American Ignorance About Canada

[Montana]

Hahaha!!! That's a riot!

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

But I digress, as I often do. So Americans are ignorant of Canada? So what? That's probably a good thing, keeps them from flooding up here in large numbers. I'll never forget the Ugly American I encountered in Banff many years ago. Big pink Cadillac, Texas plates, steer horns on the front... He got out of his massive car, hitched his belt up a bit under his mighty belly, tipped back his Stetson, looked up at the mountains, and drawled, "This is abaht the purtiest part o' the States Ah bin in." I didn't believe people like that existed until I saw that guy, he was a caricature of a tv Texan. Somehow he missed the fact that he'd crossed an international border a few hours before.

Most Canadians in my experience are pretty ignorant about America too. Or go to Britain some time, and you'll find that anywhere outside London many people have never been more than about 50 kilometers from where they were born, and know nothing much about anything outside that tiny little circle. And it seems relevant to add at this point that half the population is by definition of below average intelligence, as somebody else remarked here recently, and a person of average intelligence isn't really very smart. 40-something years of experience in this world has taught me that most people in most places are massively ignorant of what's going on in the world, and most people most of the time have no idea what they're talking about.

People who show up on message boards like this one are generally smarter, better educated, and better informed than the general public, if we discount the few total dipsticks, which is one of the reasons I join things like this. You can have intelligent exchanges with thoughtful people who don't agree with you about major issues, and that's a good thing, keeps your mind sharp and your prejudices suppressed. And anyone who claims to have no prejudices is either a liar or a fool.

People we choose for friends in real life generally share our world views and agree with us on many things, that's how they get to be our friends, but if you're going to claim to be an educated and informed person, you have to learn to deal intelligently with other points of view.

But most people don't bother. In my not very humble opinion, most people are ignorant about most things. So it doesn't much concern me that many Americans are woefully ignorant about Canada. What concerns me is that Americans in positions of great power--George Bush comes to mind--are also ignorant about Canada, and the world, and reality in general.

Think about this: war is nature's way of teaching Americans geography.

Great post Dexter!

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

But I digress, as I often do. So Americans are ignorant of Canada? So what? That's probably a good thing, keeps them from flooding up here in large numbers. I'll never forget the Ugly American I encountered in Banff many years ago. Big pink Cadillac, Texas plates, steer horns on the front... He got out of his massive car, hitched his belt up a bit under his mighty belly, tipped back his Stetson, looked up at the mountains, and drawled, "This is abaht the purtiest part o' the States Ah bin in." I didn't believe people like that existed until I saw that guy, he was a caricature of a tv Texan. Somehow he missed the fact that he'd crossed an international border a few hours before.

Most Canadians in my experience are pretty ignorant about America too. Or go to Britain some time, and you'll find that anywhere outside London many people have never been more than about 50 kilometers from where they were born, and know nothing much about anything outside that tiny little circle. And it seems relevant to add at this point that half the population is by definition of below average intelligence, as somebody else remarked here recently, and a person of average intelligence isn't really very smart. 40-something years of experience in this world has taught me that most people in most places are massively ignorant of what's going on in the world, and most people most of the time have no idea what they're talking about.

People who show up on message boards like this one are generally smarter, better educated, and better informed than the general public, if we discount the few total dipsticks, which is one of the reasons I join things like this. You can have intelligent exchanges with thoughtful people who don't agree with you about major issues, and that's a good thing, keeps your mind sharp and your prejudices suppressed. And anyone who claims to have no prejudices is either a liar or a fool.

People we choose for friends in real life generally share our world views and agree with us on many things, that's how they get to be our friends, but if you're going to claim to be an educated and informed person, you have to learn to deal intelligently with other points of view.

But most people don't bother. In my not very humble opinion, most people are ignorant about most things. So it doesn't much concern me that many Americans are woefully ignorant about Canada. What concerns me is that Americans in positions of great power--George Bush comes to mind--are also ignorant about Canada, and the world, and reality in general.

