Why your crass bumper sticker can snowball into something darker
Over the weekend, I was travelling around doing my normal errands when someone in a pickup truck turned in front of me. On the bumper was a sticker that read 'F*ck Carney.'
Really? Mark Carney was just elected prime minister not even two months ago and we already have nasty bumper stickers?
I was used to the F*ck Trudeau paraphernalia. I didn't like it — I think there are other ways to let my community know I'm unhappy with our politicians — but I understood people were angry with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. We had been through a lot with his government and many were ready for him to go.
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Trudeau had been in office for almost a decade. The Carney government is still fresh and hasn't had a chance to really upset us.
So, what's the issue? Why are you so vexed that you'd spend your hard-earned money to buy a bumper sticker denigrating the new prime minister who hasn't had time to govern?
Could it be that you're just salty that your guy didn't win?
We learned back in kindergarten not to be a sore loser. In life, there are always winners and losers and what were we taught? Dust yourself off and try again. You don't curse out the winner and pray for their demise.
Because if Carney fails in this political climate, we all lose.
Political disagreement isn't new in Canada, but recently, something has changed. It's sharper and more personal. It's not just about policies anymore — it's about identity, tribalism and control. We're not just debating carbon tax or health care; we're questioning the legitimacy of the people who dare to lead, especially if they on the other side.
And we're doing it before people have a chance to prove themselves.
Trust me, I have my issues with many politicians in this country. When I criticize politicians, I try to focus on policies, not the people. I assume that most politicians, as human beings, are decent people — we just disagree politically. The problem is when political anger turns deadly.
This past weekend, in the U.S., a masked gunman disguised as a police officer shot and killed a Minnesota Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Democratic State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times but are expected to survive. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called an 'act of targeted political violence.'
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Sometimes, as Canadians, we arrogantly say, 'That's an American problem.'
Sure, we don't have the history of political violence that the U.S. has, but Canada isn't immune.
In 2020, a man carrying multiple firearms drove through the gates of Rideau Hall, reportedly looking to confront then Prime Minister Trudeau. In 2021, a Muslim family in London, Ont., was run down by a man police say was motivated by Islamophobia. In both cases, political rhetoric, online echo chambers and unchecked bigotry helped lay the groundwork.
What starts as a crass bumper sticker can snowball into something darker — a culture that believes it's OK to dehumanize the people we disagree with.
We are a country of amazing, smart and talented people. Tell me, who's going to volunteer to run for elected office if they are worried about if they'll make it home to their families?
I'm all for criticizing politicians with our entire chests. Political dissent is healthy — protest is necessary. But this hatred of 'the other' is not.
If you're angry about the direction of the country, stay engaged. Write letters. Organize. Run for office. But don't slap hate on your bumper and pretend that will create the change you want.
It's not. It's just ginning up hatred and making your community feel unsafe.
Because the moment we start treating the people we disagree with as enemies, the road ahead gets a whole lot darker — and we've already seen where that can lead.
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