Trump’s diplomatic trolling has sparked disbelief and defiance – but also revived questions of national identity

A lone figure takes to the stage, a giant maple leaf flag rippling on a screen behind him as he gingerly approaches the microphone.

“I’m not a lumberjack, or a fur trader,” he tells the crowd. “I have a prime minister, not a president. I speak English and French, not American. And I pronounce it ‘about’ – not ‘a boot’.”

The crowd, indifferent at first, grows increasingly enthusiastic as the man works his way through a catalogue of Canadian stereotypes, passing from diffidence to defiance before the climactic cry: “Canada is the second largest landmass! The first nation of hockey! And the best part of North America! My name is Joe! And I am Canadian!”

In response, Canadians have taken to acts of patriotism, small and large: one pilot flew his small plane in the shape of a maple leaf; sports fans have booed US teams; hats insisting “Canada is not for sale” have gone viral; consumers have pledged to buy only Canadian-made products – a pledge skewered in a viral sketch in which one shopper berates another for buying American ketchup.

  • meowmeowbeanz@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    02·
    26 days ago

    “Anything Trump says should be taken seriously because even if he’s a toddler, he’s a toddler with guns.”

    So now we’re treating every tantrum as a declaration of war? Guns don’t make fantasies real—they just make them louder. If Trump is a toddler with guns, then you’re the one running around screaming “the sky is falling” every time he opens his mouth.

    “Words are the precursors to action. What starts with tariffs can later become tanks.”

    Ah, the classic slippery slope fallacy. Tariffs are economic tools, not invasion prep. If you think tanks follow tariffs, I’d love to see your evidence—oh wait, there isn’t any. Just fear-mongering dressed up as insight.

    “No, you are conflating economic pressure with literal invasion.”

    Cute deflection. Economic force is force, but it’s not annexation. You’re the one conflating trade policies with military aggression because it’s easier than understanding how these systems actually work.

    “I, on the other hand, am saying these threats should be taken seriously, economic force is still force, and things can get worse. For that reason, we should take the threat seriously.”

    Taking threats seriously doesn’t mean blowing them out of proportion. Economic force is real and damaging, but it’s not tanks rolling across borders. Stop pretending your paranoia is pragmatism.

    “What if I told you it’s because of global capitalism and a cartoonish annexation plot?”

    Then I’d tell you to stop watching propaganda and start engaging with reality. Global capitalism doesn’t need cartoonish annexation plots—it’s already got you chasing shadows while it ransacks your house.

    “My argument is based on things said very publicly by the President of the United States in a very official capacity.”

    And mine is based on understanding how power works beyond soundbites. Public statements are theater; policy is where the real game happens. But sure, keep quoting Trump like he’s Nostradamus.

    “You are what Trump and his ilk see as a ‘useful fool.’”

    Projection much? You’re the one amplifying his noise and doing his work for him by spreading fear instead of clarity. If I’m a fool, at least I’m not one dancing to someone else’s tune.

    Here’s a thought: stop treating every tweet like it’s a prophecy and start focusing on the actual systems of control already in place. You’re fighting imaginary battles while the real war rages on unnoticed.