American Ignorance About Canada
- Thread starter peapod
- Start date
I think not said:
:lol:
I've seen it both ways, I've come across Americans so ignorant about Canada that I had to laugh . . . and I've come across Canadians so ignorant about the US that I had to laugh. It's all pretty funny, and it's more of a reflection on the abysmal state of education today than anything else. Are Americans worse about it? Probably, but only because Canadians get a good deal of their 'education' from Hollywood.
RE: American Ignorance Ab
I think this "America is ignorant of Canada" stuff is way off target.
We love our Southern neighbor!
I think this "America is ignorant of Canada" stuff is way off target.
We love our Southern neighbor!
Re: RE: American Ignorance Ab
Gawd Toro, you make Americans look so bad man. Geez!
They're our Eastern neighbor, right past the Canary Islands.
:roll:
Toro said:
Gawd Toro, you make Americans look so bad man. Geez!
They're our Eastern neighbor, right past the Canary Islands.
:roll:
Well, I just gotta wade in here...
I'm not big into bashing anybody anywhere - I think for the most part, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in people - when you're dealing with individuals, personalities and such. So if I sat and had a coffee or a drink with almost any American, I'd probably find an awful lot to enjoy about the visit.
BUT.... as a collective, I have had to shake my head in complete astonishment about Americans on many occassions. I simply cannot, for the life of me, understand their complete lack of desire to know about other countries, cultures and political scenarios. I'm not saying I'm up on it all, but I - like most of us (???) at least have an inate curiosity to find out MORE if I'm given a tidbit about something going on in the world. Especially if my country is involved in some way. The fact that America weilds so much clout on the global scene pretty much behooves them to know who they're clouting - and why they're doing it - doncha think? But they DON'T. And frankly, the conclusions offered up as to WHY this situation exists - not only on this thread, but other boards I visit - don't really satisfy me. It just can't be that simple. If Americans are that stupid, how did they get so much power? I mean seriously, with characters like Michael Moore out there offering up on a silver platter issues that should be looked at by the American public about how their elected leaders are running amok, waging wars, pilaging resources anywhere it can get away with it, neglecting its' own citizens in times of crisis, pulling rabbits out of hats at election polls..... well I could go on and on... but my question remains: WHY don't more Americans pluck their heads out of their insulated little worlds and LOOK at what's going on? Stupidity is just not a rational answer to me - No collection of human beings are that stupid enmasse.... ARE they????? WHAT is it that makes them completely unable to see what's right in front of them? aaaaaargh... it really frustrates me.
So, I invite any Americans visiting here to offer me an explanation that makes at least a modicom of sense, and maybe even sheds a little dignity on American values, morals and foresight. WHY don't you guys care to know more about the people you share this planet with, how your presence on this planet affects the rest of us and our future generations, and how you are perceived by the rest of the world? To my knowledge, NO other country has alienated and incurred the disdain of the rest of the world as much as America has. Why don't you guys collectively find this to be atrocious, and a horribly embarrasing smear on your national pride?
I just don't get it do I? :tard:
Zan
I'm not big into bashing anybody anywhere - I think for the most part, you'll find exactly what you're looking for in people - when you're dealing with individuals, personalities and such. So if I sat and had a coffee or a drink with almost any American, I'd probably find an awful lot to enjoy about the visit.
