Percentage saying they’re ‘very proud’ to be Canadian has dropped from 78% to 34% since 1985 December 13, 2024 – The years since the onset of COVID-19 have been a well-documented period of division and discord in this country, with Canadians expressing concerns about the lack of a “middle” option politically, an unwillingness from governments...
Acknowledging the past, realising/feeling bad things were done, and deciding future choice need to be better is not the same as personally feeling shame. Feeling responsible for a better future and feeling responsible for bad past decisions are independent concepts.
Right, my anti-nationalism spiels goes both ways. I don’t think we should feel a personal sense of shame for the things others who came before us have done. But that lack of personal shame doesn’t take away being responsible for the future. I’ve been advantaged by my forefathers at the loss of others, and that makes me responsible for using that advantage to give back. That is not the same as feeling shame for the circumstances of my birth.
Even outside of politics, I tend to preach a philosophy of accountability, but not blame. Blame is “I should have done better,” while accountability is “I can and will do better.”