zoney!
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most of mexico is cleaner than Detroit though...
What Are They Teaching Their Children???
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If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
Mrs. Edge
Bono's Belly Dancing Friend
Let me start by saying that what I am about to say is MY TAKE on this topic, I do not pretend to speak for Canadians in general, although I'm sure there are lots who'd agree with me.
First of all, there is LOTS that I LOVE about the US. I always have a wonderful time when I'm there and most of my best friends are American. Even my boyfriend is American!!!
I think Americans are warm and friendly and enthusiastic, and the country is beautiful, with every climate imaginable. I adore American TV and movies, and they have some truly outstanding rock bands and ballet companies too! Plus they have Bob Evans and Cold Stone Ice cream! 
They don't have ketchup chips and butter tarts though.
Anyway, I think some Canadians grow up resenting the US because we are always in its shadow. In fact, sometimes I wonder why the US just doesn't take us over...but I digress.
I think the thing that bugs Canadians more than ANYTHING in the world about the US is 1) the total ignorance - and lack of interest about Canada (or any other country for that matter) shown by the majority of the populace, and 2) the bombardment we get every day that Americans think that the USA is #1 (which is natural of course) and screw everyone else (which is the annoying part). Americans are not as a group known for their humility. Since we are swamped with American media and "rah rah USA" day and night, we feel the least the US could do is realise we exist. You know...get to know your neighbour?
For example. I was in the US for the 4th of July. No one could believe that we have fireworks and barbeques and things of that sort in Canada. (we are too busy keeping warm in our igloos I guess).
Many Americans (and Paul has had direct experience with this) confuse communism and socialism. They actually think that the state owns my condo, and that every cent I make is taken back by the gov't, so NO WONDER I would want to move to the US so I could make some money! When Paul told them this wasn't true, they said "check your facts!"
This kind of thing I find very scary indeed. People at the BBQ also wanted to know exactly what I thought of America and "we sure are different from the French and the Germans, aren't we!!!" As if there was nothing worse.
And then you have shows like "Talking to Americans" where Americans on the street are interviewed by a comedian who is pretending to be a journalist telling Americans things about Canada and asking them to congratulate us on things like making staplers legal, on finally "joining North America", acquiring 24 hour time....mind boggling things. They buy it all hook line and sinker. This is why we are so impressed by people like Michael Moore who know all about Canadian politics.
So it's stuff like this that we are exposed to every day. We are also TERRIFIED of getting a "US style healthcare system", and any other things that might make us closer to being just another American state. The worst mistake Stephen Harper made was to write a letter to the US and publish it in major newspapers apologizing on behalf of Canada for not participating in the Iraq war. We do not need someone kissing Bush's ass on our collective behalf, especially when the vast majority of the country wanted nothing to do with that war.
GWB of course is the EPITOME of everything bad about Americans and just takes the cake. Our officials shouldn't have been so stupid as to say things like that in public, but let's face it, he IS a moron!!! We are horrified that so many Americans love him. I have yet to find a Canadian who can say his name without cringing. So for this reason, many Canadians tend to make blanket statements about *all* Americans which is totally wrong of course.
Melon? You? Loud??? You are one of the quietest people I've met!
First of all, there is LOTS that I LOVE about the US. I always have a wonderful time when I'm there and most of my best friends are American. Even my boyfriend is American!!!
I think Americans are warm and friendly and enthusiastic, and the country is beautiful, with every climate imaginable. I adore American TV and movies, and they have some truly outstanding rock bands and ballet companies too! Plus they have Bob Evans and Cold Stone Ice cream! They don't have ketchup chips and butter tarts though.
Anyway, I think some Canadians grow up resenting the US because we are always in its shadow. In fact, sometimes I wonder why the US just doesn't take us over...but I digress.
