What are the important cultural differences between Canada and the US?

[Guest American Woman]

You haven't?

This isn't an example of you having some sort of psychic probe into how Canadians must feel about themselves?

And another example of you speaking for Canadians and their need to feel good about themselves.

Or you speaking for when it will be great to be a Canadian.

And even more speaking for Canadians about what they should and shouldn't think and how they should or shouldn't think.

I just find it terribly ironic that you make no hesitations about jumping all over that Report button when someone allegedly speaks for you, but you have no problem at all generalizing about Canadians and their thoughts and feelings.

You do realize that "generalizing about Canadians" in response to an actual article that was posted here, and speaking for an individual, are two very different things, right?

I'm flattered, though, that you would take such an interest in what I think, in general, about Canadians in response to an article about Canadians, written by Canadians, posted by a Canadian. You went through a lot of trouble there, singling me out, and it hasn't gone unnoticed.

With that, I am done 'discussing' this with this with you. I responded to carepov's post because I actually have discussions with him; I'm interested in what he has to say. Then, as usual, the insults about Americans and the fixation on me began. Nothing to say in response to what I said, though. As usual.

Edited July 11, 2013 by American Woman

[g_bambino]

With that, I am done 'discussing' this with this with you.

You win, cyber.

[cybercoma]

This isn't about you any more than you telling others not to speak for you is about them. This is about your argument making assumptions about how Canadians think and feel and your prescriptions for how to be a better or happier Canadian.

[GostHacked]

Are these comments examples of what it takes to feel good about being Canadian?

Was the reply to this.

Its only when talking to Americans do we do it. We make it simple for them to understand.

Guyser2, you need to make it even more simple.

[guyser]

In light of the discussion, I would say it's a perfect example of Canadians needing to cut down Americans in order to feel good about themselves, so I can't help but wonder if such comments make y'all feel good about yourselves.

I did not , nor engage in, cutting down Americans for the sake of being American.

There is no example, let alone a perfect example anywhere in my post.

I'm afraid you are inputting things that are not there.

[Guest American Woman]

If anyone cares to discuss the article I was responding to, ie: engage in discussion, I'm listening. I won't, however, hold my breath waiting for such a response, and will be ignoring all others.

[bleeding heart]

I don't think the differences between us, culturally, are altogether profound. More alike than not...and what's wrong with that?

[guyser]

If anyone cares to discuss the article I was responding to, ie: engage in discussion, I'm listening. I won't, however, hold my breath waiting for such a response, and will be ignoring all others.

Probably a good idea. I have no idea how anyone could explain the shark jump you made to a simple post.

Of course you werent talking about the article when you posted my quote, and I answered your question.

C'est le vie.

[bleeding heart]

Interesting read, notice how the claims are supported with external studies/links:

http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/06/28/99-reasons-why-its-better-to-be-canadian/

and before b_c says it, here's a reason why its better to be American:

-Americans have no need for comparing themselves to others

Of course they compare themselves to others. That's not a critique--it's simply a universal.

[Guest American Woman]

Of course they compare themselves to others. That's not a critique--it's simply a universal.

I'm assuming you can back that claim up; I'd like to see just one such "why the U.S. is so great" article that does nothing but compare it to, say, Canada. Every reason given as to why it's great to be Canadian is in comparison to the U.S. - and I would love to see a similar article put out by Americans. Did you even read the article? And it's not as if this were a one-time thing; it's something we see repeatedly coming out of Canada. If I were Canadian, I'd be embarrassed by it.

Edited July 11, 2013 by American Woman

[bleeding heart]

I'm assuming you can back that claim up; I'd like to see just one such "why the U.S. is so great" article that does nothing but compare it to, say, Canada.

I didn't say anything about comparing it "to, say, Canada"; I said Americans compare themselves to others, by definition.

To say "Americans have probably the best free speech laws in the world" (which is my opinion, incidentally) is a comparison; to say "we're number 1!" is a comparison.

