Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper (Post 8583627)

I don't either. I didn't say every Canadian. I was also speaking in general terms over Drake specifically. The former ugly thread became a shit show of trashing Canadian celebrities as a loose example in close proximity to this thread.

After more thought, I may have been too broad and should have focused it on multi generation, Southern Ontarians . The apologetic, everyone must love us, attitude is most prevalent here.

Originally Posted by rousseau (Post 8583511)

The Knicks have Spike Lee, the Lakers have Jack Nicholson, and the Raps have Drake. The whole showbiz element is part of the NBA, and I'm sure there are lots of fairweather fans attracted to the spectacle like flies to shit.

I've never knowingly or purposely heard music by Drake, but I'll admit to amusement and even a minor ego stroke by the fact that someone so famous is such a demonstrative fan of my team in the manner of Spike and Jack. It adds colour and fun, and until Drake does something worse than Hitler I couldn't care less about his perceived sincerity.

Though is it really plausible that the man has expressed this much dedication and devotion over the years purely as a marketing ploy?

Now for some Canadian-style self-deprecation on my part: A sports writer in Toronto tried to play the sneering urban sophisticate at the news that a Milwaukee radio station was going to ban Drake's music during the playoffs. What could Toronto possibly do in retaliation, Milwaukee being such a bland non-entity?

Christ. Well, first of all, in the arena they play a few bars of the instantly recognizable "Blister in the Sun" by the Violent Femmes, a critical favourite from the 1980s. I know it's old, but they're an indelible part of pop culture. Then you've got beer, which the city is known for. Not to mention Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Someone in Toronto could have done something sarcastic to lampoon that without fear of backlash, given that there is probably almost zero overlap in the Venn diagram consisting of hog riders and NBA fans.

Oh, and how about "Happy Days"? You know, one of the most legendary TV shows ever? You could have had Richie and Potsie tossing up airballs at a basketball hoop. You could have done something clever with Fonzie jumping the shark.

To be honest, Toronto should actually be gratified that we have such an instantly recognizable pop culture phenomenon to latch onto, given how paltry the offerings are otherwise. In the previous series the 76ers rang the Liberty Bell before games, fer crissake. What distinction does Toronto have?

"We the North" and Drake. And "North," the best that the Raptors' brain trust could come up with, is kinda sad.

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper (Post 8583639)

Well, this isn't for me. It's for the Torontonians that never experienced it.

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper (Post 8583663)

I couldn't care less about why Drake. I'm happy to keep the conversation on him though. Sport without superstition is a lot less fan focused.

I'm indifferent to him being the team's mascot and The Six's ambassador. I'm certainly not gracious because he became the team's mascot and The Six's ambassador. It's a slap to the face to say Torontonians should be.

Originally Posted by suburbanite (Post 8583472)

Nav is the real deal. Reportedly spends over $300,000 each year sending underprivileged kids to Raps games, and buying gear to give away.

"I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t womanize – I only Raptorize"

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper (Post 8583720)

Reconciliation? Ha!

Originally Posted by rousseau (Post 8583583)

No, I'm saying that in baseball the tradition is not to mention a potential no-hitter when it's happening because you might jinx it. Play-by-play commentators included.

Originally Posted by TorontoDrew (Post 8583865)

I feel like you and I have.😉

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper (Post 8584275)

It's the ardent protectionism of French in Quebec that we will never see eye to eye on. (and a little bit of superiority towards the self proclaimed "English Canada"). Other cultures haven't lost their identity adjusting to the world economy and Quebec's French economy isn't self reliant as a perennial have not province. So what is? I don't think it's a lack of confidence in Quebec culture. Perhaps it's the stranglehold bilingualism has on federal governance and policy. We are a massive geographical region with two languages. (in simplest terms) We are not bilingual. Logically, learning English in Quebec is more beneficial to one's career than learning French in British Columbia. It creates a political advantage.