LETTER TO THE EDITOR
TheStar.com | comment | What's code for `bigot'?
Jan 29, 2008 04:30 AM
Racists using code word `Canadian'
as substitute for N-word
Jan. 26
As a Canadian born and raised in Toronto and residing in the U.S. for nearly a decade, I can tell you that substituting "Canadian" for the N-word is common practice among white men in many states. I have come across it many times.
In 1998, I worked as a consultant and travelled across the U.S. for work with colleges and universities. On one of my first visits, in Maryland, I was introduced to a large group of white men as a "Canadian." They all thought this was hysterical. I was surprised, but expected the usual questions about hockey, igloos and French.
Later in the evening, over a few pints, they confided that "Canadian" is used instead of the N-word when "blacks are around," as it's so ambiguous. I was offended by this. I was unsure if I was more angry as a Canadian – a white boy from Leaside – or because I was drinking with a bunch of rednecks who throw the N-word around.
As the night continued, I ultimately dealt with the situation in Canadian fashion: Pulling the shirt of one of the mouthy members of the group over his head, I cracked him in the head a few times and suggested if he wanted to be ignorant, he had to choose another country.
My travels have since brought me to every state in the U.S., and I can confirm that "Canadian" means the N-word in several, particularly in the South. Sad but true, eh?
Michael Wymant, New York, N.Y.