Playing the Indian Card

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

Inclusive Language in “O Canada”

A correspondent objects, as Senator Poy and many feminists have, to the reference to “in all thy sons’ command” in “O Canada.” This, they argue, unjustly excludes women.

But consider what is happening here: men are being commanded, given orders. Is it really a greater subjugation for women not to be subjugated?

And again, they are being given orders by Canada. Is Canada male or female? At a minimum, why assume she is male? I have always assumed she was female in this anthem. Like Marianne, Britannia, Athena, and Columbia.

If it were a male giving the orders, and women who were to obey his commands, would the feminists be happier?

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