Canadian Ignorance...

[EagleSmack]

Definitely glad this ended so well, lol. Well, as far as arguments go, considering it was really heating up on page 2

I'm American myself, but would like to attend a Canadian University for my Master's under a Fulbright scholarship - and since they're all over the idea of creating a sense of friendship between Canada and the USA, they expect us to be the best of ambassadors.

That said, I must say that were the thread vice versa, I think I'd have to do as the OP did and call out Americans on their ignorance. Not only that but the blatant (and very misplaced, imo) arrogance that arises at times. I can't count the number of occasions on which I've been asked by an acquaintance 'why would you ever consider settling down in Canada?'

He also thinks I'm Anti-American for being in Ireland at the moment, having wanted to live in Canada for years and for saying 'I can't bring myself to stay in the US unless something drastic changes for the better" (albeit, he's army-crazy and thinks we're justified in the war too -.-). While he's unable to acknowledge it, I certainly will: The US is in shambles at the moment, especially regarding the government. Though that's a whale of a problem in and of itself.

I'm not Anti-American at all, I'm simply unwilling to become complacent enough to accept degeneration without becoming upset. But the fact of the matter is exactly as others have said, it seems - there are pros and cons to both places. But there seems to be a great deal of goodness in the fact that there are those capable of pointing out the flaws within their native country. Regardless of the upset or bickering it may cause, it's so essential to the growth of a country for the better - so the fact that this thread exists at all and that the topic was presented with such eloquence, logic and obvious research towards backing it up, only points out that there's more good growth for the country to come.

On youtube, for one of the universities I was doing research on (Memorial University), there's a clip in which one of the international students says, "Canada has exceeded my wildest expectations, and you guys, Canadians, have a lot to be proud of"

Personally, I can't help but agree with that sentiment.

The guy was army crazy huh? Well it is a good thing he wasn't college crazy and hosed the whole place down with small arms.

You just got to love our intellectuals sometimes as they have so much common sense.

 

[Tamith]

The guy was army crazy huh? Well it is a good thing he wasn't college crazy and hosed the whole place down with small arms.

You just got to love our intellectuals sometimes as they have so much common sense.

Army-crazy in the sense that he believes that he should join simply because he's got a hot head of anger that he can't control - and repeatedly looks at youtube videos of the army killing insurgents, only to send them to me with a caption 'I can't wait to kill some towel-heads' lol. He wants to join simply because of the adrenaline war and the act of hunting and killing others would give him.

What I said wasn't meant to be a stab at the army - I apologize if it sounds like that. I'm not anti-army either since I too, wanted to join and still hope to join the Air Force, but regarding him, I don't think the army itself would enjoy that he's joining with that mindset >,< Seriously, would you want to bunk with someone that sounds like that? lol Dunno about you, but it'd freak me out.

 

[CDNBear]

The guy was army crazy huh? Well it is a good thing he wasn't college crazy and hosed the whole place down with small arms.

You just got to love our intellectuals sometimes as they have so much common sense.

I actually gave Tamith a thumbs up for that ES.

Dissension in the ranks is one thing, but dissension among the people is how change happens.

I didn't over look her remarks about "Army crazy" friends. I have some to, and I'm willing to bet you know a few "Marine crazy" folk too. Whose patriotism is only outweighed by their nationalism.

Army-crazy in the sense that he believes that he should join simply because he's got a hot head of anger that he can't control - and repeatedly looks at youtube videos of the army killing insurgents, only to send them to me with a caption 'I can't wait to kill some towel-heads' lol.

With thoughts like that, he'll likely fail the psych eval.

What I said wasn't meant to be a stab at the army - I apologize if it sounds like that. I'm not anti-army either since I too, wanted to join and still hope to join the Air Force, but regarding him, I don't think the army itself would enjoy that he's joining with that mindset >,< Seriously, would you want to bunk with someone that sounds like that? lol Dunno about you, but it'd freak me out.

I've met people with simialr mindsets Tamith, they don't freak me out, they piss me off. They don't bring anything of worth to the table. They oft cause people to look down on the Military personnel, that join for altogether different reasons, and perform their duties with the upmost honour and dignity.

 

[Tamith]

With thoughts like that, he'll likely fail the psych eval.

I've met people with simialr mindsets Tamith, they don't freak me out, they piss me off. They don't bring anything of worth to the table. They oft cause people to look down on the Military personnel, that join for altogether different reasons, and perform their duties with the upmost honour and dignity.

