Canadapower!!

[Ciryaher]

Canada...land of round bacon, lumberjacks, hockey, and eh?

That's the stereotype of Canada, but what do Americans really know about Canada? What is their angle, why do they have a leaf on their flag?

We in the states regard our northern neighbour with an ominous nod to the north, and it is amazing how few times the country with the longest coastline in the world is actually talked about.

My theory is that the government doesn't want us Americans to know about Canada...it's a conspiracy *looks around shiftily* They speak French, too. While there's nothing really ominous about that, you have to dig deeper. The French want to take over the world. Canadians speak French. The people in Quebec want their own country...perhaps they also want their own *dramatic chord* WORLD?!?!

Americans, Canadians, and Bermudans are all welcome to this discussion on the implications of Canada and its sandpaper-exportation cartels.

[Aerin]

They want to take over the world, do they? Then they can jolly well go and take over some other world! :p

And just because they speak French doesn't mean your silly (yes, that's right: silly!) little conspiracy theory means anything!
*cough*Plus, in British Columbia, the waiters there are pretty cute...*cough*

[Anamatar IV]

well Im pretty sure that they only speak french in quebec. I know about canada!!! My maple syrup container has a paragraph of info about canada on the back ;)

[Ciryaher]

Well tell us what your maple syrup container has to say!

[Thorin]

Canada! The greatest place to live on earth!

What do Americans on a whole know about Canada? Absolutely squat!You just have to go to Epcot centres Canadian exhibit to see that.
(Just watch Talking to Americans on "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" (A political satire show here in Canada).

US myths to dispel about Canada:

1) It is not 40 below all year round in Canada. As a matter of fact, it gets hotter here than in most places in the US, and it gets colder in many places in the US in the winter than it does where I live.

2) We do not eat whale blubber or live in igloos (Eskimos live near the north pole, not right north of the US border!)

Now the next ones are actually some things that some Americans have believed about Canada....I kid you not!

3) Our cities and road systems are just like the US, not shanty towns with shacks.

4) We do have access to the sea, which means we can have a navy.

5) Our national flag has a maple leaf on it, not a hockey puck.

6) We do have more than one newspaper for the whole country

7) We are on the 24 hour clock not the '20 hour clock'

8) We have more than 800 miles of paved road

9) We have jets to fly in, not propeller planes.

10) All Canadians say 'eh' and talk like drunk Native Indians (At least when imitated by Americans) about as much as all Americans say 'y'all'.

To be honest, most Americans don't know much about their own country. I think I had to almost explain where Washington was (when I was explaining to a Floridian where British Columbia was!).

Canada has a few problems with their economy and their judicial system (at least here in BC we do). But other than that, I wouldn't like to live anywhere else.

We're less crowded (a tenth of the population of US with much more land area).
The people are more polite here. Our education and health system is better. (I discovered in the Dallas Hospital two years ago that JFK died because of the poor service there, not from the bullets)
Our land is beautiful.

As for the French, I am french but I have no sympathy for the renegade Quebec separatists who are not proud of our country. Ship em to France I say!!!

[Anamatar IV]

i would think all that stuff but last year for 2 months we were busy doing a project on canada,

[JanitorofAngmar]

O.K. Let me set the record straight on a few things:

Canadians do NOT all speak french. Quebecers overwhelmingly speak french but unless you are confronted by a political seperatist jerk, most of them will speak english to you without a problem. In more rural areas where english may not have ever really been in demand, you will likely encounter many people who don't speak english.

As you move west across the provinces you see less and less people speaking french. Ontario and Manitoba have higher rates of spoken french than other provinces to the west. But as you move beyond that french language in everyday use is relatively non-existent. Many french canadians do live out west and speak french often, however it is usually with either a family member, or fellow french Canadian/Quebecer.

Further there is some degree of animosity in the west towards Quebec and it's people there. In my experience it is usually due to a lack of understanding of the Quebec culture (although sometimes I wonder if Quebecers really understand what makes them 'Quebecers' other than a desire to get pi$$ed and party).

The idea that the Quebecers want to take over Canada, or the world or whatever is absurd! What they really want is independance and protection of their "way of life/culture" which depending on who you talk to is either not that dissimilar from the rest of Canada, or drastically different. Funny how that opinion will in fact define your politics regarding seperatism. For the most part, if you want a friendly fun-loving culture, Quebecers are it! I grew up in Western Canada and let me tell you - if ANYONE knows how to party, it's the Quebecers (and second to that the Maritimers! - Who also speak alot of french especially in New Brunswick where it is almost another language there combining both french, and english into a conversation at an alarming rate of speed.). I should know all this I married a french Canadian woman and got a crash course in it all.

