Border line?? holy.. that's not what hubby says.. i'm a full blown socialist, communist hippie freak!!!

you left out tree hugging and poutine eating......

...liberal thinking and birkenstock wearing...

How did i manage to forget the birkenstocks!!

you okay?

I was reading the "strange things you're not used to" thread yesterday, where I started to feel the Canada vs. America sentiments. After that I read this article where I got really annoyed and posted my comment. It was just too much for me. While at work I just read the new posts, I don't pick and choose from the forums. That's why I read some posts on Canadian forums. I guess I didn't see anything wrong with that. Anyway, I mentioned my perception of the one Canadian that I've met in my lifetime to illustrate how stereotyping a country based on a few people is unfair. From the other posts that I've read today, I'm starting to understand why my husband's Canadian friend might have been acting so defensive towards Americans. I didn't realize our culture was forced down your throats.
While living in England, alot of British people thought that I was Canadian because my accent is from Wisconsin. They would ask me if I was Canadian, and when I said no, I'm American, they would say "sorry for offending you," and laugh. I was always puzzled by that response. I always said that I wasn't offended for being mistaken for a Canadian. Why would I be? It still puzzles me now.

Ok - I hope no Americans take offense at this because it is not meant that way, but today I was thinking about this thread and thought this would be a perfect post to add - so enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRI-A3vakVg

... and of course, this one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt596dfzYq8

How could anyone be offended by Canadians? They're soooo cute when they say "aboot" and "eh". ROFL!

Seriously, though....

Canada has a fascinating history, and has some breathtakingly beautiful areas. Things are also still different enough that an American visiting Canada KNOWS they're in a different country. But it's not so different as to be totally foreign, if you know what I mean. Kinda like US - UK. Common language (unless in the french-speaking part of Canada, of course), generally common understanding of things, and a somewhat shared history.

I'm sorry Kathryn...but you guys do say "aboot." And that damn chesterfield! But the biggest argument my old roomies and I used to have was over a case/flat/half rack of beer. I'm still confused over how many beers are in a Canadian case. We had to resort to calling them sixer, dozen, or 2-4...aaahhh...how simple life was then

hehehe well, I don't say aboot - I say abowt:-). About the beer - make it easy on yourself - just buy a 2-4.

I totally get what you're saying and I agree. We are pretty cute when we say "eh" and "aboot"

Lots of people ask me about the differences between Canada and the U.S. I have a hard time answering them- I live in New Orleans which has a history and culture of it's own- very different from any other State in the U.S. Although I am impressed that I have met many people who have been to Canada and said they loved it.

How could they not love Canada:
While looking across the landscape outside Airdrie toward Banff?
While exploring the beauty of Lighthouse Park near West Vancouver?
While paddling a canoe through the marsh at Point Pelee National Park in Ontario?
While watching the Northern Lights from the NorthWest Territories?
While drinking OV and watching a hockey match with the locals on the TV at The Car Barn in Wheatley Ontario?
While standing in line in Windsor waiting to buy beer because you didn't know it was Election Day in Canada?

(Just some of the things I've done in Canada. Can you tell I love the place?)

I like this one better Kathryn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1CwZgb_iAI

The other day at work I wore my Canada Flag stovepipe hat for Canada Day. Everyone walked in (I'm the receptionist, they see me first) and gave me weird looks and said "what, is it some kind of Canada day or something?" And I said "Yes, its Canada Day!"

A few asked me what its about, if its "like July 4th?" I said yeah, its the day we gained our independence from the UK. Only we didn't start a war about it, we just invited the Governer General over for a few beers and a party and said Hey, we're goin' solo, that ok with you?.

The US was founded by people who were fleeing religious persecution. Canada was founded by adventurers, fur traders and beer brewers. The US gained her independence by starting a war with the King. Canada gained her independence by having a party. The US enfor...encourages immigrants to "assimilate" into the melting pot and Be American. Canada encourages immigrants to keep their own culture, but at least learn one of our official languages please. In the US it is considered un-patriotic and bad form to criticize the President and government. In Canada, its a national sport. The US has never declared a national language. Canada has 2 official languages.

These are just a few of the fundamental differences between the countries. We're different. Vive la difference! Its fairly obvious WHY we're different. We've been different from the start. Our countries were founded upon different principles. They've each flourished on those principles in different ways. If you're raised one way, it may be difficult to do a 180 and think the other way. For some it is, for others not so much.

