A European view of Canada vs. the USA
Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 21 Next
Robair @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 6:30 am
'Sup ghost! Thanks for the post. Too bad we can't get more Europeans posting on this particualr thread. Kind of a funny topic, two (or more) people arguing about what a third persons opinion is. 
I've got a friend who moved to BC from Germany when she was 16 (she's 22 now) I forget the name of her home town but I think she said it was south of Munich close to the mountains, does that make sense? I havn't been to Germany yet but she keeps saying someday I have to go back with her on one of her visits.
Cheers! 
-Robair
Rev_Blair @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 6:57 am
I work with an Austrian and a Brit. Both have become Canadian citizens.
The Brit came to Canada in the early 1960's after a short tour around the US. He liked it well enough that he stayed except for five years back in England to look after his mother. He saw the major difference back then as Canada being a friendlier place with more opportunities for immigrants.
The Austrian first came over in the early 1990s. He went home for a short while to recover from a failed marriage, but returned on holiday a few years ago and decided to stay. He cites the same reasons as the Brit (about the only thing they agree on) and adds that the US is so disliked among his friends back home that he would be laughed at for moving there.
Both say that they knew very little about Canada when they first came, but liked what they saw when they got here. Both have also mentioned Canada's international reputation for being fair and not dominating other countries as a major asset.
I know quite a few immigrants from all over the world, but I know very few who are looking to move to the US. They have chosen Canada because they like it here.
Hopper @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 10:43 am
I don't really think it's a bad thing to have Europeans not care about our politics and culture. Really people think about it - do we give a flying fig about Italy's politics? Or Germany's? Or Englands for that matter? No. Because on a daily basis it doesn't really affect us - and we don't affect them.
I'd rather be not known or cared about and stay in relative peace than be known worldwide like the U.S. and be in people's crosshairs. I know people will say that if the U.S. is in trouble we are too, but as long as we "don't exist" the barrel of the guns will point further south - which suits me just fine.
AbeLincoln @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 12:02 pm
MaritimePride MaritimePride:
Really people think about it - do we give a flying fig about Italy's politics? Or Germany's? Or Englands for that matter? No. Because on a daily basis it doesn't really affect us - and we don't affect them.
Isn't thinking like this the reason that Americans are lambasted about their ignorances of other countries? Or are we just so special that we have to know more about other countries than anyone else?
I think if you are a major country in the west, your politics do have a direct relation to any other country in europe, the far east or where ever.
drunken_prop @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 12:16 pm
I have many friends who are European and they have manygood things to say about Canada. Some have even moved here cuz they liked it so much. I even know there are placed in Eruope such as Normandy France, and other places that have special days they celerate to thank Canadian for liberating them during the Wars.
There may be a lack of knowledge about Canada but I belive in general they do hold a high reguard for us as oppsoed to the Americans. For many reasons. We have stronger ties to Briatan, we didn't have to fight to become our own country, we earned it. We are nicer, we treat others with respect and we get respected back.
I had some friends vist Europe last year and they had a great time. They were treat well by everyone. But one day well getting on a train the bumped into a local lady, who began yelling and screaming at them. 20min later, that same lady approched them on the train and asked if they were from Canada (she must have overheard them talking) when they answered "Yes" She apoligized for all the yelling and screaming she did, and for casuing a scene.
Now that speaks for itself!
IWasYourCity @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 1:49 pm
Hmmm, I think my original point has been lost (partly my fault.)
This is what I'm talking about: I made this post and made it clear that I wasn't putting my two cents in. I've talked to people of many many nations as a Candian American. I've never heard anyone with anything good to say about Canada. That was my point.
When you heard this, what hapened?
"Canada is attracting more Asian immigrants than the US!"
"Here's a detailed explaination of one immigrants choice of nations!"
"We're a multicultural nation, not a melting pot like silly America!"
"Oh, when I was in Europe I was treated like gold, not like the Americans who are far less welcome, according to me."
I told you the truth about what I've heard, and you act like I made a post that simply said "CANADURR SUCKS!"
This is why I included the story about the girl in the hostel. Canadians just get up in everyones face with details about what you think makes canada better than the US. Don't you see it's embarrassing?
I loved Toronto, but I get sad when I think of Canada as a whole. It's like I should be pround to say where I'm from; like the Irish, Italians, Russians, Portuguese, Central American, etc people I grew up with. But I'm not. It's like a joke. Ugh.