However, I will also add this just to upset everyone. Quebecers in Western Canada do have the attitude (more often than not I've found)that their being FC is somehow superior and they deserve special treatment from the Western Canadians and the Western Provincial govt.s as a result of that imagined superiority. Funny, when I go to their province I don't expect that, nor do I ever get any being obviously from the "west". That IS obvious with many of those transplanted Quebecers. I know this I've been immersed in it out west as well.

As for lumberjacks...good luck finding one outside of B.C. and if you find one there, he's likely out of work and growing pot now.

As for living in igloos....remember most of Canada is relatively uninhabitable, and the majority of the population 60-80% lives within 1 hour of the Canada/u.s. border. So it's really no different than living in Maine, Michigan, Indiana, North Dakota, Montanna, Idaho, Washington, etc. If you were to live in our "North" - i.e. Northwest Territories, Yukon, or Nunavut your best way to travel from town to town is either ATV, snowmobile, dog-sled, or more commonly airplane (bush-plane).

Canada is as wide east to west as the u.s.a. (which few americans seem to realize).

And yes, Hockey IS BIG up here. But believe it or not, and most Canadians don't know this either, our national sport is NOT hockey - it's lacrosse (that's right! Look it up!). Hockey is CONSTANTLY mis-referred to as our national sport. Further it was not until early in the 1990's that our national anthem was officially recognized as also being "Oh Canada" (then we idiotically changed the words to be "politically correct"...geez!). Our official national anthem (which no one knows, or sings...EVER!) is, and still is alternately "The Maple Leaf Forever"...I think...

Our economy is resource-based both historically and for the most part at present as well. Our govt. is a bunch of insane idiots that consistantly proves the old axiom "S*** floats to the top". The Canadian's collective "political memory" is about 10 minutes so if you can get through a scandal for 10 minutes, your usually "home free". We are a technologically strong country that ships most of our "know how" OUT of the country. Yes, we have social medicine (sort of) but let me tell you IT SUCKS! Any surgeon worth his salt typically moves to the u.s.a. because they can actually book time in an o.r. and practice their 'craft' about 3 times as often as they can in Canada. So if you're a really good surgeon, or specialist get out of Canada because the govt. makes it so difficult for you to actually practice your specialized medicine, your hamstrung. In the u.s.a. you can practice to your heart's content, and get better, and better, and help oh so many more people (who carry VISA, or American Express). But we pay through the nose in taxes for that crappy medical service too! On average take somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 of what you make and give it to the govt. That's what our taxes are like! No wonder we all grow pot up here - the profits are not taxed, and it helps us to escape the idiocy! Somewhere between 3-6 BILLION dollar a year industry in British Columbia (a province) alone!

As for the american/Canadian relationship. America calls us their friend but treats our country like **** to serve their own purposes. Our politicians have thier noses so far up the u.s.'s "you know what" they are afraid to come right out and tell the u.s.a. to "bite us". But again and again, the u.s. relationship is all about having the u.s. bully Canada into doing whatever it wants. I CAN cite example after example of this for all you people who don't believe this.

Most Canadians I've met in my life tend to, beyond the polite rhetoric, feel that our neighbors to the south are a bunch of ethnocentric, overpatriotic sheep that blindly follow thier govt. However in defence of americans almost every Canadian I include in that generalization also will be the first to admit that on an idividual basis americans are wonderful, happy and helpful people. It's when they are in a group that their I.Q. suddenly drops sharply and they follow the dumbest of the bunch.

I know that sounds harsh but you really have to dig beyond the "politness" in Canada to get a heart felt view of americans up here. And then when you get that view out of them - lock it up and DON'T mention it or it will get denied profusely. No doubt after this post there will be a ton of Canadians refuting what I say. Of course, we are Canadians, it is the "polite" thing to do and God forbid we should ever get caught having negative feelings toward a group of people.

I spent 8 years talking to americans face to face for 8 hours a day, day in day out about a wide ranging scope of subject matter across all walks of life (CEOs, blue-collars, teachers, scientists, garbage men, students, politicians, holywood people, houswives, priests, social workers, etc., etc.). I KNOW what I'm talking about. Further I've grown up in Canada and followed this subject for many a year. My parents are americans, I'm Canadian. I'm speaking from experience.