Me, I'm Canadian. Will be til the day I die. Its in my blood, and in my bones. That ain't gonna change.

Love it love it love it!!!!!!!

ok.........who are you, really, and what did you do with platy?

Couldn't have said it better myself. In fact, I didn't ! But it's what I was *trying* to say...... when you are born and raised in a particular way of living and thinking, it stays with you.

As an aside, a quick story about the "have a beer" way of doing things. I'm involved in a dog sport which spans the border. Sometimes a team travels with a skeleton crew, and needs to enlist the help of other participants during the tournament. Down here in the US, folks usually offer to reciprocate help ("if you can help our team, we'll help yours" sort of thing). Well, we drove from NC up to Ontario for a tournament, and a Canadian team asked us if we could help them out with the offer "We'll give you a six-pack!" HAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!! My US teammates were shocked, but I just said "That's how we roll in Canada!"

I have been there.. so nice there...

Nice post Platy

Yeap, my US friends just don't understand when I offer to "pay" them with beer. Back home if my plumbing needs fixed, I call my brother in law and say "James, my tap is leaking. Bring your tools, I have beer". Or if I need help moving I call a friend with a pick-up truck "hey dude, I'm moving again, bring your truck, I've got beer". Or when a friend of mine was re-decorating her home. She'd call up and say "ok, I've got paint and wallpaper and a case of beer, be here by noon!"

Great post, Reba, about the differences - that is it exactly! Yes, that is the William Shatner version I was looking for and couldn't find. That one is definitely better - thanks for finding it!

I actually picked up the Mcleans magazine at the Toronto airport on my way back to DC this past Wed. Interesting read.

Well, quick question. If your wife decided tomorrow that she hated the US and it was you or Canada, would you give up everything here and go with her to Canada for the rest of your life, never coming back?

I loved your post Reba! It made me very smile!

Why is it NOT a good thing? Really, I'm curious and certainly not trying to be antagonistic.

What would you suggest to those of us who wanted to emigrate to Canada, but because of legalities surrounding custody of a child? I personally have NO family at all here...zip! When my beloved parents died, that was it...it's just me. There is nothing holding me here except this joint custody thing with my daughter's biological father. My husband will tell you very quick...the ONLY reason he is here is for me and my daughter. We are here for at least another 10 years so our up and moving out of the US is quite a ways off. I don't see it as "renting time" for my husband to be here. He plans to obtain citizenship. He is productive in society. For all intents and purposes, he is settling here. What is wrong with wanting to eventually move back home? I just don't understand the mindset of those who resent this.

Yikes. Reba, I expect more from you. The US was not "founded by people fleeing religious persecution." They may have been the first people to land in what would eventually become the East Coast of the United States, but I believe that people like John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson were more to credit (or blame, depending on your views) for the actual creation of the United States. Chief among them, Taxation Without Representation."

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/United_State...of_Independence

Unfortunately, there are people who think that you are un-patriotic if you criticize the government. To borrow a quote from Barrack Obama, who borrowed it from Mark Twain "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it." I believe that if he were still alive, Thomas Jefferson would be amongst those calling for a change in the direction our country is going. Remaining silent when you disagree with the direction your country is heading is the highest form of treason. Without dissent, you have a dictatorship that is allowed to do whatever they want (Bush/Cheney). Only 199 days, 14 hours, and 43 minutes more of that nonsense, by the way...

The reason we haven't chosen an official language is the same reason we don't have an official religion. Speak whichever language or pray to whatever Diety you choose.

I find myself thinking of the hundreds of things I want to write here, but it just makes me sad that I feel like I have to educate, debate, and defend here in this Forum. I'm sure that was not your intent, nor the intent of others here. Maybe I have a different view of the US than you find in the Lower 48. But I should really thank you for making me do a little history lesson this morning before going out to enjoy the 4th. Reading the Declaration of Independence always gives me tingles when I think about what those guys put on the line. Not just a signature, but their lives. Maybe more people who are happy to be Americans should think about that.

Have a safe weekend everybody

I read this thread - I don't mean to be rude, but I don't understand what you are debating or defending - or educating me about, or if in fact you mean the forum as a whole....I dont get this comment at all?

