Canadians Still Distrust US of A

[bush_cheney2004]

Meet the new boss...same as the old boss:

Canadians are no more loving of the United States under its current leadership than during George W. Bush's presidency, suggested a poll published Monday.

But they do like President Barack Obama a whole lot more than his predecessor, said the Historica Dominion Institute survey of 1,018 Canadians.

Obama was viewed favorably by 86 percent of respondents, compared to only 21 percent for Bush in 2005.

"What's striking about these findings is how Canadians have detached their personal view of Barack Obama, whom they quite like and respect, from the United States, which they still view with skepticism, even distrust," said Andrew Cohen, president of the institute.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.6b2c7e71c384e4ab229e57736dcbe1f8.691&show_article=1

Edited November 4, 2009 by bush_cheney2004

[jbg]

Meet the new boss...same as the old boss:

Canadians are no more loving of the United States under its current leadership than during George W. Bush's presidency, suggested a poll published Monday.

But they do like President Barack Obama a whole lot more than his predecessor, said the Historica Dominion Institute survey of 1,018 Canadians.

Obama was viewed favorably by 86 percent of respondents, compared to only 21 percent for Bush in 2005.

Distance (from Obama) makes the heart grow fonder. The voters of Virginia and New Jersey have partially delivered a message. Since I don't want him to fail as President lets hope he hears it and trims his sails a bit.

"What's striking about these findings is how Canadians have detached their personal view of Barack Obama, whom they quite like and respect, from the United States, which they still view with skepticism, even distrust," said Andrew Cohen, president of the institute. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.6b2c7e71c384e4ab229e57736dcbe1f8.691&show_article=1

Sibling rivalry reigns supreme. Edited November 4, 2009 by jbg

[Moonlight Graham]

Those darn friggin' Americans!!!

[Bryan]

Sibling rivalry reigns supreme.

I never thought of it that way, but that pretty much does sum it up.

[Sulaco]

Well - during the Bush years Canadians often said (while wreathed in their characteristic smugness) they hated the Pres but not rank an file Americans - despite the fact that they are boorish, ugly and arrogant. I guess the findings here are consistent then.

[Guest American Woman]

Canadians are no more loving of the United States under its current leadership than during George W. Bush's presidency, suggested a poll published Monday.

Interesting. And a bit difficult to understand, since Bush was so often given as the reason/excuse for 'anti-Americanism.'

Wonder what the problem is now, and what we could do to please them? If we could, in fact, do anything.

[jbg]

Interesting. And a bit difficult to understand, since Bush was so often given as the reason/excuse for 'anti-Americanism.'

Wonder what the problem is now, and what we could do to please them? If we could, in fact, do anything.

I really don't think there is much that can be done in that regard. The two countries have a uniquely close relationship, being bound together by family, language, transportation and industrial ties. This gives rise to a sibling rivalry since the history and form of government are obviously quite different and both are quite definitely separate and independent countries.

I did not believe that Obama's election would change much in that regard. I guess I was right.

[Guest American Woman]

I really don't think there is much that can be done in that regard. The two countries have a uniquely close relationship, being bound together by family, language, transportation and industrial ties. This gives rise to a sibling rivalry since the history and form of government are obviously quite different and both are quite definitely separate and independent countries.

I did not believe that Obama's election would change much in that regard. I guess I was right.

I thought it would make a difference, and I really don't think it makes sense that it hasn't, so in that respect, it would have interesting if the article would have elaborated a bit as to why so many Canadians feel the way they do. I agree that there's "sibling rivalry" aspect to it, but in spite of it all, most of us love our siblings; so I really don't understand the anti-American sentiment.

[jbg]

I agree that there's "sibling rivalry" aspect to it, but in spite of it all, most of us love our siblings; so I really don't understand the anti-American sentiment.

The first time I went to Canada and spent time with Canadians (as opposed to just sightseeing), in 1973, my hosts, parents of a band member we were having an exchange program with, explained it to me. The explanation, from otherwise intelligent and hospitable people, was lame, to say the least.