If you really want a good view of what Canada is all about try reading the two books by Will Ferguson entitled "Why I hate Canadians", and "How to be Canadian". Despite the dry, sardonic tone it holds deep insights and truth to what Canada is really all about.

Oh, yeah. In case you haven't noticed, we also tend to rant alot up here too!

[Thorin]

Originally posted by JanitorofAngmar
However, I will also add this just to upset everyone. Quebecers in Western Canada do have the attitude (more often than not I've found)that their being FC is somehow superior and they deserve special treatment from the Western Canadians and the Western Provincial govt.s as a result of that imagined superiority. Funny, when I go to their province I don't expect that, nor do I ever get any being obviously from the "west". That IS obvious with many of those transplanted Quebecers. I know this I've been immersed in it out west as well.


Really? I've lived all my life in Western Canada and I've never really encountered the French mentality out in Alberta or BC. Actually, the animosity is from the westerners to Quebec. I find the wanting "special treatment" is mostly from the Native Indians.

Originally posted by JanitorofAngmar
Most Canadians I've met in my life tend to, beyond the polite rhetoric, feel that our neighbors to the south are a bunch of ethnocentric, overpatriotic sheep that blindly follow thier govt. However in defence of americans almost every Canadian I include in that generalization also will be the first to admit that on an idividual basis americans are wonderful, happy and helpful people. It's when they are in a group that their I.Q. suddenly drops sharply and they follow the dumbest of the bunch.

Though I agree with your "ethnocentric" comment (I would almost say, egocentric) I actually admire the US for their patriotism. What I dislike is their arrogance and ignorance of the world around them, especially concerning their fellow democratic natives to the North) As compared to Canada, they are much more rude (At least in Florida and California they are. Texas was great for nice people!)

[JanitorofAngmar]

Thorin,


Really? I've lived all my life in Western Canada and I've never really encountered the French mentality out in Alberta or BC. Actually, the animosity is from the westerners to Quebec. I find the wanting "special treatment" is mostly from the Native Indians.

Yeah, well I would've said the same til I married one. Then I got to be privy to some of the more "deeper" feelings of the french community. But yes, you are right indeed Westerners do harbour way to much animosity towards Quebecers. Most of it stems from total ignorance though. I'm constantly amused by the perceptions of Quebec & (ers) by red-neck Albertans who really never had much experience with them at all. I'm not even going to go into the NC thing.

[Elfhelm25]

I am as Canadian as they come
To those who hail from Canada , there is a great distinction between the foreign "westerners" ( BC , Alberta , etc . ) and us Maritimers , and "Newfy's" in their own little division . My friends from the west are very different than those in the Maritimes , my home since birth . I love love love love the Maritimes , they are rich in culture and scenery .
For non Canadians , think of it like this
A lot of people say that Nova Scotia is the Scotland of the New World ,and PEI is the Dublin , becuase that's where a lot of the descendants came from and our cultures our very enrixched by them .
Well , Ill stop boring you on this , but if youre interested , look up Candaian history . Its not all igloos and lumberjacks , its really an interesting history . I am the Canadian buff ! I would say it's closely related to Europe in some ways , particularly England and France , but in others very distinct .
Hope Ive been of some use to ye

[Ciryaher]

Well, this was supposed to be a purely humourous thread, but I consider myself enlightened on at least a few viewpoints of Canada!

In response to the egocentrism, I think a lot of Americans think that we are #1, but on a person-to-person basis, we are extremely interested in the outside world and are very friendly. The city about 10 miles from me is about 30% German natives, who have come over because the German Luftwaffe got a lease on part of Holloman Air Force Base, and they train their fighters here. I also heard that Israel may lease part of the base and train their fighters here. But back to my point, the people here really embrace the Germans, even if the Germans aren't so outgoing ;)

[Kementari]

I agree with you Elfhelm the Maritimes and Newfoundland are the greatest places on earth in my opinion!!!! Except for having 15 percent tax in the Maritimes.......... owie :(
For all you Americans i don't have a pet beaver, it is about 5 degrees above outside and it is late fall, I have never said Eh in my life (thats strictly Middle/Westerners who say that, and theres nothing wrong with it!), and i most certinaly do NOT eat whale blubber!
I think that Americans are very egotistic and you can leave taking over the world to them.
I think that French and English speakers should get along, there are alot of other cultures in Canada as well

Go Thorin and JoA!