I think the thing that bugs Canadians more than ANYTHING in the world about the US is 1) the total ignorance - and lack of interest about Canada (or any other country for that matter) shown by the majority of the populace, and 2) the bombardment we get every day that Americans think that the USA is #1 (which is natural of course) and screw everyone else (which is the annoying part). Americans are not as a group known for their humility. Since we are swamped with American media and "rah rah USA" day and night, we feel the least the US could do is realise we exist. You know...get to know your neighbour?
For example. I was in the US for the 4th of July. No one could believe that we have fireworks and barbeques and things of that sort in Canada. (we are too busy keeping warm in our igloos I guess).
Many Americans (and Paul has had direct experience with this) confuse communism and socialism. They actually think that the state owns my condo, and that every cent I make is taken back by the gov't, so NO WONDER I would want to move to the US so I could make some money! When Paul told them this wasn't true, they said "check your facts!"
This kind of thing I find very scary indeed. People at the BBQ also wanted to know exactly what I thought of America and "we sure are different from the French and the Germans, aren't we!!!" As if there was nothing worse.And then you have shows like "Talking to Americans" where Americans on the street are interviewed by a comedian who is pretending to be a journalist telling Americans things about Canada and asking them to congratulate us on things like making staplers legal, on finally "joining North America", acquiring 24 hour time....mind boggling things. They buy it all hook line and sinker. This is why we are so impressed by people like Michael Moore who know all about Canadian politics.
So it's stuff like this that we are exposed to every day. We are also TERRIFIED of getting a "US style healthcare system", and any other things that might make us closer to being just another American state. The worst mistake Stephen Harper made was to write a letter to the US and publish it in major newspapers apologizing on behalf of Canada for not participating in the Iraq war. We do not need someone kissing Bush's ass on our collective behalf, especially when the vast majority of the country wanted nothing to do with that war.
GWB of course is the EPITOME of everything bad about Americans and just takes the cake. Our officials shouldn't have been so stupid as to say things like that in public, but let's face it, he IS a moron!!! We are horrified that so many Americans love him. I have yet to find a Canadian who can say his name without cringing. So for this reason, many Canadians tend to make blanket statements about *all* Americans which is totally wrong of course.
Melon? You? Loud??? You are one of the quietest people I've met!
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DaveC
Blue Crack Addict
I work (in Canada) taking calls for Hallmark from the States. People frequently ask where I'm from...I get all kinds of responses when I say we're in Nova Scotia, for example:
"Nova Scotia?!? You're in EUROPE???"
"Nova Scotia! Wow, we went there on our vacation, it's beautiful up there!"
"Nova Scotia...don't y'all have snow up there this time of year?"
"Nova Scotia, hmm...? well...alright..."
"Nova Scotia. That's weird."
"Nova Scotia?? Where is that?"
"Nova Scotia...? It must be cold up there...30 degrees maybe?"
"Nova Scotia? That's awesome! I've never spoken to a Nova Scotianer."
"Nova Scotia? That's in Canada, right...? Y'all just had an election didn't you?"
"Nova Scotia, hmm? I see."
"Nova Scotia!??!? I'M NOT DEALING WITH ANY GOD DAMNED CANADIAN!! *click*"
"Nova Scotia...? You guys are Canadian right? Yes? Why are you stealing American jobs?"
"Nova Scotia?!? You're in EUROPE???"
"Nova Scotia! Wow, we went there on our vacation, it's beautiful up there!"
"Nova Scotia...don't y'all have snow up there this time of year?"
"Nova Scotia, hmm...? well...alright..."
"Nova Scotia. That's weird."
"Nova Scotia?? Where is that?"
"Nova Scotia...? It must be cold up there...30 degrees maybe?"
"Nova Scotia? That's awesome! I've never spoken to a Nova Scotianer."
"Nova Scotia? That's in Canada, right...? Y'all just had an election didn't you?"
"Nova Scotia, hmm? I see."
"Nova Scotia!??!? I'M NOT DEALING WITH ANY GOD DAMNED CANADIAN!! *click*"
"Nova Scotia...? You guys are Canadian right? Yes? Why are you stealing American jobs?"
