The 180

Oh Canada, mind your own business

A Canadian marketing firm decided that in the midst of a contentious election season, Americans could use a little pep talk. They created a video called Tell America it's Great! But Ashley Feinberg says we Canadians should mind our own business and kindly $*&" off.
(Manusha Janakiram/CBC)

Have you seen this video?

It's a pep talk from Canadians to their southern neighbours, who as you might have noticed, are in the midst of a polarizing election campaign.

The brainchild of Toronto company The Garden Collective, the video is part of a bigger social media campaign complete with a Twitter account, hashtag, and several Youtube videos. And unsurprisingly it's generated a lot of buzz — just check out the retweets and likes on this tweet.  

But to Ashley Feinberg, it's "the smarmiest, most condescending bullshit" she has ever seen.

Feinberg is a New Yorker, and senior writer for Deadspin. In this audio essay, she argues Canada is more of an annoying friend than a  sympathetic neighbour. 

Then, after two hours of Canada telling you that, no, it's actually a good thing that you are 35-years-old and have no job, pets, or relationship prospects, Canada goes home to its loving family and leaves you drunk and more miserable than when you started.- Ashley Feinberg

What Feinberg would prefer is for Canada to leave her and her fellow Americans alone. 

What I'm trying to say is, let us suffer in peace, Canada, and kindly f$#& off.- Ashley Feinberg