Popular Music and Canadian National Identity

Abstract

Background This article discusses citizen reactions to select musicians and/or their music in terms of Canadian national identity symbols. Analysis A theoretical discussion of music as an identity marker is framed within nationalism theories and criteria for “national” music are proposed. The roles of popular culture and music are subsequently examined as mnemonic devices. Finally, the Canadian situation in terms of national identity, American influence, and Canadian music are briefly summarized, with suggested guidelines for government accreditation of Canadian music. The second part of the article relates a research project focusing on citizen reaction to Canadian music in terms of national identity, with comparisons made with responses to American musicians. Conclusions and implications The findings indicate a generally favourable response to most of the selected musicians with regard to the musicians as identity symbols.

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