I hope you have a good weekend too

He's actually criticizing my simplification of American history.

Sure, Hancock and Franklin et al wrote the declaration of independence after the revolutionary war. But the actual people who came here first to "found a new country" were people fleeing religious persecution in England. No need to educate me Eric really, I went to school. And I have cable with the History Channel. I just consider the "founding" of the country to go back a little further than 1776. "America" was already considered a country before that. It was just not independent from the Commonwealth until then.
The guys who eventually "founded" Canada weren't adventurers, fur traders or beer brewers either, their families had all been in Canada a few generations already. But the guys who got there first were. And I consider the "founding" of Canada to go back way before the Confederation in 1867.

Semantics I suppose.

Yes, I was just trying to determine if he was just insulting you or all of us, but since it's just you that's ok

I love hearing the differences! I have a hard time understanding much of the American psyche and although I am just "renting time" until I can go back "home", I am sure some time in the future I will look back on this journey as one that has influenced and broadened my outlook.

Australia isn't all convicts and kangaroos but we all get generalisations, sometimes its hard not to get defensive when another American suggests it is "third world" but.

Belated Happy Canada Day to all the Canadians and Happy Fourth for the USC and residents,

I wasn't trying to insult anyone. I apologize if I did. Educate yes, but not insult.

It was founded by this, it was founded by that.


Unfortunately this land was "discovered" by people who killed many of the original inhabitants off. Its nothing to be proud of on either side.

Neither do I. Neither my husband or I are committed to the complete severing of ties from our respective countries. Quite frankly, why should we be?

Also, how do you know if you will love or hate a place until you actually live there? That is where such a proposed list of immigration preference fails.

Personally I think its nice to have the options open.

My sentiment exactly. It's a huge world, and I for one would think it a shame to feel forever anchored to just one place. It is precisely the movement of immigrants and travellers around the globe that creates diversity, opens our eyes to things we never would have known, and helps us grow both individually and as a nation - which I think is pretty cool! But I am not promoting a free-for-all of people living wherever they want, doing what they want, on their own terms. I believe in following the laws set out by whatever country in which you are visiting or living.

Even thought I'll never stop being a Canadian, and *may* oneday live in Canada again, I am now a LEGAL permanent resident of the USA. I emphasize LEGAL on puprose: I am not trying to take advantage of anything..... I am abiding by the law. To stay here with my husband, the law says that I MUST become a permanent resident, but it does NOT say that I MUST become a citizen. Hence, I abide by the laws of this country while I am here; I am thankful that I have the opportunity to live here and contribute to the on-going creation of this nation, and hope that my presence - however long or short - will leave this place just a teensy bit better than when I arrived. And I don't need to get in a preferred "future citizen" line to do that

heck, yanno, hubby has already declared that if he doesn't like living in Canada that we'll be moving to the UK after there!

After that, who knows where we'll go?

Point is, we married people, not countries. He may not be able to do the 180 to the Canadian way of life, just as I've not been able to adjust to living in the South. So then we'll be off to the UK where we'll both be fish flopping around on deck with no clue what's going on. I may have one slight advantage that I understand the language a bit better, having a Brit father n' all.

I think when we make a broad generalization when referring to Europeans (and others) who moved to Canada, I think we do a lot of people a disservice when we paint them all with the same brush.

I'm sure in a lot of cases they came to Canada and lived peacefully with the native peoples and in many cases married and lived happily together

ha! tell that to the native kids who were taken from their families and put in government schools for several generations.

But that is my point - i'm talking about all those settlers who settled on the land peacefully and lived beside and with native people. I am not talking about those that decided native children should be taken from their families.

Okay, I need to address a few misconceptions here...

1. The United States was not founded by immigrants fleeing religious persecution. Those that did leave Europe left long before the U.S. was ever created and in fact, set up their own small towns; they had neither the means nor the capability of starting their own country. Colonies were formed and eventually ended upp belonging to the British Crown. It was only later, in 1776, that colonists decided that they had enough with English rule (mostly due to unfair practices, such as "taxation without representation") and the Revolutionary War began.

So the United States was founded by men such as George Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, etc. These men were hardly running in search of religious freedom. In fact, religion wasn't on their minds very much at all (many of them believed in Deism). They simply wanted England to take them and their countryman in the colonies seriously and respect their rights -- and if that wasn't going to happen peacefully, they were going to make it happen forcefully.

