Canadians and Americans are very different people for the following reasons: (note: these are all just personal experiences and generalizations)
First of all, I am from Canada so when I say "we" I am referring to Canadians.
- We talk differently. I have quite a few American friends who will have no idea what I am talking about sometimes simply because of our different pronunciation of words, such as semi (Americans would say sem-I whereas Canadians would say sem-ee) , multi, bag, etc.
Many people will also say that Canadians say aboot and aboat instead of about. This is only true if you're a Newfie and still not all Newfies pronounce it like that. Most stereotypes referring to Canadians speaking funny originate from how Newfies speak. And, most Canadians will make just as much fun of Newfies as the rest of the world does.
- Canadians are more polite. Many Americans say that although Canadians are more polite, Americans are more friendly... Canadians are equally as friendly but we are not as out there as a typical American.
In my experiences I am usually taken-back when I first meet an American because I find them to be very blunt (which can be percieved as rude) and that they lack general manners (saying please, thank you, etc.).
That is why there are Americans who pretend to be Canadians when they travel to other places because people are nicer to Canadians because they are generally perceived as more kind.
- Canadians are more educated on Canadian and American history. We know how our country was born and all of the little details leading up to where we are now. Many Americans seriously believe that all Canadians live in Igloos and ride polar bears. If you're an American or from any other country and this is what you believe I am glad to tell you that we all live in houses with electricity, we drive cars, and we have the option go to grocery store to get food. We do not have to hunt for our meals.
Because we have a good education on Canadian history, most Canadians who pay attention in social class know how our two cultures are different. Canadians are typically more open minded when it comes to people and the world whereas because of American media they are more narrow-minded.
Other similarities and differences are:
- Americans are more relaxed whereas Canadians are more uptight.
- Both countries like hockey (Canadians need to stop being so protective over this. We do not own it.)
- We celebrate different holidays.
- We have different food and candy.
- Canadians have stronger beer; Americans have stronger cigarettes.
- Americans have WAY higher obesity, violence, and mortality rates than Canadians.
I for one can tell an American from a Canadian by all the little differences.
Hope this helps.