Think about this: war is nature's way of teaching Americans geography.

Great post Dexter!

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

But I digress, as I often do. So Americans are ignorant of Canada? So what? That's probably a good thing, keeps them from flooding up here in large numbers. I'll never forget the Ugly American I encountered in Banff many years ago. Big pink Cadillac, Texas plates, steer horns on the front... He got out of his massive car, hitched his belt up a bit under his mighty belly, tipped back his Stetson, looked up at the mountains, and drawled, "This is abaht the purtiest part o' the States Ah bin in." I didn't believe people like that existed until I saw that guy, he was a caricature of a tv Texan. Somehow he missed the fact that he'd crossed an international border a few hours before.

Most Canadians in my experience are pretty ignorant about America too. Or go to Britain some time, and you'll find that anywhere outside London many people have never been more than about 50 kilometers from where they were born, and know nothing much about anything outside that tiny little circle. And it seems relevant to add at this point that half the population is by definition of below average intelligence, as somebody else remarked here recently, and a person of average intelligence isn't really very smart. 40-something years of experience in this world has taught me that most people in most places are massively ignorant of what's going on in the world, and most people most of the time have no idea what they're talking about.

People who show up on message boards like this one are generally smarter, better educated, and better informed than the general public, if we discount the few total dipsticks, which is one of the reasons I join things like this. You can have intelligent exchanges with thoughtful people who don't agree with you about major issues, and that's a good thing, keeps your mind sharp and your prejudices suppressed. And anyone who claims to have no prejudices is either a liar or a fool.

People we choose for friends in real life generally share our world views and agree with us on many things, that's how they get to be our friends, but if you're going to claim to be an educated and informed person, you have to learn to deal intelligently with other points of view.

But most people don't bother. In my not very humble opinion, most people are ignorant about most things. So it doesn't much concern me that many Americans are woefully ignorant about Canada. What concerns me is that Americans in positions of great power--George Bush comes to mind--are also ignorant about Canada, and the world, and reality in general.

Think about this: war is nature's way of teaching Americans geography.

Great post Dexter!

 

[Mooseskin Johnny]

Re: RE: American Ignorance About Canada

The only reason we know more about the US than they know about us is all the American media we are bombarded with on a daily basis. Most of all the world entertainment comes from American sources.

Up to a point. I've been in far away places where the mis-conception of America is nuts, because all they see is American media. That's the problem: American media does not reflect reality. Far too many people, Americans included, believe the common tv drivel.

The reason that Canadians know more about Americans than the reverse is contact. Most Canadians have met Americans. A high percentage of Canadians have been into the US. The reverse is not true.

 

[Mooseskin Johnny]

Re: RE: American Ignorance About Canada

The only reason we know more about the US than they know about us is all the American media we are bombarded with on a daily basis. Most of all the world entertainment comes from American sources.

Up to a point. I've been in far away places where the mis-conception of America is nuts, because all they see is American media. That's the problem: American media does not reflect reality. Far too many people, Americans included, believe the common tv drivel.

The reason that Canadians know more about Americans than the reverse is contact. Most Canadians have met Americans. A high percentage of Canadians have been into the US. The reverse is not true.

 

[Mooseskin Johnny]

Re: RE: American Ignorance About Canada

The only reason we know more about the US than they know about us is all the American media we are bombarded with on a daily basis. Most of all the world entertainment comes from American sources.

Up to a point. I've been in far away places where the mis-conception of America is nuts, because all they see is American media. That's the problem: American media does not reflect reality. Far too many people, Americans included, believe the common tv drivel.

The reason that Canadians know more about Americans than the reverse is contact. Most Canadians have met Americans. A high percentage of Canadians have been into the US. The reverse is not true.

 

[no1important]

I also think we have more balanced newscasts, compared to what I see from the odd time I watch news on the Local network affiliates from Seattle.

 

[no1important]

I also think we have more balanced newscasts, compared to what I see from the odd time I watch news on the Local network affiliates from Seattle.

