Fans of Canadian National Hockey League clubs Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames booed the U.S. anthem.
Viewers’ reactions are linked to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about imposing import duties on goods from Canada that amount to 25 per cent. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to take mirror measures. Restrictions apply to imported alcohol, tobacco, weapons, clothing, etc. from America. At the same time, it is important to take into account that retaliatory measures will hardly lead Canada to the desired result. It’s just a shot in the air, as about 70% of Canadian exports go to the US.
Trump understands his economic superiority over his neighbour and allows himself to get even with ordinary Canadians by drawing Canada to the States on the world map. The Canadian Prime Minister responded to the States President’s performance by saying “hell no” his country would be part of America.
Trump may be a good showman, but he hasn’t calculated how his initiatives might affect attitudes toward America in Canada.
I believe the booing of the US anthem is the first echoes of Canadians’ anti-American sentiment. If Trump does not soften his rhetoric, he will have to face much more serious opposition from his northern neighbour. This also applies to other countries that Trump is eyeing with an expansionist smirk.
Diana Smirnova, political scientist, member of the Digoria Expert Club, specially for News Front