I think they blamed things on Nixon then. I still think the real reason was expressed by Trudeau's "mouse and elephant" fable, with a good dose of sibling rivalry mixed in.

[Sir Bandelot]

Canadian institutions are under a constant threat of "Americanization", which we must resist in order to preserve them. When your next door neighbour is a hyper-power, there is always pressure to adopt the American way of doing things, for the sake of better efficiency and to make a bigger buck. But Canada's history is built on socialism. Eg., for the most part we like our health care system. Although it has problems (which one doesn't?), it would be a worse nightmare if we abandoned it to the whims of corporate controlled insurance.

So a healthy anti-Americanism is necessary, for Canada to survive as a distinct entity. It's not so much like a family, it's more like the big-shot neighbours across the street, who show off their flashy toys. But in reality we know their house is not happy, because the kids are on drugs and they're getting a divorce. So we see their lifestyle as full of shit...

Edited November 4, 2009 by Sir Bandelot

[Guest American Woman]

Canadian institutions are under a constant threat of "Americanization", which we must resist in order to preserve them. When your next door neighbour is a hyper-power, there is always pressure to adopt the American way of doing things, for the sake of better efficiency and to make a bigger buck. But Canada's history is built on socialism. Eg., for the most part we like our health care system. Although it has problems (which one doesn't?), it would be a worse nightmare if we abandoned it to the whims of corporate controlled insurance.

So go ahead and like your health care system. You can't like it and Americans at the same time? And who's giving in to the "pressure?" Obviously, those who want to. So where' the anger? No one is putting a gun to your head to become "Americanized." Seems to me, though, that "better efficiency" would be a good thing.

So a healthy anti-Americanism is necessary, for Canada to survive as a distinct entity.

Really? You don't have the strength to resist without 'hating' Americans? Without being anti-American, Canada couldn't survive?

It's not so much like a family, it's more like the big-shot neighbours across the street, who show off their flashy toys.

So you're angry that we have "toys?" You'd like us more if we had less?

But in reality we know their house is not happy, because the kids are on drugs and they're getting a divorce. So we see their lifestyle as full of shit...

Oh, you "see" that, do you? Perhaps while you're "seeing" how "full of shit" our lifestyle is, you should take a look at Canada's divorce rate and how many Canadians are on drugs. I hate to break it to you, but our countries are more alike than you apparently realize.

[bush_cheney2004]

So go ahead and like your health care system. You can't like it and Americans at the same time? And who's giving in to the "pressure?" Obviously, those who want to. So where' the anger? No one is putting a gun to your head to become "Americanized." Seems to me, though, that "better efficiency" would be a good thing.

Yea...I don't buy the lame health care excuse.....America has social health care programs that dwarf and anything in Canada. Other nations have different (and better) systems too...so are they resented? No.

There is something else in play here that causes such resentment.

Really? You don't have the strength to resist without 'hating' Americans? Without being anti-American, Canada couldn't survive?

Americans as foils....to help Canada indentify itself.

So you're angry that we have "toys?" You'd like us more if we had less?

Does that include the SUVs manufactured in Canada (with resentment...no doubt).

Oh, you "see" that, do you? Perhaps while you're "seeing" how "full of shit" our lifestyle is, you should take a look at Canada's divorce rate and how many Canadians are on drugs. I hate to break it to you, but our countries are more alike than you apparently realize.

Blasphemer!

[M.Dancer]

There is something else in play here that causes such resentment.

It Television. You watch Grey's, House etc...you see the patients in their glass walled private rooms...the nurses, the doctors..they're all incredibly good looking...

you even imagine their meals are exquisite.

Then you actually go to a hospital...the semi private room has a pregnant woman from Djibouti in it with a severe flatulence problem and her entire family are holding a vigil praying to yahweh for which they must remove their shoes and all of the men have Parmesan cheese feet....

....and then off you go, no time for the reassuring talk..it off you go to the emergency room which looks like it was once a subway station (only much cleaner) and the surgeon is over weight, the residents look like they were rejects from the cult classic, Revenge of the Nerds and the two nurses look like they could cure the most severe priapatic affliction.