[Thorin]

Originally posted by Kementari
I agree with you Elfhelm the Maritimes and Newfoundland are the greatest places on earth in my opinion!!!! Except for having 15 percent tax in the Maritimes.......... owie :(
For all you Americans i don't have a pet beaver, it is about 5 degrees above outside and it is late fall, I have never said Eh in my life (thats strictly Middle/Westerners who say that, and theres nothing wrong with it!), and i most certinaly do NOT eat whale blubber!
I think that Americans are very egotistic and you can leave taking over the world to them.
I think that French and English speakers should get along, there are alot of other cultures in Canada as well

Go Thorin and JoA!

Really? I believe that the whole 'eh' thing came from the East, not the West. We have 14.5 percent tax, Kem, so don't feel too disheartened. To add to what JoA was saying, I am a French teacher (it's mandatory in schools including grade 8 to take French) and only after 8 years of teaching am I finally overcoming the animosity to the French language because of people's perception of Quebecers. Most westerners are misinformed that's true, but you have to admit that Lucien Bouchard sure as heck didn't help the situation between the French and English.

I've been everywhere in Canada (except the territories and Nunavit) and I believe that Canada is beautiful everywhere. The Maritimes and NFL were quite pretty and the culture there is very rich. Though I grew up a prairie boy, I do have to admit that BC is THE most beautiful place to live, after being here 8 years...heh heh. I always hated the bragging BC people who came to Alberta, now I'm one of them.

[Kementari]

I always thought that the Eh thing it came from Ontario and those places, though alot people here DO say 'eh', people in Halifax and the places around it have a toned down New Yorkers accent. I'd personally be proud to be an Eh speaker :p
My uncle is from BC and he brags like crazy!!! And Vancouver is suppose to be the second best place in the world to live, so id say your proably right :D But i really love the celtic culture in the Maritimes

[Grond]

Since this is also supposed to be a humorous thread I will ask some of our Canadian buddies to translate this for me. I heard it in Newfoundland in 1965 when I first arrived there from a Newfie lad about my same age. He looked very angrily at me (for what reason I haven't a clue) and said, "Ehhhhh Booooodi... wannasmakindamut?" I, of course wanting to be neighborly happily replied, "Sure!!" The next thing I remeber is waking up at the Base infirmary with a black eye and a severely bruised cheek bone.

What exactly did he say that me saying "Sure!" ended up getting my butt kicked?

[Kementari]

"Ehhhhh Booooodi... wannasmakindamut?"

Roflmao!!!!!!!!!!!

He said "hey buddie want a smack in the butt"
Ive lived in Newfoundland, i know there secret lingo

[JanitorofAngmar]

Close! Mouth, not Butt I believe.

[Kementari]

:eek: I forgot the number 1 rule for understanding Newfoundlandish: h's are always taken out of words and put where there not needed

[Elfhelm25]

Yeah , the tax thing is a bit of a downer , but not on good ol' PEI ! We just have the one tax there . It's great .
Eh is one of the biggest words of my vocabulary , I am afraid . As well , slippy instead of slippery , "the ice is right slippy , eh ? " Yeah , that's a saying . Also saying "warsh " intsaed of wash . Its amusing to my friend in Alberta . Also , book bag is not book bag ! It.s .....KNAPSACK ! This is a crazy world we are living in .
Yay , Kenentari ? Are you a Maritimer too ? Where are you from ?
I dont own beavers either , I do have a few red foxes in my backyard , some stray cats , but no beavers /
I speak french and english , so do most people I know , I wish I had a better french accent " mais je commencerais mon education francais dans l'annee 7 ieme . " Watch me have lots of mistake there . Its just kind of a given , I love french people and I love english people , and I dont like "media " americains whatsoever becuase they are so cocky and flag waving and in peoples face , but Ive never met an American that hasnt been friendly and talkative and basically bubbly all around on a personal basis . People from Georgia , I love you !!!!!!!!
The best thing about Canada is that everywhere you go there is a different culture , and I am canadian completly . Although I have a big thing for European people ....I go insane when I meet any I want their accents ! There are lots of stereotypes in Canada but I find them mostly humourous not insulting , anyone else ?Luv yas dearly but not queerly !

