In brief
Myers connects personal feelings about Canada with public figures’ remarks, becoming an emblem of national pride.
In a heartfelt moment on “Saturday Night Live,” veteran comedian Mike Myers unveiled a “Canada Is Not for Sale” T-shirt, marking a significant display of national pride. During his performance, where he parodied Elon Musk, Myers experienced a surge of emotions triggered by various political comments directed toward Canada, including Musk's dismissive assertion that Canada is “not a real country.” As the closing credits approached, Myers reflected on insults thrown at Canada from former U.S. President Trump and other public figures. He noted the intensity of his feelings driving him to express solidarity with his homeland. "I got angrier and angrier," he stated, evoking the spirit of legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe, whose "elbows up" response to aggression became an apt metaphor for standing up against both verbal and political assaults.Myers, known for iconic roles in films like "Wayne’s World" and "Shrek," emphasized that his gesture was about his love for Canada and the message, “Elbows up,” directed toward his fellow Canadians. While his display may not have been as shocking as some past political statements made on live television, for Myers, it represented a moment of unrestrained candor regarding his national identity.The performance resonated deeply with audiences, reinforcing the notion that even artists can dialogue about the values of their home countries. For Myers, a Canadian expat, this moment reaffirmed his connection to Canada, reminding viewers that it’s essential to defend one's roots and identity against dismissive external narratives.