And you think to yourself...no one here looks like George Clooney....***

***the above is an accurate description of the caesarian bith of my first child who was born 10 1/2 weeks premature and weighing less than 2lbs. I even said to the doctors, hey, can we make the special for my wife? can you do something with the lights? None of you are handsome or look like TV doctors...

[bush_cheney2004]

It Television.....

I'll bet that's it....but for a different reason. Nothing is more pervasive (and the scorn of the CRTC) than American media, particulary television. It is a constant, relentless reminder of what it means to be a satellite of Jupiter.

Edited November 5, 2009 by bush_cheney2004

[M.Dancer]

I'll bet that's it....but for a different reason. Nothing is more pervasive (and the scorn of the CRTC) than American media, particulary television. It is a constant, relentless reminder of what it means to be a satellite of Jupiter.

No I don't think that's it...cause it's the same pervasive Tevee that's telling us about the huddling teeming masses suffering from septic shock for the want of a family doctor to remove a splinter from the eye...and the untold billions and billions of impoverished americans who for want of public healthcare would be less wanting of something or another.

Probably satellite TV...so they could get british hospital dramas where the doctors smoke and drink too much and always look like they have bad breath....I think you folk call it Reality TV

[bush_cheney2004]

....Probably satellite TV...so they could get british hospital dramas where the doctors smoke and drink too much and always look like they have bad breath....I think you folk call it Reality TV

This TV aspect is interesting, including satellite. Years ago, cheater boxes were all the rage in Canada to get free American content. But fast forwarding to today, there is a new reason for burning resentment....I checked the Telus channel lineup and found the expected feeds from Seattle, Boston, LA, etc.,.....but only four porn channels! And I'll be damned if they weren't American too.

I think the CRTC should require at least one French language porn channel.

[M.Dancer]

This TV aspect is interesting, including satellite. Years ago, cheater boxes were all the rage in Canada to get free American content. But fast forwarding to today, there is a new reason for burning resentment....I checked the Telus channel lineup and found the expected feeds from Seattle, Boston, LA, etc.,.....but only four porn channels! And I'll be damned if they weren't American too.

I think the CRTC should require at least one French language porn channel.

There has got to be at least a couple of dozen porn channels catering to a wide variety of tastes. Although I can't imagine why anyone would pay for porn...that's why we have the internet. And for the record, there a few french porn channels ..it's quite a local industry. I(f you can say oui oui convincingly, you could get a screen test.

[bush_cheney2004]

There has got to be at least a couple of dozen porn channels catering to a wide variety of tastes. Although I can't imagine why anyone would pay for porn...that's why we have the internet. And for the record, there a few french porn channels ..it's quite a local industry. I(f you can say oui oui convincingly, you could get a screen test.

Well that's a relief...imagine having to watch American porn channels in Quebec. I'd be pretty peeved too.

...but shucks...guess who invented the Internet....those damn Americans.

Edited November 5, 2009 by bush_cheney2004

[M.Dancer]

Well that's a relief...imagine having to watch American porn channels in Quebec. I'd be pretty peeved too.

Ummm...you have never seen Quebec porn I assume? I'm not sure if anyone really wants to watch it, but there local content rules...

Think boob jobs done by a public heath doctor with a crack habit....

[jbg]

...but shucks...guess who invented the Internet....those damn Americans.

Specifically Al Gore did; before he got busy inventing the existence of the problem of global warming.

[capricorn]

I think anti-Americanism in Canada is fueled by repressed bigotry and racism. Nowadays in Canada, one must be very politically correct and think twice before making any utterances that could appear to smear an identifiable group, race or minority. For the most part, Canadians have not pigeonholed Americans into any of the categories we must not offend, at any cost. Americans remain the group that's okay to insult and denigrate, and get away with it. As an added bonus, Americans can't drag us before a Human Rights Tribunal for venting against multiculturalism or against the sins of any given religion.

