A reader from Calgary has penned a sharp critique of how Hollywood and popular culture have historically romanticized communist ideologies, a viewpoint published in the January 15, 2026 edition of the Toronto Sun's Letters to the Editor.
Pop Culture's 'Romantic' Take on a Deadly Ideology
In his letter, Orest Slepokura of Calgary responds to a recent column by Warren Kinsella. He argues there is a significant disparity in how Western culture portrays Nazis versus communists. Slepokura points to classic films as evidence, noting that the 1973 movie "The Way We Were" features protagonist Katie Morosky, played by Barbra Streisand, with portraits of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin on her walls, showcasing her "militant communist sympathies."
He further cites later films like "Reds" and "Che" for giving a positive spin to revolutionary figures such as John Reed and Che Guevara. The Calgary correspondent contends that while a Nazi villain speaking with a "clipped Germanic accent" is standard shorthand for evil in cinema, the "commie villain" is a distant second. Slepokura concludes that there is "far too much glorification of Communism in pop culture", making a deadly ideology appear as a romantic notion.
Growing Canada-U.S. Tensions Highlighted
Another letter in the same edition, from Bill Vernon, shifts focus to contemporary political and economic friction between Canada and the United States. Vernon criticizes what he sees as escalating anti-American rhetoric from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, citing threats about hydro power and bans on American alcohol.
The letter writer expresses dismay at incidents where Canadians have booed the American anthem and criticized U.S. leadership, suggesting such actions naturally lead to reciprocal hostility. Vernon takes particular issue with the perceived lack of diplomatic engagement, noting that if the Canadian prime minister responds with "who cares" regarding a future meeting with then-President Donald Trump, Canada should expect nothing but contempt from its southern neighbor.
Readers Applaud On-Point Political Cartoon
The letters section also included positive feedback from Gord Mimms of Brampton, who praised an editorial cartoon by Tim Dolighan from January 12, 2026. Mimms described the cartoon as both funny and accurate, stating that the artist "has his finger on the pulse" and suggesting Canada could use a similar satirical take.
The collection of letters, published by Postmedia News, presents a snapshot of reader opinion on topics ranging from cultural commentary to international relations, reflecting ongoing debates within the Canadian public sphere.
