Emad Barsoum writes: The Aged Crown
In November 2021, Barbados, the Caribbean Island, removed the British Monarch as head of state in a bold move for a country that may require economic and political support from a powerhouse like the United Kingdom.
Monarchies have been around as old as time. While they may have had a role to play in the past, it is time to acknowledge that they are no longer of any value to a nation in this modern, progressive, and open world. The notion of monarchies, where a single individual holds immense power and authority over a country, is no longer appealing or relevant today. It is a relic of a bygone era and has no place in modern democracies.
The symbol of monarchies in parliamentary regimes is still meaningless and absurd, and it only appeals to those nostalgic for the times of imperialism, colonization, and dictatorship. Monarchies promote a sense of superiority and entitlement, which is unsuitable for modern democratic societies. In countries that have moved towards a more democratic and egalitarian system, the monarchy is nothing more than a symbol of the past and even pointless in fictitious tales in movies and TV shows.
Monarchies were always affiliated with the conception that a king, an emperor, a sultan, or a Khalifa, is the representative of divine power on earth, which entitles him/her to play the role of the superpower. Although this concept has been demolished by the liberating and enlightenment movements against the tyranny of the church in Europe during the Renaissance and over hundreds of years, it still exists in some regimes and fundamental fascist groups worldwide.
Canada is a prime example of a strong, well-established, and democratic country that does not need to be affiliated with or follow the outdated British monarchy. While the monarchy has long been a part of Canada’s history, it is time to move forward and embrace a modern and progressive vision. The idea that Canada is somehow bound to the monarchy is no longer tenable in a world that values democracy and equality.
Recognizing that the monarchy has no real power in Canada is essential. The “Newly crowned” King is a figurehead with no control over the country’s affairs. Even The Governor-General, who represents the King in Canada and has a similarly ceremonial role, still has a title that reflects the concept of colonization, as if Canada is a British colony and needs someone to govern it on behalf of the Monarch. History tells us that the Governors-General is an infamous title in many countries around the world that the British occupied. Nevertheless, even as a symbol, it symbolizes imperialism, terror, and colonization.
Moreover, the cost of maintaining the monarchy is not insignificant. The Canadian government spends annually over $60 million on the monarchy. In a world where many countries are struggling to meet the basic needs of their citizens, spending millions of dollars on a ceremonial role seems awkward and wasteful.
Canada has come a long way since its colonial past, and it is time to break free from the shackles of the monarchy, an aged and outdated crown. By doing so, Canada can assert its independence and demonstrate its commitment to democracy and equality.