[Elfhelm25]

oops , forgot . Newfies are the greatest people in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Elbereth]

Personally, I never had a problem with Canadians in general. I have, however, experienced alot of snobbishness directed at me during the few times I have visited Quebec. :(

I don't think they take too kindly to non-french speaking people.

(PS...I have also found that those from New Foundland and Prince Edward Island are very similar to the people I grew up with in Maine. Perhaps, the close proximity has something to do with that...:rolleyes: )

[Grond]

Oh great!! :( Now I have to worry about getting my butt kicked in Maine too!!! ;)

[Kementari]

Elfhelm: I live in Nova Scotia, but alot of my realitives live in NFLD! The people there are really fantastic

[Nob Boffin]

I AM CANADIAN;

I am from the middle bit of the country, ie;south western Ontario. I have found that the best idea is to take Americans as you find them. I have net a number of very fine people, and I have over the years seen a number of the stereotypical rude arrogant American tourists, I ignore them, or I try to.

I have met a number of very fine French Canadians as well, many from Northern Ontario. I like Canada and generally I like Canadians east or west.This is only my second post here.

[kalwa_Avar]

Me Im just an average redneck Albertan farmer kid;) And Iv found that most Albertans blame Quebec for there problams cause thats were the parlament building is. Any hostilty is strickly because Quebec out numbers us about 10 to one and we dont really have a say about who runs the country (Personaly I feel if farmers really wanted to go on strike and not farm for a while it would change real fast) But thats not my opionon. We've got a Newfie in our little hick town high school and Man was she hard to understand when she first showed up! Now we can make out what she says. I gota question for all you Maritimers, What dose "To kiss a cod" mean? She said it was something about an initeaton or something....

[Chymaera]

Canadians know about Americans because we watch their TV shows. And NO one knows about Canadians because no one watches Canadian TV shows. :D

(Except Air Farce and 22 minutes)

But we love to fight amongs ourselves:p ;) :D

[Ciryaher]

I watch the Red Green Show!!! I'm not sure if I like Red Green or one of the British shows with Rowan Atkison in them (Mr. Bean or The Thin Blue Line). There's a sketch comedy show called The Kids in the Hall, and that's Canadian, but I dinnae like it. Isn't South Park made by Canadians? Someone told me that...I think......

Anyways, I noticed that every piece of sandpaper I have is made in Canada, and since I'm a woodworker of sorts, I have to say huzzah for the Canadian Sandpaper Industry! I also bought a dresser/drawers and that too was made in Canada. Also, my kippered herring snacks comfort me with the "Product of Canada" that lets me know that my kippered herring snacks are of the utmost Canadian quality!

[Elbereth]

Originally posted by Chymaera
Canadians know about Americans because we watch their TV shows. And NO one knows about Canadians because no one watches Canadian TV shows. :D

(Except Air Farce and 22 minutes)

But we love to fight amongs ourselves:p ;) :D

I object to that statement! I watch Degrassi Jr. High, (the 80's version...not the new version). I do believe that show originated in Canada. Good Teenage Drama!! hehehe

[Ciryaher]

Hey, you Canadians! We Americans are impatient, and we need northern comments!

What are your thoughts on the recent advisory by the Canadian government that Canadians shouldn't travel to the US? I heard that on the news, and it seems a feasible enough situation, so I figure that they really did advise such silliness.

By the way, fellow North Americans...have any of you seen members from Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, or Panama? I think we have some Brazilians, but I've never seen a Latin American on the boards. What are your thoughts on that?

[JanitorofAngmar]

Cir,

Actually it's not "silliness" when you consider recent events and just why it was advised. The advisory actually is mostly directed at Canadian citizens who are of foriegn origin (either birth, or visible ancestry). The reason being for the racial profiling that is being implemented by the INS. They want to fingerprint and examine very closely any person who is a Canadian citizen who was not born in Canada or has connections to the middle east via thier ancestry.

Due to recent events in which the u.s.a. has held Canadian citizens without trial or the ability to contact the Canadian consulate (or legal consult either) the advisory has gone out.

Hence, NOT "silliness". One poor fellow who was an engineer on vacation in the u.s.a was deported to his country of birth (not of his citizenship) Sudan. Unfortuneatly the reason he left in the first place was he feared for his life cause of politcal views, blah, blah, etc. Good move by the INS! Real friendly to Canadian citizens eh?

There is actually a good discussion regarding Canada and the u.s.a. on...believe it or not....sorry....oprah.com right now. My Mother pointed it out to me (just to save my masculinity here...).

