Go back to your country

[CanadaGirl 0]

Hello,

I am Canadian and I have been living in the states for 7 months now. So far everything is going great. I got my work permit, a job, credit, just bought a condo, etc. This past week I was on a natural high from having my life finally fit into place.

Well....today I was going to a meeting with a co worker and she was asking alot about Canada and immigration. She was asking about Canadian's views on America and the war and 9/11. I answered with my honest opinions which is everyone I know in Canada doesn't support the war but that is just my friends and family, I can't speak for 30 million people. I also told her I don't agree with the war and I am not a big supporter of Bush.

So she started saying I should go back to my home country and I'm not welcome here. America doesn't need immigrants like me...if I don't support America then I should leave, etc, etc.

I was really shocked by this and simply said "you asked for my opinion and I didn't mean to offend you but I have the right to my opinion and I am Canadian and grew up in a peace keeping frame of mind"

She just simply said "you don't belong here"

I am really upset about this and have felt sick all day long. I really do love living here and yes, I may not support the war but neither does 50% of america. I view myself as a Canadian living in Florida and that's it. I like living here but I do have my own opinions that I grew up with and I don't see that changing.

I'm just wondering if anyone has had an experience like this and maybe a little advice. I really didn't want to offend her but she was asking for my opinions.

Just feeling rejected at the moment and not sure how to take all of this.

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

What an awful thing to say to someone. If she brings it up again, I would be inclined to say this IS my country now and my opinion counts, just like yours does. I may not be allowed to vote yet, but I can still have an opinion.

Don't let her upset you, it was either a flippant comment by her or she has issues.

Helen

[Canuck Carrie 1]

Just like you don't represent every Canadian, she doesn't represent every American.

[M. 0]

Every country has arseholes in it.

When I was a customer service rep in the UK, some jerk actually demanded to speak "to someone that speaks English." I assured him I spoke English (I'm the USC; my husband is UKC) and the guy had the nerve to tell me, "No you don't. You're American. Your people can't even count to ten."

So yeh, all countries have jerks. Don't let them get to you.

[ceriserose 1]

Pretty rude of her.

When someone says "you don't belong here" a good answer is that the US Government and Department of Homeland Security disagree because they welcomed you. And if that person doesn't agree with the government and its choices, then why can't you?

You could also ask her that since 50% of her own country has a negative view of the war, then why is it surprising that other countries do as well?

Shake it off; she's the one with the issue, not you.

[MrsP 0]

Well,

here is something to consider, because this occurred in the workplace.

First of all, any behaviour that another worker finds offensive can be

considered harrassment. I hope you told her that it upset you and that

her behaviour was not welcome. If you did you are on the right track

to protect yourself from further persecution. Make a note of the

conversation and the date and keep a long.

Make sure that if it happens again you always remind her that her

discriminatory behaviour is unwelcome and upsets you. This must

interfere with your ability to work.

I would give her the benefit of the doubt the first time but if the

situation becomes worse I would report her.

Mrs P>

[Aymerlu 3]

Don't let her get to you.....sounds like she is the one with issues

[anya-D 8]

I'm really sorry that you have to listen to that!! It's really sad!

I dont know how to say but dont give her credit.. she's not worth to be upseting about.

[Sheriff Uling 3]

I'm Black! Welcome to the party!!!

[ceriserose 1]

Well,

here is something to consider, because this occurred in the workplace.

First of all, any behaviour that another worker finds offensive can be

considered harrassment. I hope you told her that it upset you and that

her behaviour was not welcome. If you did you are on the right track

to protect yourself from further persecution. Make a note of the

conversation and the date and keep a long.

Make sure that if it happens again you always remind her that her

discriminatory behaviour is unwelcome and upsets you. This must

interfere with your ability to work.

I would give her the benefit of the doubt the first time but if the

situation becomes worse I would report her.

Mrs P>

This is an excellent point and suggestion.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Unfortunately, there is a neo-conservative political climate here that condones that type of behavior. It's not just you, but even other Americans who don't agree with the current Administration are met with slanderous accusations as not being patriotic or anti-American. Even some yahoo's here on VJ have had the audacity to say to those who've openly criticized the Bush Administration, to essentially get the hell out of America. I'm not sure how long you've known this person, but I'd tell her how you feel about what she said and get her to really listen to your point of view. Whatever you do, don't ever let someone silence your opinion...that's not what this country is about and if she doesn't understand that, perhaps she should live somewhere else more authoritarian.

Neo-conservative chopf##ks!

Edited September 14, 2006 by Steven_and_Jinky

[Ban Hammer 12,867]

yes, in germany, turkey, tunisia.....

[MichelleandCraig 1]

That's terrible and I agree with everyone. I would add a bit to what Cerise said, further saying, if she has to agree with EVERYTHING the government does, she should be welcoming you as well... Same thing, I guess, opposite way 'round. Anyway, don't let her get to you; as most have said, there's jerks everywhere. M.

[rebeccajo 14]

It's unfortunately the typical state of things in America. It's ok to be rude to someone who has a different opinion. Didn't they tell you that when you crossed the border?

I'm sure it hurt. Does she pay your bills or matter to you in some way? I bet the answer is NO. So just try to move on.

Edited September 14, 2006 by rebeccajo

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Yeah -- people seem to have forgotten how to disagree agreeably.