I could only hope he fails the psych evaluation. Can only imagine what he'd be like in battle - though I think he believes it'll be just like Call of Duty, which he plays in his air-conditioned house with his constant access to food and clean water. Don't want to be around for his rude awakening. o.o

I agree though, CDNBear. Though it saddens me to see how many people go without even the most rudimentary level of honor and dignity nowadays. I think the lack of it is spreading. :/

I thank you again for beginning this thread though - the posts surprised me concerning the differences and similarities between Canada and the US. There are some things that are just general facts like conversion rates, differences in healthcare, etc. But other things seem to be things you don't know unless you live there, you know? I've learned quite a bit just by reading through what's been posted here.

I have said my **** about Americans in the past, sometimes it was reinforced and sometimes it wasn't . It would be foolish to think in absolutes.

Loved this response (the entire thing - would have quoted it all but didn't want to make this longer than it already is). It was so well-put.

 

[EagleSmack]

I actually gave Tamith a thumbs up for that ES.

Dissension in the ranks is one thing, but dissension among the people is how change happens.

I didn't over look her remarks about "Army crazy" friends. I have some to, and I'm willing to bet you know a few "Marine crazy" folk too. Whose patriotism is only outweighed by their nationalism.

With thoughts like that, he'll likely fail the psych eval.

I've met people with simialr mindsets Tamith, they don't freak me out, they piss me off. They don't bring anything of worth to the table. They oft cause people to look down on the Military personnel, that join for altogether different reasons, and perform their duties with the upmost honour and dignity.

They don't freak me out either and I got his/her point. Sure there are folks that are crazy in the military but when intellectuals do exactly as you described in your last few sentences it p****** me off to.

Saying "army-crazy" but don't take offense. Please. Everytime the city of Boston wins a championship the streets, then jails, are jammed with college students from rioting. Yes indeed, so very smart unlike those army crazies.

 

[TenPenny]

You and I have always had that feeling about engineers in common, lmao!!! As soon as I see one that shatters our image of them, I'll let you know.

Not all engineers are the same. Careful with your stereotypes.

 

[Tamith]

Saying "army-crazy" but don't take offense. Please. Everytime the city of Boston wins a championship the streets, then jails, are jammed with college students from rioting. Yes indeed, so very smart unlike those army crazies.

My apologies then. I wanted to join the armed forces especially because of the discipline it instills and the honor that comes with. I only associated his psychosis with the army because that's his chosen outlet for his desired adrenaline rush.

When and if he decides to go to college, I'll call him 'college crazy' lol And without question, I won't want to bunk in the same dorm as him then either.

 

[CDNBear]

I could only hope he fails the psych evaluation. Can only imagine what he'd be like in battle - though I think he believes it'll be just like Call of Duty, which he plays in his air-conditioned house with his constant access to food and clean water. Don't want to be around for his rude awakening. o.o

Ummm, yes he is in for an extremely rude awakening.

I thank you again for beginning this thread though - the posts surprised me concerning the differences and similarities between Canada and the US.

I actually started this thread because I was tired of all the anti Americanism that has a tendency to permeate this forum. It's the counter point and I hoped it would shed a little light on the fact that we are all very much alike in so many ways.

It all boils down to perspective and what tools we use to develop them. Patriotism is only a thin line away from nationalism. And both can weigh heavily on ones perspective.

There are some things that are just general facts like conversion rates, differences in healthcare, etc. But other things seem to be things you don't know unless you live there, you know?

Or traveled many long and winding roads through life.

I've learned quite a bit just by reading through what's been posted here.

Me too.

Loved this response (the entire thing - would have quoted it all but didn't want to make this longer than it already is). It was so well-put.

Never worry about the length of a post if you have something of substance to say.

They don't freak me out either and I got his/her point. Sure there are folks that are crazy in the military but when intellectuals do exactly as you described in your last few sentences it p****** me off to.

I hear you ES.

Saying "army-crazy" but don't take offense. Please. Everytime the city of Boston wins a championship the streets, then jails, are jammed with college students from rioting. Yes indeed, so very smart unlike those army crazies.

Put into that perspective, I can see your point as clear as day.

Not all engineers are the same. Careful with your stereotypes.

I know TenPenny. Think of it as a little chin music.

 

[taxslave]

i cant hate america they created country music

YouTube - All American Country Boy 003

i like singing to this song except i change one thing.... Im an all canadian Country Boy

That alone is a good enough reason to hate them.

 

[EagleSmack]

My apologies then. I wanted to join the armed forces especially because of the discipline it instills and the honor that comes with. I only associated his psychosis with the army because that's his chosen outlet for his desired adrenaline rush.