You see, we never had our own Archie Bunker to draw the real bigots and racists among us. Bunker matched a real societal problem to comedy which in fact delivered a true and lasting message. I believe that era led to a real change of attitude in the US for the better.

Look at it as Americans and the US of A being our decompression valve.

[Guest American Woman]

I think anti-Americanism in Canada is fueled by repressed bigotry and racism. Nowadays in Canada, one must be very politically correct and think twice before making any utterances that could appear to smear an identifiable group, race or minority. For the most part, Canadians have not pigeonholed Americans into any of the categories we must not offend, at any cost. Americans remain the group that's okay to insult and denigrate, and get away with it. As an added bonus, Americans can't drag us before a Human Rights Tribunal for venting against multiculturalism or against the sins of any given religion.

You know, I think you're on to something here. It's a fact that Canadians who absolutely pride themselves on Canada's tolerance and multiculturalism and acceptance of everyone else in the world think nothing of insulting Americans. It's so contradictory to the "Canadian values" that they ascribe to their country/countrymen, yet they seem unable to see that.

You see, we never had our own Archie Bunker to draw the real bigots and racists among us. Bunker matched a real societal problem to comedy which in fact delivered a true and lasting message. I believe that era led to a real change of attitude in the US for the better.

Good old Archie Bunker. You couldn't watch him and think it was ok to think/be like him.

Look at it as Americans and the US of A being our decompression valve.

Again, I think you're likely right, but I still don't understand the "why" of it ....

Edited November 6, 2009 by American Woman

[PocketRocket]

There's a difference between being distrustful of a person and being distrustful of a group or a nation.

I have no problems with American people. As individual people, they have no more power than any of us.

America as a nation, however, is a powerhouse.

Consider also mob psychology. It has been proven time and again in psychological studies that people will act/react differently as part of a crowd than they would as individuals.

America represents one damned large crowd right next door to us. A crowd with the most powerful military and economic machinery on the planet.

Personally, I don't trust anyone standing beside me holding a gun. And in terms of nations, the USA is one BIG sonofabitch with a VERY big gun.

No, I don't think the USA is planning on invading us tomorrow, or even next week, but a healthy dose of skepticism cannot hurt.

EDITED TO ADD: Also, the people themselves do not bother me, but what the people may possibly be led to do or believe is another kettle of fish entirely.

This is, after all, the same nation of people who were led to believe that Bush was the best possible man to lead the nation. In fact, so many bought into this idea that he got almost enough votes to be elected......not once, but twice.

That in and of itself is a frightening thought.

Edited November 6, 2009 by PocketRocket

[Leafless]

Canadian institutions are under a constant threat of "Americanization", which we must resist in order to preserve them. When your next door neighbour is a hyper-power, there is always pressure to adopt the American way of doing things, for the sake of better efficiency and to make a bigger buck.

I hate to bust your bubble but Canadians have been Americanized many years ago.

But Canada's history is built on socialism. Eg., for the most part we like our health care system.

How do you know Canadians like our health care system? Just because some politicians might brag about Canadians liking our heath care system.

The point is Canadians were never asked to participate by way of a national referendum whether or not a socialistic health care system is the way to go.

I think myself, the only reason were have a socialistic health care system is because of the Liberals and Quebec.

Americans could have taken the same route to ensure the Black population and other low wage earners receive adequate medical care.

[bush_cheney2004]

...No, I don't think the USA is planning on invading us tomorrow, or even next week, but a healthy dose of skepticism cannot hurt.

The "invasion" was completed years ago when Canadians began taking the money.

EDITED TO ADD: Also, the people themselves do not bother me, but what the people may possibly be led to do or believe is another kettle of fish entirely.

This is, after all, the same nation of people who were led to believe that Bush was the best possible man to lead the nation. In fact, so many bought into this idea that he got almost enough votes to be elected......not once, but twice.

That in and of itself is a frightening thought.

You are mistaken...American elections are not about the best possible man (or woman)...same as in Canada. Oh....wait...you don't even get to select him or her.....best or not.

Edited November 7, 2009 by bush_cheney2004