Symptoms of Canada

the long version

In this provocative essay on the Canadian identity, Kieran Keohane gives us his outsider's take on Canada's most debated issue. Keohane argue that conflicting objectives have caused the impasse in our search for collective identity. These objectives are marked by official multiculturalism, a proliferation of interest groups, and resurgent xenophobia. Integrating social and political theory with witty examples, he explores how a strong Canadian identity might be constructed. Symptoms of Canada breaks the stalemate in our search for the Canadian identity. A refreshing read for Canadians who are tired of the polemics surrounding this issue, it offers valuable insight to all countries where the question of identity is a national concern.