When and if he decides to go to college, I'll call him 'college crazy' lol And without question, I won't want to bunk in the same dorm as him then either.

lol. Fair enough and apology accepted.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

Also, if your freind believes that the Army is like COD he is sadly mistaken as CDN said. It is important to be motivated and brave but to simply want to kill is not how it works. Combat sucks and there is nothing more terrifying in my opinion.

 

[Tamith]

lol. Fair enough and apology accepted.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

Also, if your freind believes that the Army is like COD he is sadly mistaken as CDN said. It is important to be motivated and brave but to simply want to kill is not how it works. Combat sucks and there is nothing more terrifying in my opinion.

I can imagine. :/ While I've been addicted to COD myself, I'm not foolish enough to mistake it for the real thing. Airplane mechanics would make me happy enough. And thank you for the welcome

That alone is a good enough reason to hate them.

Lol. Couldn't help but laugh at this. Canada has an amazing share of fantastic rock-related artists though. Just a quick mention since I've been looking up the bands that sing my favorite songs and about 80%+ of them come from Canada.

Good enough reason to fancy Canada? I think so =P

 

[taxslave]

I always thought bars were a fairly appropriate place to get drunk. :lol:

Americans fed Canadian beer can be quite amusing. Especially when no one reminds them that our beer has alcohol in it.

 

[wulfie68]

Americans fed Canadian beer can be quite amusing. Especially when no one reminds them that our beer has alcohol in it.

OK this is a generalization that is almost a myth in my experience: American beer has about the same alcohol content as Canadian (4.9 or 5% and 3.9% for "lite" beers), except in places where they regulate the alcohol content down. I've been to "dry counties" in TN that don't sell any alcohol at all, but the only state I've been in that regulates the alcohol content is Oklahoma (down to 3.2% which is lighter than "lite" beer everywhere else). I've spent varying amounts of time in California, Wyoming, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York and found their beer to be "normal". And when you get away from the mass produced swill, the % varies, just as our microbrewed stuff does.

 

[YukonJack]

The title of this thread is prfectly illustrated by this gem by taxslave:

"Americans fed Canadian beer can be quite amusing. Especially when no one reminds them that our beer has alcohol in it."

I guess he did not know this- along with multitudes of similarly misinformed Yankee bashers:

Canadian beer vs. American beer: The alcohol content battle - Craft Beer - Zimbio

 

[CDNBear]

OK this is a generalization that is almost a myth in my experience: American beer has about the same alcohol content as Canadian (4.9 or 5% and 3.9% for "lite" beers), except in places where they regulate the alcohol content down. I've been to "dry counties" in TN that don't sell any alcohol at all, but the only state I've been in that regulates the alcohol content is Oklahoma (down to 3.2% which is lighter than "lite" beer everywhere else). I've spent varying amounts of time in California, Wyoming, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York and found their beer to be "normal". And when you get away from the mass produced swill, the % varies, just as our microbrewed stuff does.

I didn't know that, but I have seen Americans drink our beer and say striaght out it's stronger and then go on to get drunk before everyone else. I wonder if this is the placebo effect in action.

 

[JLM]

Americans fed Canadian beer can be quite amusing. Especially when no one reminds them that our beer has alcohol in it.

Yep, but even ours is watered down now. I remember the good old days when our beer was between 8 and 9% alcohol content, now it's about 5% I believe. Ale used to be 10%.

 

[Curiosity]

Before committing a response to A Call To Arms for your nation and picking up a weapon to be trained in warfare.... it is imperative for your mental health to.....


....ask yourself:

What you are willing To Die For and also What you are willing To Kill For.

 

[AnnaG]

I didn't know that, but I have seen Americans drink our beer and say striaght out it's stronger and then go on to get drunk before everyone else. I wonder if this is the placebo effect in action.

Possibly. I think it also might be that American beer has something in it that makes us pee a lot more so some of the alcohol isn't processed and goes in one end and just about immediately out the other end.

Yep, but even ours is watered down now. I remember the good old days when our beer was between 8 and 9% alcohol content, now it's about 5% I believe. Ale used to be 10%.

That depends upon which beer you drink. Our local brewery here provides beers in a variety of strengths. I though OK Spring did, too.

 

[JLM]

I was an EXPERT on beer 25 years ago, but I long since switched to coffee.

 

[Johnnny]

That alone is a good enough reason to hate them

garth brooks is the is the top-domestic-selling solo U.S. artist in U.S. history

Brooks&Dunn sold more albums than any other duo in any other genre

i dont even need to know what or who you listen too, cause they are nothing compared to these country stars

Makes the bands you listen to nothing more than little ants on the ant hill, jealous ....