Mrs. Edge
Bono's Belly Dancing Friend
Hey, that's pretty good, I'm impressed!
Speaking of Nova Scotia, I wonder how many Americans thought Nova Scotia was in the US when Bono introduced "Ballad of Springhill (Mining Disaster)" as an American folk song back in the late 80s...
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DaveC
Blue Crack Addict
Well I got that call today. I spent 20 minutes explaining how our parliament works in a minority situation. He loved it.
Made me damn proud.
Made me damn proud.
Moonlit_Angel
Blue Crack Addict
Mrs. Edge said:They don't have ketchup chips and butter tarts though.
...and now I'm going to show my ignorance as a result of growing up here in America...what exactly are those?I can see where that'd be annoying, definitely. I know a few Canadians from other boards, and did a report on that country back in 9th grade, so that helps me some, but there's still a lot I have yet to learn about Canada. I personally love learning about other countries.
. I've sadly never gotten a chance to go outside the U.S. (I've never even been outside the continental U.S. to our other two states, Alaska or Hawaii), but if I ever get the chance to do so someday...that'd be awesome.In regards to what was said early on in this thread about us Americans asking questions three times in a row and stuff...well, yeah, we're gonna ask, especially if we've never been to that place before. I'm guessing they're just making sure they've got their facts straight by doing that.
As for the loudness part...I'm a rather quiet person overall offline, so I don't know if I'd be much of a problem regarding that whole thing.
I'd also definitely have to agree with this. Nothing wrong whatsoever with having pride in the nation you're from, but yeah, I definitely see what you're talking about with that. It was especially rather annoying during the war last year.
LOL, oh, geez.
The whole idea people have about you guys live in igloos makes me laugh.
That's pretty sad.
I agree. Besides, according to what one person on another board said last year in regards to the Iraq war, you're our friends, you're supposed to tell us if you think we're making a mistake somewhere.
Heh, yeah, the Canadians I've met haven't been too pleased with him, either.
But hey, here's one American who's far from being a Bush supporter, so...
.That's definitely true. As verte said, nobody should be making blanket statements about an entire country based on the actions of some of the people.
Angela
fah
Blue Crack Addict
'They live in a country that much like pre-9/11 America, thinks that terrorist attacks are something that happens in other countries. '
Sadly, Canadian know this is not true. Prior to 9/11 the single worst terrorist attack is credited to Canadian soil. In 1985, 329 people died on an Air India flight that originated out of Vancouver, Canada. One Canadian has been convicted of this crime and 2 others are currently before the courts.
It happened here - it can happen anywhere.
Sadly, Canadian know this is not true. Prior to 9/11 the single worst terrorist attack is credited to Canadian soil. In 1985, 329 people died on an Air India flight that originated out of Vancouver, Canada. One Canadian has been convicted of this crime and 2 others are currently before the courts.
It happened here - it can happen anywhere.
DaveC said:
So how is that an ignorant statement? Would you rather us say, "Nova Scotia, what a hellhole!" ?
I was supposed to leave tomorrow for a 2 week vacation to the Maritimes, but my sister got in a car accident last month so we can't leave her alone....maybe I'm better off not going, since you and Mrs. Edge think we're all just a bunch of idiots anyway.
I like Canada. When "Bowling for Columbine" says that the fear quotient between the U.S. and Canada is exponentially lower in Canada, I'd believe it. After visiting Canada a few times and studying a bit up on its media, it is difficult for me to watch American TV news now (it really is very fearmongering in comparison), and the contrast between Detroit and Windsor, Ont. is really that *different* in Moore's film. Personally, I find Windsor to be alright, but it is generally spoiled with all those 19 and 20 year-old Americans looking to get drunk there.