2. I fail to see how an article in Maclean's Magazine is any more relevant or trustworthy than an article in the Wall Street Journal or Newsweek or Time Magazine. In other words, if and when a Canadian magazine says that Canada is "so much better" than the United States, the message should be taken with a huge grain of salt and not immediately accepted. The same is true when an American magazine writes about how great the United States is when compared to other countries.

The point I'm making here is that it's highly unlikely very many magazines -- if any -- will be objective about their country of origin when comparing it against other countries. They'll know their reading audience and the writers themselves will probably be citizens of that country anyway.

So unless the Canadians on this board are ready and willing to accept whatever Newsweek may say (even if it is positive about the U.S. but negative about Canada in the process), I don't see how any of you can also accept Maclean's Magazine as gospel.

3. Someone, much earlier on in the thread, mentioned that Canadians have much more interesting social lives. Well, this person also stated that they found this out on a trip back to Toronto for a few weeks. What that indicates to me is that they live and work in the United States. Their day-to-day life (i.e. go to work, grocery shopping, laundry, etc) is all done there. That's not very exciting, now is it?

However, when they went back to Canada for a vacation -- where they wouldn't be working or doing any mundane tasks -- they'd get to experience far more fun social activities. Now something seems amiss here. It looks like to me that these two aren't being compared properly, since you can't look at any vacation or trip as an accurate gauge of an area (while you're there, you don't do the normal crap you do when at home -- you're there to have fun).

So I'd say this was a very unfair comparison, which would be just as unfair as if someone came from a city in Canada, where they normally live and work, and visited the U.S. for a vacation, where all they did was socialize, have fun and party. The two wouldn't be comparable at all.

4. Finally... yes, I do think there are some insecurities on the part of many Canadians. There seems to be this constant urge for Canadians to point out how "good" they are (or at least, how good they think they are) at the expense of the United States. If the U.S. can be insulted or hurt in the process, it seems so much sweeter to many Canadians.

That seems pretty juvenile, doesn't it?

Let's say that Canada is better in numerous ways than the U.S., okay? Does anyone think acting in such a manner makes Canadians look good? If anything, it breeds resentment. It's practically the same thing that Americans are accused of doing -- running around, thumping our chests and screaming out how "great we are" to the world.

If you know you're great, who cares if anyone else knows? Does recognition -- Canadian, American or anyone else's -- really matter? You know and probably so does anyone else who's smart or the least bit important to you. Telling people from other countries how great your nation is (and how awful theirs is) isn't going to help relations, and I'd think Canada would have learned by now from the mistakes the U.S. has made in the public relations field.

Heheheehe, it bears repeating . . .
"Canadians will understand and Americans will go 'huh'? (i.e won't understand).'

What an interesting collection of reactions to what was posted as an 'interesting' article .

First of all, no offense, but who are you to come in and think you can settle all these "misconceptions" like we are a bunch of idiots that need a-talking to? I'm not trying to offend you and I read all of what you wrote. You are entitled to your opinion but don't come in and say you are clearing up misconceptions with "facts".

I do not believe any of us took the article in Macleans Magazine 100% seriously. Obviously there is bias in the article based on audience. Please do not treat any one like they are stupid. Most of us said we thought the article was interesting.

Also, you are talking about me when I said I went to Canada on a recent vacation and forgot how great it was. Are you forgetting I lived there for 23 years and worked and went to school there full time for years? You are telling me that I don't know what my social life WOULD be like if I lived there, worked there, etc. Isn't that a little bit silly not knowing someones history to make a comment like that?

I still loved canada and had a better social life when I was doing mundane tasks every day! Now that I live in New Jersey, it isn't even safe for me to be out by myself past it getting dark out. How can I have a social life if there is a good chance of me getting mugged at night coming into my house?

That is my experience that I can draw from an article that says Canadians have a better social life. I don't even bother going to bars in New Jersey for fear I might look at someone the wrong way...female or male.

Again, I respect your opinion, but don't take the hero approach.

"Again, I respect your opinion, but don't take the hero approach."

Now there is a quote that is fridge-worthy! I am going to use this one. Thanks!

take it and use it as you like.