Rosco @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 2:22 pm
ghostmaker ghostmaker:
i just want to add that the multiple races in canada are not the problem because canada tries (and succeeds in my oppinion) in being a real multicultural country - not to be just a melting pot like the usa where (and this already was before sept. 11) people have to assimilate to the us culture and behaviour.
and if you don't like canadians being patriotic or proud of their country - let me say this: other than the us canada has many reasons to be a proud and patriotic country! i think i don't need to go in the details ...
this is the reason why canadians always should show which country they're from. and just to add this: i'm not a big fan of patriotism (for me it's hell being german) but if a country and it's population do such a good job like canada does, then it's a good thing.
cheers
ghostmaker
and if you don't like canadians being patriotic or proud of their country - let me say this: other than the us canada has many reasons to be a proud and patriotic country! i think i don't need to go in the details ...
this is the reason why canadians always should show which country they're from. and just to add this: i'm not a big fan of patriotism (for me it's hell being german) but if a country and it's population do such a good job like canada does, then it's a good thing.
cheers
ghostmaker
It's a myth that the U.S. is not multicultural, IMO it's the most successful implementation of multiculturalism there is. The U.S. Melting Pot model is far more inclusive than the Canadian concept of multiculturalism where people are officially encourage to divide themselves into little socio-ethnic colonies against the larger backdrop of Anglo-Saxon culture.
In the U.S. while you do have a lot of pressure to assimilate it's also true that the mainstream culture absorbs part of your culture.
As for people not knowing much about Caanda, why should they? Canada has been only marginally relevant for a long time and what little profile we still have is based on a 50+ year old war record and the fact that the U.S. has used it's clout to get us a seat at the table where we probably couldn't have overwise {the G-7 Council is a good example} because it's in their interests.
nonrev @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 2:34 pm
IWasYourCity IWasYourCity:
Hmmm, I think my original point has been lost (partly my fault.)
I loved Toronto, but I get sad when I think of Canada as a whole. It's like I should be pround to say where I'm from; like the Irish, Italians, Russians, Portuguese, Central American, etc people I grew up with. But I'm not. It's like a joke. Ugh.
I loved Toronto, but I get sad when I think of Canada as a whole. It's like I should be pround to say where I'm from; like the Irish, Italians, Russians, Portuguese, Central American, etc people I grew up with. But I'm not. It's like a joke. Ugh.
$1:
This is what I'm talking about: I made this post and made it clear that I told you the truth about what I've heard, and you act like I made a post that simply said "CANADURR SUCKS!"
Yes well, if you read the smarmy self-righteousness in your first quote, I would say your second quote is EXACTLY what you're doing.
At first I was taken in by your initial post and gave it some thought before contributing, but it's evident now that its simply a malicious slur couched in what you think will be taken as "Canadian politeness".
Don't fret - your point has become abundantly clear... Sorry, pal - no sale!
I'm sure you'll tire of "putting up" with us Troglodytes soon - it was so kind of you to grace us with your presence ....
Robair @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 2:55 pm
IWasYourCity IWasYourCity:
Hmmm, I think my original point has been lost (partly my fault.)
Like I said before, this thread is kind of stupid, two (or more) people arguing about what the opinion of a third person (europeans) is. Shame on anyone who posted an opinion on the subject who was not European. I hate it when someone makes assumptions about me and I am sure any European reading this would be turned off as well. Yes, it's your fault, the entire thread is your fault, dumbass. We did have one European post his opinion, why don't you go back and read it?
IWasYourCity IWasYourCity:
Canadians just get up in everyones face with details about what you think makes canada better than the US.
Now you're just generalizing. I am Canadian. I travel. When I travel I am an ambassador of my country and I never forget that. I don't tell people where I'm from unless they ask.
Hopper @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 3:14 pm
AbeLincoln AbeLincoln:
Isn't thinking like this the reason that Americans are lambasted about their ignorances of other countries? Or are we just so special that we have to know more about other countries than anyone else?
I think if you are a major country in the west, your politics do have a direct relation to any other country in europe, the far east or where ever.
I think if you are a major country in the west, your politics do have a direct relation to any other country in europe, the far east or where ever.
OK Abe, here's a few quick ones for ya....no searching Google either:
1. Who's the president/prime minister/king/queen/dictator of Italy?
2. How many corporate scandals did Turkey have last year?
3. What is the health care system of Sweden based on?
4. Who is the head of state of Lithuania?
Yes, you are right - we do have a direct relation with other countries around the world. We give them aid, we trade with many nations, we send peacekeepers in times of crisis, and we compete athletically. I was merely stating that on a day to day, nightly news way nobody really cares much about other nations. Our POLITICS are not generally interesting when it comes to other nations - hell it can be boring for us at times, and our politics don't seem to mess with other nations politics - when is the last time Canada decided to overthrow a tin pot dictator in the middle east?
Almighty1 @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 3:31 pm
Who really cares what most europeans think about us? Not me. Their opinions weigh in like feathers considering their freedom to have one was granted by us in WW2. For the origional poster of this retarded thread: Go fuck yourself and while your at it, bring the goofy European with ya. I too have been to Europe, most countries actually, and if you ask me we are well respected. Only once in France was I insulted in a bar for being Canadian and I tells ya, when all was said and done, the little prick who said it really regretted it. He learned the hard way how patriotic I was/am.
