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Music is not only an emotional expression but also has the function of being a channel where social reflection, cultural identity and protest can be transmitted. In relation to Canada, Buffy Sainte-Marie's song “My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying” was released in 1966. Through her lyrics, Sainte-Marie demonstrates the consequences of the imposition of Western values, the elimination of indigenous identity and the need to recognize a more equitable approach, ensuring that history is recognized from a more just perspective.

Canada's history has been marked by European colonization, which imposed policies of adaptation that profoundly affected indigenous communities. From the establishment of residential schools to the denial of important rights, indigenous communities have faced decades of exclusion and violence. The author of this musical work uses her music to denounce these situations of indigenous suffering.

During the 20th century, the Canadian government promoted the forced integration of indigenous people into western society, eliminating their traditions and languages. This caused a strong wound in communities such as children suffering psychological and physical abuse. Sainte-Marie's song brings to light these injustices and demands that society recognize the truth behind these practices.

As for the song, it represents cultural issues and values, not only a political denunciation, but also a testimony of their home territory. The right of indigenous people to preserve their cultural identities and histories, as well as key points made in the song are identity, social justice and education which were being violated, helping to strengthen indigenous identity in Canada and promoting a new perception of indigenous peoples in society.

Sainte-Marie criticizes the falsity of a society that celebrates its history without acknowledging the violence that built it. The lyrics of her song reveal how governments have perpetuated indigenous exclusion and suffering, how residential schools destroyed families and erased identities, and how society forgot its crimes against indigenous people. Through her music, Buffy Sainte-Marie challenges these norms, offering an honest perspective.

The song had a great impact and has influenced reconciliation and justice movements in Canada, which contributed to the strengthening of preserving indigenous history in their own voice, as well as reconstructing indigenous identity and finally contributing to how music and culture can help bring about social change.

“My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying” is not only a song, but also a historical record and a political statement. Buffy Sainte-Marie reveals unpleasant facts about Canada and demands that society confront its history. Her work has gone beyond the musical realm, impacting Native activism and the process of national reconciliation.

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Link: http://www.folkworld.de/76/e/dai.html                                              Link song: https://youtu.be/KwOyconXiGM?si=_RQvJMsHFaaCFymA

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Buffy Sainte-Marie - "My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying" (Remastered)

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The Pursuit of Happyness is a powerful representation of how cultural identity in the United States is deeply tied to ideals such as perseverance, individualism, and the pursuit of success. The film, based on the true story of Chris Gardner, portrays a man who endures homelessness, unemployment, and abandonment while striving to provide a better future for his son. Through his struggle, the narrative highlights not only personal resilience but also the broader societal values that shape what it means to be “successful” in American culture.

One of the most prominent themes in the film is the American Dream—the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve prosperity through effort and determination. This belief, while aspirational, is also a cornerstone of American identity. Chris Gardner embodies this dream; despite overwhelming challenges, he refuses to give up. His story becomes a metaphor for millions who strive to overcome structural obstacles in order to attain a sense of dignity and belonging within society.

In illustrating this, the film brings attention to how cultural identity is constructed through individual agency and persistence. Chris’s refusal to rely on charity or pity reinforces the cultural norm of self-reliance. Additionally, his journey demonstrates how meritocracy is often romanticized in American society—the belief that talent and hard work will inevitably lead to success. However, the film also invites critical reflection on the limits of this ideal, showing how social inequalities, lack of access to resources, and systemic discrimination can hinder one’s ability to succeed, despite their best efforts.

Moreover, the representation of fatherhood in the film reflects evolving norms within American culture. Chris is portrayed not only as a determined provider but also as a deeply loving and emotionally present father. This dual role challenges traditional notions of masculinity and highlights a cultural shift toward more nurturing male identities. It also underscores how family is a fundamental aspect of cultural identity, shaping one’s values, goals, and motivations.

Social norms are also addressed in subtle but powerful ways. The film emphasizes the importance of appearance, punctuality, and competitiveness—traits often associated with professional success. Chris’s attempts to fit into this corporate mold, even while sleeping in public restrooms or shelters, reveal the immense pressure individuals face to conform to societal expectations in order to be accepted and respected.

Furthermore, the narrative shows how identity is not only shaped by personal choices but also by how society perceives and responds to individuals based on their circumstances. Chris experiences judgment, exclusion, and invisibility due to his poverty, which highlights how cultural identity is influenced by economic class and social status. Despite this, he maintains his dignity, which becomes an act of resistance and a reaffirmation of his self-worth.

Ultimately, The Pursuit of Happyness illustrates how cultural identity in the American context is formed through struggle, sacrifice, and hope. The film does not offer a simplistic view of success but rather presents it as a complex process involving both individual effort and systemic barriers. In doing so, it invites viewers to reflect on the cultural narratives that define value and identity in society and to question whether these ideals are truly accessible to all.

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Muccino, G. (Director). (2006). The pursuit of happyness [Película]. Columbia Pictures.

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Introduction

Culture is identity, a composite, which history, values, fight and the experience of a people create. In this shared reflection, two key texts which en cultural some sense of cultural self-recognition in Anglospheric venues - the film The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) from the United States, and the Canadian musical selection My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying (1966) by Buffy Sainte-Marie - will be explored. "The Great Tamer" and "Blindness" are two works that explore emphatically human topics including resilience, social justice, marginalization and the struggle for the preservation of dignity in different, yet correlated, cultural ways.

Cultural analysis and examples

In the film, The Pursuit of Happyness, it is apparent that American society places great importance on individual determination, hard work, and self-reliance as paths to success. Chris Gardner, our hero, sails from homelessness and abject poverty to achieving his dream of upward mobility so that he can afford a better life for his kid. From his tale, we learn that national identity in the United States is highly bound up with meritocracy and the (aspiration) to believe that success can be accomplished through one's own efforts.

In contrast, Buffy Sainte-Marie’s contribution is a scathing indictment of Canada’s colonial past and the silencing and marginalization of Indigenous communities. Her lyrics express the pain and injustice suffered due to policies like residential schools, where Indigenous traditions and languages were suppressed. In this context, cultural identity becomes an act of memory and resistance, pushing for recognition and justice for a long-overlooked population.

Critical reflections on cultural identity

Both narratives invite reflection on how cultural identity is not fixed but rather formed through social conflict and power dynamics. In the U.S., the ideal of personal achievement is central to national identity, yet the film subtly exposes the limits of this ideal when social inequalities persist and access to opportunity is not equal.

The point is, the two stories can inform us on how cultural identity is not something static, but something shaped by social struggle and power relations. In the U.S. in particular, personal success narratives are a fundamental part of national identity, but the film quietly reveals the limits of these narratives when social inequalities defy the equal access to opportunity.

Now, on a different continent, in Canada, Sainte-Marie’s song counters the sanitized story and as usual speaks for the ones who have been silenced. In this way, cultural identity is repossessed through resistance and narration. Music is wielded as a potent cultural weapon to claim justice and protect heritage.

Conclusion

The Pursuit of Happyness and My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying reveal that cultural identity is shaped by struggle, memory, and critical reflection. These narratives allow us to question dominant social models, give voice to the marginalized, and appreciate cultural diversity as a source of strength. Together, they encourage a deeper and more empathetic understanding of the cultural realities that define our societies. These narratives challenge dominant social models, urging us to reevaluate structural inequalities and the systems that perpetuate them, while also providing a voice to marginalized communities whose experiences are often overlooked or silenced. Furthermore, they highlight the significance of cultural diversity, not just as an aspect of human expression, but as a fundamental source of resilience and strength.