But I cannot say that Canada is perfect. They have their own set of problems. For instance, it really appears as if the provinces really hate each other. The Western provinces resent the East, specifically Ontario. Qu?bec is in its own world, really. But I think what sticks out the most for me really is the latent resentment of the United States below them. I see this particularly in Canadian media. The TV and film productions out of Canada either are completely stripped of their Canadian identity and take place in the United States or tend to be cheesy. That isn't supposed to be a slight against Canadian talent; I think it is mostly due to that kind of defeatist attitude that "We're not America, so why should be try?" Maybe, but you don't need high budgets to make good television. And it's true. I thought "The Newsroom" was one of the best series that I've ever seen...period (and I haven't seen the 2004 series, so I can't comment on if it is worthy of the 1996 series that I love). In my opinion, Canada should stop focusing on being like the United States and, instead, carve a niche out for itself like BBC did in the UK. The BBC will never be NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, etc.; but nor does it need to be. CBC should try and carve out a successful Canadian identity; and, as for the rest of the networks in Canada, you don't carve out an identity making reality shows. What a cancer those things are...
So, there's my opinion on Canada, as an American who has spent some time in Canada and is looking possibly to move there this fall. Each nation has their own problems I guess, and nowhere will ever be perfect.
This thread, though, is really a testament to American fearmongering. Oh no...the Canadian children are out to get us!
Melon
But I cannot say that Canada is perfect. They have their own set of problems. For instance, it really appears as if the provinces really hate each other. The Western provinces resent the East, specifically Ontario. Qu?bec is in its own world, really. But I think what sticks out the most for me really is the latent resentment of the United States below them. I see this particularly in Canadian media. The TV and film productions out of Canada either are completely stripped of their Canadian identity and take place in the United States or tend to be cheesy. That isn't supposed to be a slight against Canadian talent; I think it is mostly due to that kind of defeatist attitude that "We're not America, so why should be try?" Maybe, but you don't need high budgets to make good television. And it's true. I thought "The Newsroom" was one of the best series that I've ever seen...period (and I haven't seen the 2004 series, so I can't comment on if it is worthy of the 1996 series that I love). In my opinion, Canada should stop focusing on being like the United States and, instead, carve a niche out for itself like BBC did in the UK. The BBC will never be NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, etc.; but nor does it need to be. CBC should try and carve out a successful Canadian identity; and, as for the rest of the networks in Canada, you don't carve out an identity making reality shows.
What a cancer those things are...So, there's my opinion on Canada, as an American who has spent some time in Canada and is looking possibly to move there this fall. Each nation has their own problems I guess, and nowhere will ever be perfect.
This thread, though, is really a testament to American fearmongering. Oh no...the Canadian children are out to get us!
Melon
Mrs. Edge
Bono's Belly Dancing Friend
Kathleen, honestly, HOW can you say that about me after all these years???
Like I said, blanket statements are bad. I do NOT think you are all a bunch of idiots, I was explaining why Canadians have a problem with the US. There are lots of idiots everywhere, Canada included, believe me.
Like I said, blanket statements are bad. I do NOT think you are all a bunch of idiots, I was explaining why Canadians have a problem with the US. There are lots of idiots everywhere, Canada included, believe me.
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Sherry Darling
New Yorker
Mrs. Edge said:
This was SUCH an important point that I wanted to highlight it. I push for dropping the debt, for universal health care, *seriously* making education a national must, wiping out homelessness. And I have actually been called a communist for it.
Thanks for making the point, Mrs. Edge!
SD
DaveC
Blue Crack Addict
senrab said:
So how is that an ignorant statement? Would you rather us say, "Nova Scotia, what a hellhole!" ?
I was supposed to leave tomorrow for a 2 week vacation to the Maritimes, but my sister got in a car accident last month so we can't leave her alone....maybe I'm better off not going, since you and Mrs. Edge think we're all just a bunch of idiots anyway.
Whoa whoa whoa!!
When did I EVER say any of those were ignorant statements?? I said here's some of what I hear...as you can tell, it's both extremes on there.
I resent that assumption about me. What you don't know is that I stand up for Americans. My mom loves to slag you guys, and I'm always the one telling her she's wrong.
Thanks for not reading anything else of my message though!