 

[no1important]

I also think we have more balanced newscasts, compared to what I see from the odd time I watch news on the Local network affiliates from Seattle.

 

[irisheyesafire]

Wow. I'm somewhat saddened by many of the sarcastic and very unfriendly remarks made by both Americans and Canadians. Isn't this mode of discussion in itself somewhat ignorant and disrespectful? Much of what is said on both sides is true... sure (though I know little about Canadians as people). All I can speak personally of is that having been through most of my college degree, that is where I have learned much about the "World," and even still - it takes me seeking (which I do, because "I" am interested) knowledge about other places to learn such, college or not. Schools? They all teach different things, though I do feel personally that, yes you are right on that score for the most part, MUCH could be expanded in the area of teaching/learning where world knowlege is concerned. Absolutely. The high up system is often the problem, and those who learn only learn what they are taught - TO a certain age/point, of course. Then, it becomes the individual's responsibility -- still, this is not a black/white/easy-answer situation. [Colleges, of course, DO teach world knowledge.]
Yes, many people here that I know still live (mostly un-higher-educated people to be general) thinking "wow, we just live in the greatest, most free, safest, most wonderful..." blahblahblah "...country ever!" --Hmm. Ignorant somewhat, but only due to "BLIND" patriotism (please see quote at bottom which applies to anyone in any place). Not to say that this country isn't good, but wow do we have screw ups, too (healthcare plus a thousand-million other issues). Do other countries have issues? Of course. There are different degrees and different issues.
My husband and I have made the choice to move toward England and at least for a time live in/among the
"commonwealth" (wow, I knew that word even before one of you said it). I hope to go to grad school there while he hopes to be a doctor there, as such is where his degree is. We have a lot of fears, but not about leaving here and expanding. However, one thing could and should be said about anyone: One should expand (on the inside as an intelligent and wise person), yet can only do so out of a desire to do so on their own, regardless of what great mentors and/or teachers they have trying to guide them to a greater understanding of this world. Biting remarks among fellow humans among various parts of this world, in my opinion, do not aid in a better learning or understanding.
I hope to learn many places better, and I hope to do so kindly. Otherwise, what will it benefit me?
Just thoughts ~
irisheyesafire

Quote for thought: "Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so.
How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar."

-- Julius Caesar

 

[irisheyesafire]

Wow. I'm somewhat saddened by many of the sarcastic and very unfriendly remarks made by both Americans and Canadians. Isn't this mode of discussion in itself somewhat ignorant and disrespectful? Much of what is said on both sides is true... sure (though I know little about Canadians as people). All I can speak personally of is that having been through most of my college degree, that is where I have learned much about the "World," and even still - it takes me seeking (which I do, because "I" am interested) knowledge about other places to learn such, college or not. Schools? They all teach different things, though I do feel personally that, yes you are right on that score for the most part, MUCH could be expanded in the area of teaching/learning where world knowlege is concerned. Absolutely. The high up system is often the problem, and those who learn only learn what they are taught - TO a certain age/point, of course. Then, it becomes the individual's responsibility -- still, this is not a black/white/easy-answer situation. [Colleges, of course, DO teach world knowledge.]
Yes, many people here that I know still live (mostly un-higher-educated people to be general) thinking "wow, we just live in the greatest, most free, safest, most wonderful..." blahblahblah "...country ever!" --Hmm. Ignorant somewhat, but only due to "BLIND" patriotism (please see quote at bottom which applies to anyone in any place). Not to say that this country isn't good, but wow do we have screw ups, too (healthcare plus a thousand-million other issues). Do other countries have issues? Of course. There are different degrees and different issues.
My husband and I have made the choice to move toward England and at least for a time live in/among the
"commonwealth" (wow, I knew that word even before one of you said it). I hope to go to grad school there while he hopes to be a doctor there, as such is where his degree is. We have a lot of fears, but not about leaving here and expanding. However, one thing could and should be said about anyone: One should expand (on the inside as an intelligent and wise person), yet can only do so out of a desire to do so on their own, regardless of what great mentors and/or teachers they have trying to guide them to a greater understanding of this world. Biting remarks among fellow humans among various parts of this world, in my opinion, do not aid in a better learning or understanding.
I hope to learn many places better, and I hope to do so kindly. Otherwise, what will it benefit me?
Just thoughts ~
irisheyesafire

Quote for thought: "Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so.
How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar."