DeadPool, I know you are Canadian and again, I wasn't trying to attack you in any way. I know my post was kind of aggressive and filled with a little bit of tension. I just wanted to point out to you that a lot of us are educated and it's not like we fictionalize stories of Canada's or America's birth, or the fruition of the two nations. We all have our own take on history, especially when it is ours.

What are we Americans not understanding? There have been quite a few incorrect generalizations made about American history (canadian too btw) and culture here. Some pointed out by deadpool and eric and corinna.

I think a point needs to be made that all these Canada is better than the US sentiments are driving an unnecessary wedge. In general I find all the Canadians here and people I've met while visiting my fiance are wonderful people...well educated, kind, having good values, funny etc... overall people I would like to know. When these comments fly around it honestly pi$$es me off (and my fiance too...he made me add that). I don't see Americans making the same crappy attitude comments about Canada.

Yes, this is the Canada forum, but it's an immigration website. Aren't we Americans welcome here in the Canada section if we're marrying a Canadian? Can't we focus on the good, focus on the positive similarities? Why do we have to constantly endure a negative attitude? Why can't we all just be friends dammit?

I don't see this - and if you are looking for negative posts about Canada or Canadians here on VJ - they aren't too hard to find.

Everytime someone makes a broad generalization about a group of people, whether that be Canadians or Americans or native peoples, someones nose is going to be put out of joint.

I haven't seen a lot of Canada is better than the U.S. sentiments expressed in this thread. They are different, that's for sure, but I don't see a lot of people saying Canada is necessarily better. Do we do some things, as a collective, better - yes I think so, but i'm sure there are some things that America perceives that they do better as well.

Of course everyone is welcome in the Canada forum, I don't know why you would think they aren't?

lol, always funny these discussions. everyone has their OWN opinions and they are entitled to them. I dont see why some people get so upset when someone states their opinion. Everyone has their own experiences. Some people love the country they are in from, visited, etc, so be it. Always funny how these posts dont have the intention of bashing one country, but seem to head in that direction. The Mclean article was interesting, but again their "facts" could be manipulated to fit their needs. What it boils down it was interesting reading, and most know it just that. Hope everyone had a good Canada day and July the 4th. And how about the Roughriders, 2-0 baby!!

This is true. I guess we should just put an end to this thread. However, does this mean that every time someone misses home they shouldn't write on VJ because their post might appear to be bashing either country? I don't see a problem with someone saying they don't like the country they moved to, or don't like something about it, without saying one is better than the other, or without saying what they like about home. I guess that is where I am coming from because I know I have posted in threads like that before.

I'm merely pointing out some of the inaccuracies that have been stated in this thread regarding American history. I'm sorry if you don't like that, but I'm not telling you how Canada was formed (and incorrectly too, I might add).


Yes, and that very interesting article has been taken far too seriously and factual as well. As I said before, anything written like that (whether American or Canadian) should be taken with a "huge grain of salt."


Were you married in Canada or were you single? That can make a big difference? I'd also imagine you spent far more time in Canada when you were younger (i.e. during your college years), so the chances of having a more exciting social life would have been greater and had little to do with the location, but your overall situation.

Even if you only looked at your locale, you should realize that there is a huge difference between someplace like Toronto and most places in New Jersey. That'd be like comparing New York City or Los Angeles and Nanaimo or someplace else that's relatively small. The good news is that since you're in NJ, you're very close to New York. So if you're inclined to do so, it's a short drive to someplace far more lively and entertaining.


First of all, I'm not Canadian. I'm the USC; my wife is Canadian. Second, I'm extremely picky about history. I'd be attacking someone for getting Canadian history wrong too. Having your own take on history isn't really a good idea. There's historical fact and historical fiction. People can believe whatever they want, but that doesn't change what has occurred.


I have to agree with this. Maybe the Canadians here don't mean to be antagonistic with some of the comments (just as some Americans don't mean to be with pro-American sayings), but given the multicultural nature of this board, it's bound to rub some people the wrong way. Granted, this is the Canadian Forum and I understand that many Canadians are homesick. However, there's probably a better way to say "nice things" about Canada without bashing the United States in the process.

Both are great countries, so I don't see the need for the competition. My wife dislikes it as well. I'm sure that doesn't mean whole lot (since none of you have met her), but there really isn't a good reason to purposely hurt relations between Americans and Canadians.