However, on a different note. It is the u.s.a. and if you guys want to fingerprint, strip search, or whatever, people coming into your country...that's your perogative. However, it is also ours to say "Hey! You might not want to go there anymore". Quite frankly I'd be interested to see the american response if Canadians were to start detaining numerous americans, and fingerprinting them as they enter our country. I'm guessing the double-standard would show pretty quick.

That's my rant - no kid gloves, sorry, but no brass knuckles either.

JoA

[Grond]

Cir, your guild brother, Maedhros, is from Panama.

JoA, I agree that I would be most unhappy if I was unlawfully detained while on a legal visit to any country with valid papers. If Canadian citizens have been held without cause (regardless of their ethnic heritage), I can only apologize for my country's phobic response.

But we are in phobic reaction mode.

[JanitorofAngmar]

Grond,

Yeah although I disagree vehemently with the current position/perspective of your country, I can certainly understand it and where it comes from.

On behalf of all Canadians, thanks!

[Mindy_O_Lluin]

Yeah. If I were a Canadian, I'd stay out of the US right now, too.

As for Canada, (as an American) what do I know about it? Well, it's mostly beautiful, it's welcoming, you can hitch-hike there without fear, Banff and Lake Louise are some of the most beautiful locations on earth, along with Alberta and Jasper National park. In the summer, the lakes are bright turquiose. (All right, you nabbed me for a tourist!) It was neat to be able to walk up to the toe of a glacier. It was wonderful to hike some pristine trails with old growth forests all around. Camping in the campgrounds there was rustic and pleasant. They provide wood cook stoves and piles of wood and it's great fun to chop your own wood and cook your dinner outdoors in a misty forest, with almost nobody else around. And when you DO run into others, they are friendly and talk to you and share food and information. I traveled awhile with a French Canadian and it was cool to see him, everytime he met a stranger who spoke French, greet them with a kiss on both cheeks.
The view from Mount Royal is surprising and breathtaking, and I enjoyed their old town area and the Art Museum. Toronto and Ottawa are nice, with the parliarment buildings and old architecture. I did go a little bit into Quebec, but didn’t feel comfortable there, like I was intruding. All the street signs have to be in both English and French (is that still so?)
There are large desolate spaces also, that seem unending. It’s almost scary to be in wide open spaces with no civilization in sight for a hundred miles. Like being on Mars or in Utah.
Joni Mitchell hailed from Canada, and Gordon Lightfoot, and I think, that group who sang “American Woman”. Jane Sibery is a Canadian singer I like. And lots of other musicians, whom I can’t think of right now, come from there.

[Ciryaher]

Bachman Turner Overdrive is Canadian, and I think there's a group called Nickelback that is Canadian, but I'm not positive on that.

As for the INS, I agree with Bill O'Reilly that it is both worthless and a danger to national security. They do the wrong things in the wrong places, and don't do anything in the right places. We need to stop being ridiculous about foreigners and start showing a bit of respect. Instead of just targeting persons of middle-eastern descent who come into the country, we should look out for the ones that are already here.

[Talierin]

Loreena McKennitt is Canadian! Hurrah for Canadians!:D

[Thorin]

Bryan Adams
The Guess Who
Neil Young
Barenaked Ladies
Shania Twain
Paul Brandt
Nickelback
BTO
Bruce Cockburn
Great Big Sea
Blue Rodeo
Prairie Oysters
Gordon Lightfoot
Stompin Tom Connors (of course!)
Loreena Mckennit
The Rankin Family


- Just a few bands and soloists that I can think of that are Canadian :)

[Ciryaher]

Don't stone me for this, but if I'm not mistaken, Celine Dion is Canadian, as well (and no, I don't care for her music).

What about Canadians asking Americans questions? I know that we're not all that different as far as cultures and such go, but I think we Amerikaners would be more than happy to answer *your* questions :)

[Elbereth]

You are absolutely correct Cir! She is a Quebecian.

Another well known Canadian is Alanis Morrisette!

(and here is some quick trivia for you...

What Canadian kid show did Alanis Morrisette star in during the mid 80's?)

[JanitorofAngmar]

El, oh sure I used to know this too! I cannot remember off the top o' me crainum though. Please inform us, it's bugging me. A guy whom I used to work with went to high school with AM and he told me but I forgot.

Oh hey! I didn't see any mention of the Cowboy Junkies on this thread yet! So here's mine "Cowboy Junkies...Yaaay!"

