To survive these times with our identity intact, we must distinguish the Canadian red that symbolizes courage, from the red of hatred and rejection i.e., narcissism across the border.
The Role of Values in Design
If I had to choose one psychological principle that determines long term success for individuals and groups, it would be about how well we align with our values.
Psychologically speaking, values determine the boundary between people, and by extension, one country and another. Values lead to both separation and collaborations. Getting clear on our values (and aligning with them) creates strength, and more authentic relationships. Design reflects our values. For example, ramps in pavements speak about inclusiveness. Design colours, fonts, and user flows are carefully orchestrated to attract one type of user versus another. Accessibility features such as language, colour contrast and images tell the user if they are welcome or not.
What Red and Blue Mean in The Current America
Red means: Republican. Anti tax, pro private health care, anti abortion, racial discrimination aka MAGA, anti gay, anti gender diversity, pro animal protein, pro slavery, pro religion and anti coloured people. One word = “White American”.
Blue means: Democrats or Democratic States, pro tax, pro public health care, pro abortion, pro gender diversity, pro sexual diversity, anti animal protein, pro foreigners, spirituality and coloured people. One word = “Woke American”.
What is in common? delusions of grandeur and lack of empathy – celebrating the defeat of the “other” i.e., deporting poor immigrants or bombing a small strip of land with huge bombs where the poorest of the poor live. Both democrats and republicans appear to be driven by hate of the other guy more than love of a higher ideal such as truth, justice, human dignity or the environment. These actions indicate a psychological brokenness where compensation is through money and power.
Political observers are stunned at the way reality mirrored science fiction in recent media headlines. The collective shadow side of America reminds how Palpatine, in Star Wars finally revealed as the Empire, dropping all masks when Darth Vader joined the Empire.
What Red Means in Canada
The red in the Canadian flag means something completely different as red is part of the national flag. A google search reveals that the Canadian maple tree symbol in red and white represents courage with red, and honesty, purity, and peace with white.
Red in the Canadian context indicates Canadian integration. Some Canadians hate woken values. However, since the red maple is bigger than any other identity, people forgot their differences when it comes to trading Canada’s peace with power. Historically, what made Canada a nation were values of inclusiveness and diversity, which led to universal healthcare, less military spending, organized immigration policies and more affordable education. It wasn’t and isn’t perfect, and it has a long way to go, but bullying is seen as weaker than woke.
At the core, Canadians value courage. If we delve into the history of what created Canada, it has always been about extraordinary courage. Terry Fox, with one functioning leg, running on crutches, exemplifies Canadian values. Despite how many Canadians hate the woke policies of the current government, when Justin Trudeau stands up to Donald Trump or a brown woman MP talks about reducing trade barriers within provinces, the average Canadian sees courage and supports that trait in leadership regardless of gender or race.
To narcissists, Canada and Canadian authenticity appears weak. However, most Canadians aren’t narcissists and respect it.
Articles about Flag Day in Canada on 15 February, 2025
‘Proud of our country’: Pride in Canadian flag surges as battle with Trump continues
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-description.html
Saima Shah is a mental health practitioner and product designer with a focus on accessibility, diversity and inclusion in product design.
Note: Written by a human, no ai tools used.