Mrs. Edge
Bono's Belly Dancing Friend
For those of you who might enjoy a little Canada bashing instead (and I'm not saying you would...but one can't be too careful!), here's a LOVELY gem I found in another forum. It made me ill. In the oh so brilliant movie,
http://content.collegehumor.com/media/movies/canada.wmv everyone (yes, including the Canadians!!!) came across as idiots. It's all SO pathetic, it makes me wonder if it was staged. Either way, I can't believe people would be so juvenile as to find this funny or entertaining...it's just so stupid.
The thread is called America>Canada - Proof
The comments following this Academy Award worthy movie include (and this serves to highlight what I was trying to say in my post):
"LOL I love this video!!! GO AMERICA! fucking arse holes!!!!"
"Yea! The areseholes!"
"excellent quality movie... god, what will people think of americans now..."
"what the hell was that?"
"canooks gettin their arses beat... what else..."
(in response to "what will they think of us now") "it doesn't matter what they think aboot us"
"That was GREAT!!!! So funny!!!"
"just a bunch of asshole in a hotel. Kind of funny though. And nobody needs proof that America owns Canada.."
"That was Fuggin' great. What a bunch of jack asses."
So um yeah.....the next question might be what are THEY teaching THEIR children?
http://content.collegehumor.com/media/movies/canada.wmv everyone (yes, including the Canadians!!!) came across as idiots. It's all SO pathetic, it makes me wonder if it was staged. Either way, I can't believe people would be so juvenile as to find this funny or entertaining...it's just so stupid.
The thread is called America>Canada - Proof
The comments following this Academy Award worthy movie include (and this serves to highlight what I was trying to say in my post):
"LOL I love this video!!! GO AMERICA! fucking arse holes!!!!"
"Yea! The areseholes!"
"excellent quality movie... god, what will people think of americans now..."
"what the hell was that?"
"canooks gettin their arses beat... what else..."
(in response to "what will they think of us now") "it doesn't matter what they think aboot us"
"That was GREAT!!!! So funny!!!"
"just a bunch of asshole in a hotel. Kind of funny though. And nobody needs proof that America owns Canada.."
"That was Fuggin' great. What a bunch of jack asses."
So um yeah.....the next question might be what are THEY teaching THEIR children?
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DaveC
Blue Crack Addict
Mrs. Edge said:So um yeah.....the next question might be what are THEY teaching THEIR children?
About Canada? Jack friggin' squat.
Angela Harlem
Jesus Online
This is why I reckon everyone should pick on the Kiwis. They're a choice punching bag, eh bro.
Screaming Flower
ONE love, blood, life
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2001
- Messages
- 11,961
wait angie. aren't you a kiwi? 
Angela Harlem
Jesus Online
pffft you.
Angela Harlem said:Pfft, so if these guys call you Canadian it is ok, but Zoolanda and I do it, and we're Kiwis?
Screamer
Screaming Flower
ONE love, blood, life
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2001
- Messages
- 11,961
DaveC said:
Whoa whoa whoa!!
When did I EVER say any of those were ignorant statements?? I said here's some of what I hear...as you can tell, it's both extremes on there.
I resent that assumption about me. What you don't know is that I stand up for Americans. My mom loves to slag you guys, and I'm always the one telling her she's wrong.
Thanks for not reading anything else of my message though!
First of all, I didn't want you to think that I just made an angry post and left, never to be seen again. I was out of town for the day yesterday.
I did read all of your message, thank you very much. This was the entire text of what you posted:
"I work (in Canada) taking calls for Hallmark from the States. People frequently ask where I'm from...I get all kinds of responses when I say we're in Nova Scotia, for example:
"Nova Scotia?!? You're in EUROPE???"
"Nova Scotia! Wow, we went there on our vacation, it's beautiful up there!"
"Nova Scotia...don't y'all have snow up there this time of year?"
"Nova Scotia, hmm...? well...alright..."
"Nova Scotia. That's weird."