Cir,

Actually many Canadians know about as much of american culture as your own americans do. We are S-A-T-U-R-A-T-E-D with your culture. Hence there is no real call for questions regarding american culture. Kind of our point I think. At least in my case my parents are actually american (I'm proudly not) so I may know more than usual anyway. Hence also a large degree of backlash towards americans from Canadians. Statements like "we're not all that different as far as cultures and such go" or "What's Canada but the 51st state anyway", etc. is kinda getting to be a bit of a PITA of late. Now I know how the Quebecers feel...

Cir - I realize that you did not mean it like that (I know you didn't) it just raises a larger issue at hand I thought I would rant on about.

JoA.

[Kementari]

Tons of actors are Canadian, Hayen Christinsen and Dan Acroid for instance. Along with a bunch of great hocky players and figure skaters, go Sale&Peltier!!!

[TheFool]

Canadians I know of:

Alanis Morissette
Gordon Lightfoot (canadian railroad trilogy!)
Nickelback
Avril Lavigne
Celine Dion

OK I just previewed the post and noticed most of these have been mentioned anyway but what the heck!

ps I apologize for, when I was younger, referring to Canada as 'Canadia' :D

[Thorin]

Forgot Tom Cochrane and Terri Clark (from my home town in Alberta)

Well known Canadian "actors:

Dan Akroyd
Rick Moranis
Michael J. Fox
John Candy
Eugene Levy
Harold Ramis
Matthew Perry
Natasha Henstridge

[Nob Boffin]

More Canadians;

Lorne Greene
Leslie Nielson
Walter Pidgeon
Mary Pickford
Mike Myers
Norman Jewison
Christopher Plummer
Glen Ford

and probably a bunch more I have forgotten.

[Muffinly]

Yes I am A Cadana Fan, but if you don't like my signature Deal with it!
Or I might change it. I am half Canadian (If it was an ethnic background)


Downhere- Canadian Band


Another canadian actor: William Shatner

[Ciryaher]

Statements like "we're not all that different as far as cultures and such go" are perfectly true. The United States is a monster of regionalism (which some non-Americans fail to realize) and that accents, foods, architecture, religion, politics, morals, attitudes, and any number of other aspects vary from one place to another. For instance, here in the rural southwestern US, the Hispanic and Native American cultures have a heavy impact. In the midwest and northeast, the regions become even smaller. Areas settle by the French, Germans, Dutch, Irish, Scottish, and other groups can both integrate with eachother and create very obvious differences.

Our two nations were settled by many of the same groups, and the only real differences are how these groups decided to mix with eachother. We're not as different as you think. It seems to me that most times, Americans are defined by the actions of our government. I for one don't agree with much of anything the government does or has to say, and I think that goes for most other Americans. We are not an arrogant people; we love what we have, but we don't go and say "Oh look at those stupid Canadians" or Germans, or whatever. People from other nations (on all occaisions that I know of) are met with enthusiasm. We, as Americans, are extremely interested in other cultures. We may not agree with what we find out, but we still want to know.

For instance, the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) leased a part of Holloman Air Force Base, here in Alamagordo, New Mexico. At first, everyone was rather uneasy about the proposition, but now that the Germans (there are at least 15,000 living in the area) are settled, they've become a part of the local culture, and have contributed to ours.

[Thorin]

Originally posted by Ciryaher
We are not an arrogant people; we love what we have, but we don't go and say "Oh look at those stupid Canadians" or Germans, or whatever. People from other nations (on all occaisions that I know of) are met with enthusiasm. We, as Americans, are extremely interested in other cultures. We may not agree with what we find out, but we still want to know.

Hmm. You must live in a different US than the one I've been in contact with for years. I've been to 23 different states (quite a few of which I've visited more many times) and in about 80% of my experience with Americans, there is a prevelant disdain for anything un-American. There is an embarassing ignorance about Canada which shows me that if Americans can't even learn about their nearest neighbor, would they honestly learn about anything in another continent?

Obviously, this is a grand stereotype. I'm sure there are many who are like you Ciryaher and are what you say they are. But as a whole, the US is a very ignorant nation (not rude-ignorant, but unknowledgable)

[Ciryaher]

I suppose so...but we don't deserve a stereotype, as other nations do not deserve stereotypes, either.