BUT.... as a collective, I have had to shake my head in complete astonishment about Americans on many occassions. I simply cannot, for the life of me, understand their complete lack of desire to know about other countries, cultures and political scenarios. I'm not saying I'm up on it all, but I - like most of us (???) at least have an inate curiosity to find out MORE if I'm given a tidbit about something going on in the world. Especially if my country is involved in some way. The fact that America weilds so much clout on the global scene pretty much behooves them to know who they're clouting - and why they're doing it - doncha think? But they DON'T. And frankly, the conclusions offered up as to WHY this situation exists - not only on this thread, but other boards I visit - don't really satisfy me. It just can't be that simple. If Americans are that stupid, how did they get so much power? I mean seriously, with characters like Michael Moore out there offering up on a silver platter issues that should be looked at by the American public about how their elected leaders are running amok, waging wars, pilaging resources anywhere it can get away with it, neglecting its' own citizens in times of crisis, pulling rabbits out of hats at election polls..... well I could go on and on... but my question remains: WHY don't more Americans pluck their heads out of their insulated little worlds and LOOK at what's going on? Stupidity is just not a rational answer to me - No collection of human beings are that stupid enmasse.... ARE they????? WHAT is it that makes them completely unable to see what's right in front of them? aaaaaargh... it really frustrates me.
So, I invite any Americans visiting here to offer me an explanation that makes at least a modicom of sense, and maybe even sheds a little dignity on American values, morals and foresight. WHY don't you guys care to know more about the people you share this planet with, how your presence on this planet affects the rest of us and our future generations, and how you are perceived by the rest of the world? To my knowledge, NO other country has alienated and incurred the disdain of the rest of the world as much as America has. Why don't you guys collectively find this to be atrocious, and a horribly embarrasing smear on your national pride?
I just don't get it do I? :tard:
Zan
I have nothing against Americans. In fact, every one of them that I've met has been unfailingly courteous and helpful and interesting.
This tale, for instance, is typical. I had a major vehicle breakdown one time, literally in the middle of nowhere in Montana, some locals helped me into a little place called Roundup, the guy at the local gas station (closest thing to a mechanic I could find) called some friends who towed me 100 miles to the nearest dealer, then took me to a hotel and made sure I had a place to stay before they'd leave me, and I'm absolutely convinced they'd have taken me back to their own home 100 miles away rather than leave me not properly taken care of. And on that 2 hour trip, I was asked very thoughtful questions about Canada, Quebec, separatism, and medicare, that revealed ignorance perhaps, and legitimate curiosity, but not stupidity. And remember this was a tow truck driver, not some intellectual; he was genuinely interested and really wanted to understand.
But the American government, well, that's a completely different question, and I'm about as impressed by it as I am by the Canadian government. Which is to say, not at all.
This tale, for instance, is typical. I had a major vehicle breakdown one time, literally in the middle of nowhere in Montana, some locals helped me into a little place called Roundup, the guy at the local gas station (closest thing to a mechanic I could find) called some friends who towed me 100 miles to the nearest dealer, then took me to a hotel and made sure I had a place to stay before they'd leave me, and I'm absolutely convinced they'd have taken me back to their own home 100 miles away rather than leave me not properly taken care of. And on that 2 hour trip, I was asked very thoughtful questions about Canada, Quebec, separatism, and medicare, that revealed ignorance perhaps, and legitimate curiosity, but not stupidity. And remember this was a tow truck driver, not some intellectual; he was genuinely interested and really wanted to understand.
But the American government, well, that's a completely different question, and I'm about as impressed by it as I am by the Canadian government. Which is to say, not at all.
Re: RE: American Ignorance Ab
I always wanted someone to mistake me for an American when I am back in Canada, just so I can break into my "Who cares what anyone else thinks, I'm American" routine. Sadly, that hasn't happened. Yet.
I think not said:Toro said:
Gawd Toro, you make Americans look so bad man. Geez!
They're our Eastern neighbor, right past the Canary Islands.
:roll:
I always wanted someone to mistake me for an American when I am back in Canada, just so I can break into my "Who cares what anyone else thinks, I'm American" routine. Sadly, that hasn't happened. Yet.
Topics like this make me feel very bad. This one makes my count way up into the sixties of the same topic worded differently each time..... over and over and over and over.....
Many nations in our world are at war with their next door neighbors.
Even in your own neighborhood, nobody guarantees your neighbor is going to be someone you like, or who shares the same values and lifestyle you choose. Why should we all be the same?
