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What else are we supposed to compare our country to???

   

We should compare our selves to a Camel maybe???

   

Well, I have to agree with him when it comes to Canadians comparing themselves to other countries. Sadly, 99% of the time Canadians compare themselves and their country to Americans and America. Another thing, it is fine to compare and use those comparisons to create change or maintain levels, but not to boast. It gets tiring and irritating quickly.

America is a benchmark in some areas, but definitely not all. Benchmark yourself to other countries/cities/districts and use that information to improve things.

   

That wouldn't be because "99%" of most Canadians experience with somebody from another country is with americans, would it?

Agreed. Now I can't speak for all Canadians, but the only times I've had to draw such comparisons in conversation was when I had to put an American in his/her place. In other words, not to boast, but in self defense. You know, after comments like:

Canada - Socialist Pussies
From Canada? Isn't that cute!
Canada - just another state or state wannabe.

Americans are very accomidating and freindly for the most part. I have american friends/co-workers and an american girlfriend. But I do run into the odd asshole, as you will living anyhwere. That is when a lot of these 'comparisons' come in handy...

   

Well, I don't think that 99% of the time Canadians run into an American. In some areas the Japanese are the dominant group, and Aussies are going to Vancouver in big ways. Many Europeans visit Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal, although there are more Americans in Montréal and Toronto.

I think Canadians compare themselves to Americans mainly because of the influx of American media into Canada, and because America is a general benchmark. But I think Canadians should start to benchmark against different parts of the world because while America is a benchmark, it's not the best in a lot of things, and hearing Canadians say their country is the best when only compared to America is annoying and wrong.

   

Just like I don't think Canadians compare themselves to Americans 99% of the time... That's why I put the number in my response.

   

What? Sorry, you're confusing me.

I said "Sadly, 99% of the time Canadians compare themselves and their country to Americans and America." You said "That wouldn't be because "99%" of most Canadians experience with somebody from another country is with americans, would it?", which I read as meaning "The reason they compare themselves to Americans is beause 99% of the time when they encounter a foreigner it is an American, isn't it?". To that I replied "I don't think that 99% of the time Canadians run into an American." Then you said "Just like I don't think Canadians compare themselves to Americans 99% of the time... That's why I put the number in my response.".

Anyone else as confused as I am?

Anyways, I know that 99% of the time they compare themselves to an American. I lived in Canada for a long, long time.

   

No apology necessary, if you can't keep up, you can't keep up.

Your number of 99% is rediculouse. I was using it in my response to illustrate this fact. No doubt, if a comparison is to be made, more often than not it would be with America. Who is Canada closer to?



What part of Canada? What is a long, long time? I'm trying to figure out where this generalization you make towards Canadians comes from. This site? Yea, I can see that. But now you are basing all Canadians on the few Canadians that frequent a site named Canada Kicks Ass...

Still not disclosing your location, I see.

   

You illustrated it poorly and very unclearly. By the way, is that how they spell RIDICULOUS in the US? haha...anyways, you can say it's "rediculouse", and maybe it is exaggerated by 5-10%, but by no means would 5-10% make it a ridiculous claim.



I lived in Ontario for 25 years and spent a great deal of time in Québec, not including travel which was all over the country. I find Québeckers don't compare themselves to the US as much as English-speaking Canadians, but English-speaking Canadians constantly make comparisons to the US, often ignorantly, and quite often defensively.. I also spent a lot of time talking with Canadians from all over through market research.



No, I am not. I have never done that, and I have always spoke about Canadians in general.



It's never been hidden. You're just not very smart if you can't use an online translator to change it from a foreign language to English. But since you do lack that skill, I will translate it for you. I am currently in Osaka, Japan, and my location has always been there in Japanese (kanji).

   

It is human nature to compare. If we didn't we'd have no religious wars. Humans are always seeking validation in their beliefs and abilities.

If humans were capable of being independant and not in need of this form of validation we'd not be a democratic society. We'd not have persecuted people because of their choice of religion.

We can post all we want about how Canadians compare themselves to the US. Or how the US was striving for recognition from the UK. And about how wrong it is, but it will not change the fact that it is a human trait.

There have been multiple studies done whereby groups of people are set in a room. 4All but 1 person are in on the test or aware of what the test is about. They are given multiple choice questions. Those in on it will choose the outrageously wrong answer. The person who is unaware will at first choose the obviously correct answer. After a few rounds the unaware individual will start to choose what the others are choosing, even though they know they are the wrong answers.

We may like to believe that we individuals, or rebels or non conformists, but it's a lie. We need to be like each other. We need to be validated in our choices. Nobody wants to stick out like a sore thumb.

   

That's not necessarily true of everyone. A true leader will stand out and say what they believe to be true. On the other hand, there are those that feel, ( as this site demonstrates so well...) perfectly comfortable arguing their opinion, despite overwhelming opposition.

While validation is important to some, it has also been shown it does not apply to all. This is how hermits, recluses and in some cases, homeless people come about.

Of course, the reverse is true. Many people do try to stick out like a sore thumb. They crave the attention and adulation of others. If this were not true there would be no rockstars or entertainers.

In many cases, it is the people that are different, that ignore what society thinks or says about them, actually advance our society. (Einstein,Tesla,etc...) Again, the reverse is true, it is dictators that rely on the masses to be complacent and unchallenging. That is why dictators try to eliminate what is different and challenging from there society.

Your right the need to compare ourselves to otheres is there, but it is not an absolute.

   

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