"Nova Scotia?? Where is that?"
"Nova Scotia...? It must be cold up there...30 degrees maybe?"
"Nova Scotia? That's awesome! I've never spoken to a Nova Scotianer."
"Nova Scotia? That's in Canada, right...? Y'all just had an election didn't you?"
"Nova Scotia, hmm? I see."
"Nova Scotia!??!? I'M NOT DEALING WITH ANY GOD DAMNED CANADIAN!! *click*"
"Nova Scotia...? You guys are Canadian right? Yes? Why are you stealing American jobs?"
"Of course it rubbed me the wrong way, because you only posted idiotic quotes from Americans. If you had said in the same post what you said later on, "My mother slags Americans and I don't agree with it" my reaction would have been different, of course. But I was just going by exactly what you typed in that post.
I guess it comes across the wrong way over the internet because you're not talking to someone face to face, you're just writing down your thoughts and you can't look someone in the eye. I don't know how to put it, it just seems less harsh when you're debating an issue in person with someone. Sorry.
Mrs. Edge said:Kathleen, honestly, HOW can you say that about me after all these years???
Like I said, blanket statements are bad. I do NOT think you are all a bunch of idiots, I was explaining why Canadians have a problem with the US. There are lots of idiots everywhere, Canada included, believe me.
I said it because your post frosted me. You said first that Americans are great and warm and friendly:
but then you say in the same breath that it's all about total ignorance:
I got the feeling that you *were* making a blanket statement. Again, like I told DaveC, you meant it a different way but it didn't come across to me that way. I think we are interested in learning about other countries and we don't believe that everyone else should be screwed, but you see it a different way, so ok.
I'm sorry you feel swamped with American media and "God Bless America" 24/7, perhaps you could write the CRTC suggesting changes, make more exclusively Canadian channels, similar in content to the CBC which has almost exclusively Canadian productions (except for some Simpsons reruns)? Write to the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, start a grass-roots organization to encourage even more Canadian content in your media? Maybe the newsroom editors would use more discretion and not go into USA overload? If I grew up in Canada I would get sick of hearing about another country all the time and not enough about my own. Maybe that would give you an even greater feeling of identity and pride as a Canadian, (not that you aren't proud now, that's not what I'm saying) to hear more often about your homeland, and it is a grand, noble and free one at that. Yes, I don't agree with some of the Canadian government's policies, I don't think my president is a moron, and I hate Michael Moore's guts. But it would be so boring if we all agreed on everything.
You are a smart lady, so maybe you have already gone this route and contacted CRTC. I remember reading an interview with Lorne Michaels, the creator of Sat. Night Live, and he said that when he was growing up in Toronto, I believe (forgive me if I have the wrong city) there were no Canadian TV stations, just NBC, ABC, and CBS. So you have come a very long way.
If you would like to continue this discussion, do not hesitate to PM me, if you're still upset.
I've read this above argument many times. It seems to be based on the notion that we don't have enough Canadian identity whether through TV/radio/etc media.
It is not that we do not. We have multiple Canadian news stations and other stations here. For one, we don't only have the CBC, we have multiple other cable and non-cable stations. Second, when you get to things like music TV, we've got several Canadian ones which, IMO, kick MTV's ass from here to eternity. Canadian content is NOT the problem, and IMO, it's not what Mrs. Edge was referring to.
It's more something that Americans cannot understand, being American, and that is that from a foreign point of view, nobody in the world farts without the US okaying it. Therefore, it's not our media that is the problem, but the fact that American media and pop culture has become so pervasive in the world (for better and worse) that one can simply not avoid it! You say, write to the CRTC, but it is not the CBC that is the problem. America is the world's only superpower, it has greater resources than the rest of us, it has greater reach, and therefore people outside of the US know who Paula Zahn is, for God's sake. I can't explain this to you, because there is nothing equivalent in the world for you to understand this. Other nations, like Canada, France, England, Cameroon, Japan, Thailand, Argentina, (insert name of country here) simply are not in the position to a) push their views on anyone or b) have their views heard or c) have their politics and foreign affairs be as impactful on the rest of the world. So here we are, 6 billion of us and 300 million of you. All of us possums and one lion in the jungle, and this is the reality we live in, and of course you cannot understand that as the big boss just as we cannot understand you. In many ways, this is the economic colonialism people speak of, it's the Roman Empire transcended to the 21st century. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall, and so will this one one day, and things will probably swing in another direction, but for now, it is how things stand, and so you have two very distinct views about your position in the world.