-- Julius Caesar

 

[irisheyesafire]

Wow. I'm somewhat saddened by many of the sarcastic and very unfriendly remarks made by both Americans and Canadians. Isn't this mode of discussion in itself somewhat ignorant and disrespectful? Much of what is said on both sides is true... sure (though I know little about Canadians as people). All I can speak personally of is that having been through most of my college degree, that is where I have learned much about the "World," and even still - it takes me seeking (which I do, because "I" am interested) knowledge about other places to learn such, college or not. Schools? They all teach different things, though I do feel personally that, yes you are right on that score for the most part, MUCH could be expanded in the area of teaching/learning where world knowlege is concerned. Absolutely. The high up system is often the problem, and those who learn only learn what they are taught - TO a certain age/point, of course. Then, it becomes the individual's responsibility -- still, this is not a black/white/easy-answer situation. [Colleges, of course, DO teach world knowledge.]
Yes, many people here that I know still live (mostly un-higher-educated people to be general) thinking "wow, we just live in the greatest, most free, safest, most wonderful..." blahblahblah "...country ever!" --Hmm. Ignorant somewhat, but only due to "BLIND" patriotism (please see quote at bottom which applies to anyone in any place). Not to say that this country isn't good, but wow do we have screw ups, too (healthcare plus a thousand-million other issues). Do other countries have issues? Of course. There are different degrees and different issues.
My husband and I have made the choice to move toward England and at least for a time live in/among the
"commonwealth" (wow, I knew that word even before one of you said it). I hope to go to grad school there while he hopes to be a doctor there, as such is where his degree is. We have a lot of fears, but not about leaving here and expanding. However, one thing could and should be said about anyone: One should expand (on the inside as an intelligent and wise person), yet can only do so out of a desire to do so on their own, regardless of what great mentors and/or teachers they have trying to guide them to a greater understanding of this world. Biting remarks among fellow humans among various parts of this world, in my opinion, do not aid in a better learning or understanding.
I hope to learn many places better, and I hope to do so kindly. Otherwise, what will it benefit me?
Just thoughts ~
irisheyesafire

Quote for thought: "Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so.
How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar."

-- Julius Caesar

 

[aupook]

This is a deep well. I don't say americans are dumb, I just say that we are smarter. The national IQ of a canadian is higher than an american. Peapod asked me where I got this information, and I will tell you as I told her, like all good diplomats, we make up as we go along.

 

[aupook]

This is a deep well. I don't say americans are dumb, I just say that we are smarter. The national IQ of a canadian is higher than an american. Peapod asked me where I got this information, and I will tell you as I told her, like all good diplomats, we make up as we go along.

 

[aupook]

This is a deep well. I don't say americans are dumb, I just say that we are smarter. The national IQ of a canadian is higher than an american. Peapod asked me where I got this information, and I will tell you as I told her, like all good diplomats, we make up as we go along.

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

Sarcasm eh?

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

Sarcasm eh?

 

[Rick van Opbergen]

Sarcasm eh?

 

[CanEcosse]

Most Americans don't know anything about the world outside their door. I'm not saying all here; in fact I have met some americans while I was travelling who were quite intelligent and did know things about Canada and other countries. The american school system (as stated by some americans) does teach kids about their country and how great they are in comparison to other countries. During my time in Ontario public schools I did learn about other countries outside of Canada.

Speaking of 'Talking to Americans' its hillarious. It might appear as if Rick Mercer was trying to take the piss, but I don't think you could get americans to say the silly things they did and make themselves look stupid could you now ?