If you say "we're the greatest country in the world (or even "one of the greatest countries in the world")...well, that's a comnparison. The meaning of all these are, explicitly, comparisons.

I have no idea whatsoever why you'd object to this truism, by the way. It's not an insult.

[Guest American Woman]

I didn't say anything about comparing it "to, say, Canada"; I said Americans compare themselves to others, by definition.

To say "Americans have probably the best free speech laws in the world" (which is my opinion, incidentally) is a comparison; to say "we're number 1!" is a comparison.

If you say "we're the greatest country in the world (or even "one of the greatest countries in the world")...well, that's a comnparison. The meaning of all these are, explicitly, comparisons.

I have no idea whatsoever why you'd object to this truism, by the way. It's not an insult.

I wasn't in the least bit insulted - because I knew you couldn't find any such example.

In case you really don't realize it, saying a general "we are the best" is not the same as saying "we are the best because look how crappy it is in America." And that article does just that 99 times. And as I said, it's not unique. I bought a book awhile back about "Canadian culture" hoping to learn something, but all it was is comparisons to the U.S. A real disappointment.

Edited July 11, 2013 by American Woman

[bleeding heart]

I wasn't in the least bit insulted - because I knew you couldn't find any such example.

In case you really don't realize it, saying a general "we are the best" is not the same as saying "we are the best because look how crappy it is in America." And that article does just that 99 times. And as I said, it's not unique. I bought a book awhile back about "Canadian culture" hoping to learn something, but all it was is comparisons to the U.S. A real disappointment.

Saying "we are the best" is, by definition, a comparison. There is no other meaning to the phrase. That's not even a debatable point...assuming that words have meanings, and that we can suss such meanings out.

I certainly didn't say Americans have the same feelings about Canada as so many Canadians do about America. Obviously they don't, fortunately, as this teeters somewhere between irrelevant, boring, unproductive, and useless.

However, that's not the point to which I was responding. I was responding to a declarative statement which was demonstrably untrue.

Edited July 11, 2013 by bleeding heart

[Guest American Woman]

Saying "we are the best" is, by definition, a comparison. There is no other meaning to the phrase. That's not even a debatable point...assuming that words have meanings, and that we can suss such meanings out.

I certainly didn't say Americans have the same feelings about Canada as so many Canadians do about America. Obviously they don't, fortunately, as this teeters somewhere between irrelevant, boring, unproductive, and useless.

However, that's not the point to which I was responding. I was responding to a declarative statement which was demonstrably untrue.

No, it's not; we're obviously talking about singularly, continuously, comparing to one country. If I say "I have the best kids in the world" that's a bit different from saying "my kids are much better than bloodyminded's kids, his kids are stupid." Capice?

[bleeding heart]

No, it's not; we're obviously talking about singularly, continuously, comparing to one country.

no...not the remark to which I was responding. Capice?

[Guest American Woman]

no...not the remark to which I was responding. Capice?

Um, yeah, it was, as the remark was said in the context of the article which was posted in said quote.

[bleeding heart]

Um, yeah, it was, as the remark was said in the context of the article which was posted in said quote.

The remark stands on its own as a demonstrably false statement.

[Guest American Woman]

The remark stands on its own as a demonstrably false statement.

But the remark wasn't made "on its own," but in reference to the article cited. Capice? But in light of your comments, are you recognizing that the U.S. has no such need to continuously, singularly compare itself to, and cut down, one nation, such as Canada?

Edited July 11, 2013 by American Woman

[carepov]

I'm assuming you can back that claim up; I'd like to see just one such "why the U.S. is so great" article that does nothing but compare it to, say, Canada. Every reason given as to why it's great to be Canadian is in comparison to the U.S. - and I would love to see a similar article put out by Americans. Did you even read the article? And it's not as if this were a one-time thing; it's something we see repeatedly coming out of Canada. If I were Canadian, I'd be embarrassed by it.