It is not that we do not. We have multiple Canadian news stations and other stations here. For one, we don't only have the CBC, we have multiple other cable and non-cable stations. Second, when you get to things like music TV, we've got several Canadian ones which, IMO, kick MTV's ass from here to eternity. Canadian content is NOT the problem, and IMO, it's not what Mrs. Edge was referring to.
It's more something that Americans cannot understand, being American, and that is that from a foreign point of view, nobody in the world farts without the US okaying it. Therefore, it's not our media that is the problem, but the fact that American media and pop culture has become so pervasive in the world (for better and worse) that one can simply not avoid it! You say, write to the CRTC, but it is not the CBC that is the problem. America is the world's only superpower, it has greater resources than the rest of us, it has greater reach, and therefore people outside of the US know who Paula Zahn is, for God's sake. I can't explain this to you, because there is nothing equivalent in the world for you to understand this. Other nations, like Canada, France, England, Cameroon, Japan, Thailand, Argentina, (insert name of country here) simply are not in the position to a) push their views on anyone or b) have their views heard or c) have their politics and foreign affairs be as impactful on the rest of the world. So here we are, 6 billion of us and 300 million of you. All of us possums and one lion in the jungle, and this is the reality we live in, and of course you cannot understand that as the big boss just as we cannot understand you. In many ways, this is the economic colonialism people speak of, it's the Roman Empire transcended to the 21st century. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall, and so will this one one day, and things will probably swing in another direction, but for now, it is how things stand, and so you have two very distinct views about your position in the world.
Mrs. Edge
Bono's Belly Dancing Friend
anitram. 
That was very well put!
1) Am I not allowed to have conflicting views on the subject? Not everything is black and white! I suppose it's a love hate relationship. I said what I loved about the US (and there is a lot) on purpose so people wouldn't think I had a one sided view. I guess that backfired.
I guess you just can't know what it's like to be in the shadow of (or the object of ridicule or worse yet not worthy of being contemplated at all) by the US because you live there. I don't blame you at all.
2) I said "MOST of the populace" don't know about/don't want to know about other countries if you look closely. I was very careful not to say "all" because I know that's not true. If it's not the case, I would be the first to be delighted with this. Again, I go by what we are constantly exposed to.
Now I just want to say for the record that other than my oldest friend who is an American who I grew up with, the people in interference are my main exposure to the American people and their attitudes on things (other than the media of course).
Since joining this Board, I now have almost as many, maybe even more American friends than I do Canadian! This Board has improved my view on Americans 100% I kid you not. I think both countries need an exchange program or something, it would do both sides a world of good.
The vast majority of the people on here are indeed inquisitive (which is why I feel that I can express what worries Canadians freely here), warm and intelligent. Whenever I get depressed and despair for the US because of people like George Bush (sorry, I LOATHE him and he is RUINING your country's reputation. It is such a shame, you guys deserve so much better), I am reminded that all is not as bad as it seems.
Anyway, what I think isn't even the topic of the thread! The topic/question was why many (not all but many) Canadians have a problem with the US, and I was explaining why I think that to be so.
Unfortunately the people who give the US a bad name are the ones who get the most media exposure....and as anitram says, there is simply no getting away from American media exposure. Increasing Canadian content, though great, would a) not reduce the American exposure and b) would probably cost a lot of money and Canadians are unfortunately notorious for not supporting their own. And although I'd love to get away from some of the American media, like I said before, I love too many of the TV shows and movies!
