselves to waiting for the official word on the mystery song upon our return to North America.

The Americans told me that it had to be a song by a European because it mentions a Caledonia river. Is this because only Europeans can write songs about Scotland? I have no idea, but I let that one slide. I thought (and said out loud) that perhaps it was about a Caledonia in Canada because at the time I was thinking about the ongoing Native blockade/land claim dispute in Caledonia, Ontario. In reply, I received quizzical and bemused looks - the assembled council would not entertain such a ridiculous suggestion. Apparently there is only one Caledonia, I don't know what I'm talking about, and Canada does not inspire song.

Knowing Dave Matthews' penchant for covering (and lauding) Quebecker Daniel Lanois and being aware that the cover song sounded suspiciously like the famed singer-songwriter/producer's style I decided to hold my tongue, wait, and see.

When I got home I checked the definitive Dave Matthews Band resource website, dmbalmanac, and found that the song was indeed written by Daniel Lanois and is called Still Water. Further, I discovered that this song debuted on his first album titled Acadie (French for Acadia), which granted, only covers a section of Canada east of Ontario, but this seems to point away from Scotland...but maybe towards Nova Scotia.

So what does that leave me with? Nothing really. Vindication? Hardly. I'm not going to phone anyone and rub it in long distance style. Self-satisfaction? I guess. *sigh* I just wonder why it is that people assume Canadians have nothing of substance to contribute. Are we really just looked at like we're adorable little colonials who naively gaze upon everything in astonished wonder? It seems no matter what we accomplish (as individuals or as a nation), or how highly we are ranked on world education and standard of living lists, we are still brushed aside. I guess the upside is that as our successes are ignored, so are our failures. But I'd rather seem them both held up to scrutiny, wouldn't you?