The Relations of the US and Canada at Through the One-Way Mirror by Margaret Atwood - Article Example

The author adds that the Canadians are fearful of the American's nature since they can convert them to be arrogant as they (Canadians) believe the Americans are. Additionally, the two states have differences based on their education system as shown by the author. The writer further describes that the Americans perceive themselves as self-worth since they learn their history first followed by that of the world. On the contrary, Canadians are taught world history with that of their nation. It has also been shown that Canada and the US bear some differences regarding their foreign policy thus approving the belief by Atwood.

Atwood illustrates that Canada is keen on making good relations with others or assisting others when responding to a calamity. On the other hand, she claims that the U.S is not concerned with what befall others as long as they are not affected (Atwood 1986).Thesis StatementThe author is demonstrating the conflicting perception between the U.S and Canada. Therefore, the thesis of the essay is, “The identity crisis existing between the U.S and Canada.”ToneThe overall tone of Atwood’s essay is sarcastic.

By drawing several examples, the author is generally sarcastic in illustrating and describing the existing differences between the two nations. She is referring to the U.S with an attitude filled with contempt since she concludes that they see themselves as the best compared to others, in this case, Canada. For instance, in her second paragraph, she says, “ The Americans, bless their innocent little hearts,..” Atwood was concluding that the Americans are not aware that they are being watched by the whole world referring to their innocence.

Also, she shows that the U.S sees itself on top of others and they even mock others using this notion. “The Americans sometimes imply that Canada is part of the U.S, and when Canada objects we are told we are paranoid and accused of having an identity crisis.” In this line, Atwood shows that it is not the Canadians who have an identity crisis but the Americans although they are not aware. Therefore, a sarcastic mood is displayed all through Atwood’s essay (Atwood 1986).