For two weeks, everyone in Vancouver was wearing red. People carried Canadian flags everywhere and wore temporary maple leaf tattoos on their faces. Random recitals of "O Canada" happened all over the city. Passing someone on the street resulted in a high five more often than not - especially after a big medal win. And it seems like it was justified: Canada won more gold medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics than any other country has every won at any Winter Olympic event - that's a big accomplishment.
Yet it wasn't all roses. The Olympic Spirit extends only so far it seems; in this case, as far as our nearest border. I can't say that I witnessed myriad instances of Canadians haranguing Americans, but I saw enough to make me feel uncomfortable.
Most of this harassment seemed to be focused on the preliminary round match-up and the somewhat surprising gold medal match-up between the Canadian and American hockey teams. To some extent, I can understand that there is a certain amount of bitterness to be expected from Canadians towards Americans when it comes to hockey; hockey is unquestionably Canada's game, yet our most talented athletes are exported to the more numerous and successful teams south of the border. Yet this doesn't warrant the vitriolic comments made by some [over-] proud Canadians.
It's a sad thing that such rivalries can't be joked about by everyone. After all, the modern olympics games were founded on the principles of good sportsmanship and peace amongst diverse nations. It's too bad that there are a small number - and I do believe it is small - of people who aren't willing to see past their own narrow preconceptions.
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