Yes, AW, I am embarrassed by the arrogance and hypocrisy of those Canadians that constantly claim "we are so much better than Americans!". Some comparisons are normal, and even very useful, but we do overdo it.

I wonder if it's the same with Kiwis/Aussies, Austrians/Germans, Taiwanese/Chinese, Irish/British, Oklahomans/Texans...?

[Guest American Woman]

Yes, AW, I am embarrassed by the arrogance and hypocrisy of those Canadians that constantly claim "we are so much better than Americans!". Some comparisons are normal, and even very useful, but we do overdo it.

I wonder if it's the same with Kiwis/Aussies, Austrians/Germans, Taiwanese/Chinese, Irish/British, Oklahomans/Texans...?

Thank you, carepov, for your honesty. I really don't understand it, as it isn't necessary in order to recognize Canada's greatness. Canada is so great on its own merit, no comparison to the U.S. necessary, and the petty comparisons and insults diminish that, IMO.

[cybercoma]

Saying "we are the best" is, by definition, a comparison. There is no other meaning to the phrase. That's not even a debatable point...assuming that words have meanings, and that we can suss such meanings out.

And another thread falls to the "words have meaning" troll bait.

[guyser]

Of course they compare themselves to others. That's not a critique--it's simply a universal

This is still true.

If someone wants to move the goalposts for some undefined and pointless endeavour, go right ahead.

Bleeding heart, you were right to begin with.

That statement above was not in relation to the article, it got linked in an effort to prove something that was not discussed.

I will say it ....Americans compare themselves to others all the time. Not a surprise really.Or shouldnt be anyway.

Europeans do it too. Canucks ..yup. Aussies do it with Kiwis the same and vice versa.

And it is no secret when NZ'ers talk to other people around the world, they compare or use the Aussie experience as a baseline to achieve an understanding since more people are familiar with Aus than with NZ.

Like I said, Canadians dont use typically use an american reference when talking to fellow CDN's.

[Guest American Woman]

If someone wants to move the goalposts for some undefined and pointless endeavour, go right ahead.

Bleeding heart, you were right to begin with.

That statement above was not in relation to the article, it got linked in an effort to prove something that was not discussed.

I'm not the one who moved the goalposts. I can see why you wouldn't want to discuss the actual issue, though - the actual article. But as I pointed out previously, my response was to carepov, because we actually have discussions - and he honestly addressed the issue (and it was his article link and his comment). And I appreciate that. The rest of you are just trying so hard to discuss something else, and it says a lot, actually.

[Guest American Woman]

I did a quick span of some of the 99 reasons it's better to be Canadian:

We brave the cold better

Our taste in chocolate is better

We dominate hockey

We live in bigger houses

We’re funnier

We’re actually better at tennis now

Niagara Falls: Canada’s horseshoe falls vs. the American side.

And my personal favorite: Our dinosaur discoveries are cooler.

And of course the not to be missed: We’re more popular. The ol' "mapleleaf on the backpack" mindset prevails.

As for most pathetic, this has to be right up there: Our national symbol is a worthier animal.

[guyser]

I'm not the one who moved the goalposts.

Oh you most certainly did.

Here read this...

Of course they compare themselves to others. That's not a critique--it's simply a universal.

You reply is this..

I'm assuming you can back that claim up; I'd like to see just one such "why the U.S. is so great" article that does nothing but compare it to, say, Canada. Every reason given as to why it's great to be Canadian is in comparison to the U.S.

Now go back to bleeding hearts post above , and show us where he said Americans compare themselves to Canadians and only canadians.

Compare themselves to others means others...any nationality or whatever.

Do you want anyone to back that claim up as you asked in the first part...ya know, the part before you moved the goalposts or interjected some other criteria to fit whatever point you want to make?

The poster merely said Americans compare themselves to others, they do, no one can honestly deny it.

Once aqain, you go against your mantra of not inputting words into ones mouth.

Edited July 11, 2013 by Guyser2