Anthropologist Regna Darnell praised Canada for its "flexibility" and "habit of thinking locally."

Scholar describes Canada's difficult 'balancing act'

Like its neighbor to the south, Canada struggles to forge a national idenity for itself out of its diverse ethnic groups, said anthropologist Regna Darnell at a recent master's tea in Pierson College. Darnell's talk on "Canadian Identity" was subtitled "Why the Canadian chicken was crossing the road." The answer to that riddle, "because it's trying to get to the middle . . . picks up beautifully the ambivalence of Canada's definition of itself," said Darnell, the Bicentennial Visiting Professor of Canadian Studies and Anthropology at Yale. Darnell pointed out that a common misconception about Canada is that the country is clearly divided along French and English lines. In fact, she argued, unlike the ethnic melting-pot model of the United States, Canada is composed of people of several distinct and discrete cultures -- most prominently English, French and Native -- trying to live harmoniously under one national roof. "A mediation of polar opposites is what I think of as a particularly Canadian balancing act," said Darnell. Aware of a shifting political landscape, Canadians always make sure they can "move in more than one direction," Darnell said. This characteristic flexibility, along with a habit of thinking locally -- traits that almost qualify as a national identity -- makes Canada particularly well suited to cope with the post-modern world, she claims. -- By Dorie Baker T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S Yale study shows cocaine vaccine is safe, effective Film echoes voices from Yale's Holocaust archive Student scholars win prestigious honors USA Today names Rodberg to College Academic Team Marshall awarded annual Paul Mellon Fellowship Psychiatrist shares her stories with children throughout the world Endowed Professorships Professors and former trustee are honored by Phi Beta Kappa 'High priest' of political writers is next Poynter Fellow Graduating actors to perform in 'Richard III' Storytellers to spin yarns from around the world at festival Better pest controls may result from researchers' discovery Noted businessman talks about the world of wine Changed procedures would make for a more effective international court, judge contends MEDICAL SCHOOL NEWS Researchers will test new ways to curb transmission of HIV Study pinpoints dizziness as 'geriatric syndrome Procedure helps quiet auditory hallucinations Team shows protein's potential for treating mental disorders Former Yale treasurer and attorney John E. Ecklund dies Yale's Slater keeps St. Patrick's Day parade moving smoothly Exhibit features artist's series of biblical images Conference to explore 'Rebuilding Societies in Transition' Scholar describes Canada's difficult 'balancing act' Colloquium will aid those who are interested in establishing language-study centers Yale SOM event will focus on strategies for the 'new economy' Memorial service is scheduled for noted geologist Karl Waage Renewable energy is topic of conference Campus Notes Yale Scoreboard In the News Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus| Calendar of Events|Bulletin Board Classified Ads|Search Archives|Production Schedule|Bulletin Staff Public Affairs Home|News Releases| E-Mail Us|Yale Home Page