Canadian Identity and Quebec Distinct Society

During the end of one lecture the question was posed: Can Canada have a separate identity from the United States when the differences are so few and similarities so vast?

I propose that Canadians and Americans are culturally initimate; yes, I would call them "the same" - although minor differences do exist. Robert Kennedy once said, "Geography has made us neigbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder"

The relation here to our subject matter can be found in the reaction of Canadians to the above claim; that is to say: adverse indeed. Check out these two Molson Canadian Beer commericals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRI-A3vakVg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODKyx8u-prs

Can Anti-american sediment in Canada be understood as a reaction to our inferiority compared to American cultural domination, or maybe a reaction to a globalism that Canada also helps shape as a cultural "middle-power"? Are we distinguishing ourselves from Americans simply because in actual fact the similarities are powerful and penetrating? Can we relate Anti-Americanism in Canada to Roland Robertson's conception of "Global Gemeinshaft I": "the world as a mosaic of closed, bounded communities, either equal and unique in their institutional and cultural arrangments, or hierarchical with some leading communities at the top. This image is a kind of negative reaction to globalization, and may result in the ideology of "anti-globalization".

Although maybe Robertson is talking of something entirely different. In any case, the Canadian reaction can be understood as a reflexive action against globalization as cultural imperialism.

For those interested in a hybrid culture within Canada please follow this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2mSJj3sMW0

Also: if any of you Singaporians can understand these commericals, is that a form globalization?