Anyway...hopefully I have made myself even more clear now and if not well...
That was very well put!1) Am I not allowed to have conflicting views on the subject? Not everything is black and white! I suppose it's a love hate relationship. I said what I loved about the US (and there is a lot) on purpose so people wouldn't think I had a one sided view. I guess that backfired.
I guess you just can't know what it's like to be in the shadow of (or the object of ridicule or worse yet not worthy of being contemplated at all) by the US because you live there. I don't blame you at all.
2) I said "MOST of the populace" don't know about/don't want to know about other countries if you look closely. I was very careful not to say "all" because I know that's not true. If it's not the case, I would be the first to be delighted with this. Again, I go by what we are constantly exposed to.
Now I just want to say for the record that other than my oldest friend who is an American who I grew up with, the people in interference are my main exposure to the American people and their attitudes on things (other than the media of course).
Since joining this Board, I now have almost as many, maybe even more American friends than I do Canadian!
This Board has improved my view on Americans 100% I kid you not. I think both countries need an exchange program or something, it would do both sides a world of good.The vast majority of the people on here are indeed inquisitive (which is why I feel that I can express what worries Canadians freely here), warm and intelligent. Whenever I get depressed and despair for the US because of people like George Bush (sorry, I LOATHE him and he is RUINING your country's reputation. It is such a shame, you guys deserve so much better), I am reminded that all is not as bad as it seems.
Anyway, what I think isn't even the topic of the thread! The topic/question was why many (not all but many) Canadians have a problem with the US, and I was explaining why I think that to be so.
Unfortunately the people who give the US a bad name are the ones who get the most media exposure....and as anitram says, there is simply no getting away from American media exposure. Increasing Canadian content, though great, would a) not reduce the American exposure and b) would probably cost a lot of money and Canadians are unfortunately notorious for not supporting their own. And although I'd love to get away from some of the American media, like I said before, I love too many of the TV shows and movies!
Anyway...hopefully I have made myself even more clear now and if not well...
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Mrs. Edge
Bono's Belly Dancing Friend
LOL! That is very impressive indeed! 
You, like Arun are kind of like an American/Canadian hybrid anyway.
BTW, while I'm back I should mention that even if Canadians do have issues with the US, it's not like we're sitting here steaming about it and plotting our revenge. (well, sometimes maybe
)We do genuinely want a great friendship between the countries.
I also think Tim Hortons needs to be more prevelant in the US and Bob Evans and/or Panera Bread has to move over here.
You, like Arun are kind of like an American/Canadian hybrid anyway. BTW, while I'm back I should mention that even if Canadians do have issues with the US, it's not like we're sitting here steaming about it and plotting our revenge. (well, sometimes maybe
)We do genuinely want a great friendship between the countries. I also think Tim Hortons needs to be more prevelant in the US and Bob Evans and/or Panera Bread has to move over here.
BAW
The Flower
Mrs. Edge said:
BTW, while I'm back I should mention that even if Canadians do have issues with the US, it's not like we're sitting here steaming about it and plotting our revenge. (well, sometimes maybe
I know this to be true...I have never felt that you or any of the many Canadians I've met over the past year have anything against Americans as a whole. I know you have issues with our government but on the other hand, at least you know enough about American politics to have issues with it!
And you may tease us a little but its nothing worse than the litany of Canadian jokes we tell
I also think Tim Hortons needs to be more prevelant in the US
Now that would improve relations considerably!
Muggsy
Refugee
too much south park
DaveC
Blue Crack Addict
senrab said:
Apparently you missed the following:
"Nova Scotia? That's awesome! I've never spoken to a Nova Scotianer.", or
"Nova Scotia! Wow, we went there on our vacation, it's beautiful up there!"
I've been called some pretty nasty things by some people at work simply based on the fact that I'm Canadian. In fact, today at work I was called a "fisherman" and a "dirty eskimo" (when I'm not even native), all in the same call.
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