Canada

In the days leading up to Nov. 11, I barely saw any poppies on campus. I noticed the veteran in the mall selling poppies and the box at the Tim Horton’s counter, but in the bustle of campus, brand logos are much more prominent than the red emblem.

The first time I ever heard of Thanksgiving was when I sneakily streamed an episode of Friends in middle school, without my mother’s permission. She refused to let me watch the series until I was appropriately old enough to hear the double-entendres.

We’ve finally arrived at that time of year where we have the opportunity to give thanks for all that we’re fortunate for – and to gather with family and friends around an excess amount of turkey and mashed potatoes.

Those who don’t wait for the arrival of Thanksgiving to express their gratitude are likely just as thankful for a day off.

As a former soldier in the Canadian army, I find this fetishization of guns disgusting. I served in the Toronto Scottish Regiment for seven years. If there is one lesson I have learnt from my time in the forces, it’s that a gun is something you prove yourself worthy to be trusted with. A gun is not a toy. Its sole purpose in life is to end yours. You do not have a right to own a gun.