[JanitorofAngmar]

Cir,

While I do agree with you regarding stereotypes (I like Yamaha!...O.K. dumb joke), do not confuse them with generalizations which are quite different. Stereotypes are typically not based in fact and are not aimed at a group specifically. By saying "the prevailing american attitude is "x", you are not making a stereotype but rather a generalization. Unfortunatly generalizations can and sometimes do lead to stereotypes.

Canadians don't like to be stereotyped either. And I would partially agree with you on your statements regarding the american people themselves, and the amercian government[spit]. I would hazard a guess that the actions of the elected govt.s in your country are responsible for the large majority of stereotypes, and animosity towards the american peoples and NOT a result of interactions with the peoples themselves.

In my case, I base much of what my opinions are on the fact that I've grown up with american parents (although I'm Canadian and grew up [do we ever really grow up?] here too). Further, my entire extended family lives in the united states where I've been on countless occasions (SW,SE,N Central, NW, etc.). In statements referring to the actual peoples of the u.s.a. I tend to rely on both personal experience and a sociology background as well as more current events and such.

But the same goes for Asians, and other cultures as well. God knows there are rampant stereotypes regarding Asians in North America. But once again, there are generalizations and then there are down right idiotic stereotypes that get applied to them. I guess it's human nature.

Funny how most stereotypes often have similar threads to them regardless of the ancestry "dirty", "lazy", "stupid", "smelly", "can't trust 'em", etc., etc. Rarely are they really creative. Usually they are negative.

I think I'll stick with my Yamaha...

JoA

[e.Blackstar]

I like Canada! Its cool! I live in Minnesota which besides North Dakota is the US's closest relative to Canada... :D

Canada is cool! Esp. Red Green! lol

[Narsil]

Interesting thread. :)

I love Canada. The past two summers I've spent some time driving around the Maritimes and Quebec. I've driven all through Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick and drove around the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec. I find Canada to be a wonderful country, filled with incredibly beautiful scenery, polite, friendly people and incredible food. This year I have plans to drive around Lake Superior and check out places like Sault St. Marie and Thunder Bay. I am also planning a long-range trip to Newfoundland.

The thing that has struck me most about the places I've been to is that I felt I'd been dropped back in time 50 years. This is not to say that Canada is "backward"..Far from it. Canada is no backwater. It has modern roads (albeit with quite a few potholes!), big cities, and an amazing highway system. Montreal and Halifax are beautiful cities. I have yet to travel to western Canada but am looking forward to doing so in the future. :)

I make the statement about Canada being like the U.S was 50 years ago because it is refreshingly free of the corrosive commericalism and ugliness that is pervasive in the eastern part of the United States (where I reside). I really can't stand where I live because bit by bit the place I called home has been destroyed by overdevelopment, strip malls (including the ever-present Walmart) and the dreaded "McMansions". . Small town America is fast disappearing and unique, interesting and beautiful architecture has been replaced by modular, fake stone faced 4000 square feet homes. Farmlands and forests are rapidly diminishing. I have to travel farther and farther to be free of the horrendous congestion that is part of my everyday existence. Even New England is becoming overcrowded, traffic-ridden and built up.

In Maritime Canada this isn't the case. Canadian towns and cities still have a unique charm and atmosphere of their own. Unlike in the U.S, they aren't overidden by Pizza Huts. I've driven through beautiful towns, eaten in charming restaurants and stay in inns that real people own and run. McDonalds and Holiday Inns have not destroyed Canada as is the case here and for that we should be eternally grateful. It's one reason I love going there. Plus the food is incredible. Plus, you'll never get better seafood then in Canada! Forget Maine lobsters, have you ever sunk your teeth into a lobster from Nova Scotia?

I travelled for 3 days in the Gaspe (Quebec) and even though I don't speak a word of French I found the people there to be friendly, helpful and patient. I was very impressed with Quebec and it's people. I think Americans should make a greater effort to befriend and understand our neighbor to the north.

I pray that Canadians endeavor to hold onto their unique culture and not emulate America. I'm at the point where I am disgusted with my part of the world and am glad that I'm only a few days away from literally being in a different and beautiful part of the world.

I guess my view on what's happening in THIS country is much the same viewpoint as Tolkien had with his part of the world. Industrialism and big business is ruining this country. I only hope that Canada can hold out and not be absorbed by the same cancer as well.

[Ithrynluin]

Just a small note: Due to the ban on politics and religion, let's try to keep this thread away from these matters as much as possible.

Thanks