Not that the french can fight anyway......
Indelible @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 8:33 pm
"mike from canmore" is from air farce not red green.
i didn't mean making a big deal in holland, i was saying just wearing a canadian flag on ur backpack is all.
Indelible @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 8:56 pm
oh, and the french thing i said was intended to be light hearted....by the way.
hockeyguy3399 @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 10:05 pm
karra karra:
Was she ugly?
Perhaps we could introduce her to the Ugly American.
hockeyguy3399 posted:
Hey hockeyguy! Did you see the word 'HATE' used in the first post?
I, however, and of no surprise to a select few couldn't agree more with his take on Canadians as viewed through the viewfinder of Europeans. We take ourselves far too seriously resulting in the delusion we actually count for something on this globe. 30 - 33 million population, less than that of California, sheesh!
Perhaps we could introduce her to the Ugly American.
hockeyguy3399 posted:
$1:
If Europeans HATE us so much then why is 90% of our population's ethnicity from Europe?
Hey hockeyguy! Did you see the word 'HATE' used in the first post?
I, however, and of no surprise to a select few couldn't agree more with his take on Canadians as viewed through the viewfinder of Europeans. We take ourselves far too seriously resulting in the delusion we actually count for something on this globe. 30 - 33 million population, less than that of California, sheesh!
Yes but California is America's most populated by far, especially since it shares a border with Mexico where atleast half of California's population is from. By the way our population is higher than California's by a wopping MILLION!
hockeyguy3399 @ Fri Mar 05, 2004 10:12 pm
IWasYourCity IWasYourCity:
Maybe my first post came off as a little mean towards Canada, but I have to stress again that I'm a fan and I wouldn't insult Canada personally.
I think Karra is on the right track. I guess what I'm saying is that this board makes it seem like Canada is this huge incredibly wonderful place that's totally different from America. However, having lived in Canada, the United States, and Europe I can say that there's really not that much difference between the first two. To most of the rest of the world, you are American.
Again, like Karra has said, thirty or so million citizens - most living extremely close to the border of the US - really isn't that much. I'll try to explain why that matters, but it's a bit difficult so don't mind me if I'm unable to do so effectively.
Right now I'm in Sicily, which is basically a different country from Italy (except in language and in a political sense). Compared to the rest of Italy, Sicilia has a very small population. So for the sake of this argument, Italy = The United States, where Sicily represents Canada.
Now consider this: you meet an Italian speaking man on the street in any city. He says to you "I am from Palermo.'
Now, what would the first things you would think of? You would think of typical Italian foods, gelato, the fasion of Milan, etc, etc. You wouldn't think of Sicilian carts or the Opera of Bellini.
I know it's a bit shady of an argument, but think about it for a moment. When that Italian person finds out that you are Canadian, he won't think of anything distinctly Canadian. To him, you speak english, watch Hollywood movies, wear Levis jeans, etc etc. You are an American.
Now consider the rest of the world. People often are less concious of western details like the Italians are. Yes, I say Canada as a seperate entity from the US would be a detail to some.
Maybe this seems a bit silly, but if anyone understands what I am trying to say and can build on it, please do so.
I think Karra is on the right track. I guess what I'm saying is that this board makes it seem like Canada is this huge incredibly wonderful place that's totally different from America. However, having lived in Canada, the United States, and Europe I can say that there's really not that much difference between the first two. To most of the rest of the world, you are American.
Again, like Karra has said, thirty or so million citizens - most living extremely close to the border of the US - really isn't that much. I'll try to explain why that matters, but it's a bit difficult so don't mind me if I'm unable to do so effectively.
Right now I'm in Sicily, which is basically a different country from Italy (except in language and in a political sense). Compared to the rest of Italy, Sicilia has a very small population. So for the sake of this argument, Italy = The United States, where Sicily represents Canada.
Now consider this: you meet an Italian speaking man on the street in any city. He says to you "I am from Palermo.'
Now, what would the first things you would think of? You would think of typical Italian foods, gelato, the fasion of Milan, etc, etc. You wouldn't think of Sicilian carts or the Opera of Bellini.
I know it's a bit shady of an argument, but think about it for a moment. When that Italian person finds out that you are Canadian, he won't think of anything distinctly Canadian. To him, you speak english, watch Hollywood movies, wear Levis jeans, etc etc. You are an American.
Now consider the rest of the world. People often are less concious of western details like the Italians are. Yes, I say Canada as a seperate entity from the US would be a detail to some.
Maybe this seems a bit silly, but if anyone understands what I am trying to say and can build on it, please do so.
I think that comparing Milan to Canada is a bit exaggerating. Canada is one of the world's forty most populous countries. Im not saying Canada is huge, but it is comparably big.
Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 21 Next