I'd say the record between Canada and the U.S. is one to be proud of - whether you like each other or hate each other - there is cooperation and respect when necessary and especially at "crunch time", and the enemies of democracy would love to see it otherwise.
Take your pick.
Many nations in our world are at war with their next door neighbors.
Even in your own neighborhood, nobody guarantees your neighbor is going to be someone you like, or who shares the same values and lifestyle you choose. Why should we all be the same?
I'd say the record between Canada and the U.S. is one to be proud of - whether you like each other or hate each other - there is cooperation and respect when necessary and especially at "crunch time", and the enemies of democracy would love to see it otherwise.
Take your pick.
I don't think we should take American lack of knowledge personally...on another posting site,I was told by a man from Iowa to just relax...that most Americans don't know what's happening in their neighbouring states,let alone their neighbouring country.
Said1 said:
hmmmm. wasn't my intent, said1. I can see why it comes off that way though. For anyone I've offended, I apologize. My invitation stands though - I really do not believe stupidity is the reason - I've seen that conclusion drawn by many - and in stating that I don't believe that is a valid reason, I'd hope that this conveys a different attitude towards Americans than one of "oh screw 'em - they're too stupid to bother with".
Americans have a voice too - I'd much rather hear from someone who votes in America why they choose who they choose - why they support certain actions of their government.... what end goals do they hope to see... and how do they view themselves as a cohabitator of this planet....what responsibilities to the rest of the world do they feel they have? I wonder about these things because I really think there's been a huge shift in our individual perceptions of the rest of the world since the advent of internet. Other countries are not just some vague entity that we read about in the news anymore. We interact with, form online friendships with, do business with and generally have expanded our concept of "who we are" to include the world ....
This has been my experience anyway. The world outside my national borders is a tangible presence in my life now - and I worry about how the actions of America may beget concequences upon people who are REAL to me - and upon themselves. I'd like to find a way to bring a broader awareness to Americans of just how much power they have on the world stage at this time, and what they're doing with that power - I'd like to instill a DESIRE to see the bigger picture into anyone who has the power to impact the lives of others. I have rationalized it to myself (probably very naively) that if they only KNEW, maybe they'd choose differently sometimes. And the reason I think that is exactly because I do have a much higher opinion of Americans - well, people in general - than to write thenm off as stupid when they make choices that cause negative effects. I prefer to think that some education, some intelligent dialogue and exchange of viewpoints might have some positive effect - if I thought Americans were worth nothing more than bashing I don't suppose I'd be inviting them to enlighten me about how they see it, or share their reasons for (apparently?) not educating themselves more about the world they share with the rest of us.
In short, I'd like to engage in or view a discussion that explains things about American policy, attitude, ideology in a manner that bridges the gap between my lack of understanding and what the truth is.
Again though, I apologize for allowing my frustrations to override the intent of my post.
Have a good day.
Zan
Zan:
Maybe you mentioned it above and I missed, but perhaps an American Forum might be a better place to being your quest. No?
Maybe you mentioned it above and I missed, but perhaps an American Forum might be a better place to being your quest. No?
perhaps? Just got triggered into a l'il rant by the subject matter on this thread - I'm kinda new here - not my intent to come in and start trouble... just trying to broaden my own understandings a bit....
Zan said:
Well which Americans do you speak of? The poor? That their only concern is how to make ends meet? The middle class? In what region of the US, rural? urban? SouthWest? Northeast? Where? The foreign born immigrants that account for about 20% of the population? Which of these Americans do you want to PLUCK their heads out? Narrow it down and maybe I can give you an answer.
Zan said:
Really? People are generally stupid and/or indifferent. There has been a poll in Canada that reveals nearly 20% of your population denies the Holocaust ever happened. Hard to believe? Believe it. Now I wonder is stupidity is an American only trait? Seems to me it stupidity knows no borders.
Zan said:
Your condescending tone doesn't exactly invite anyone to respond to you, but I'll take a shot nevertheless.
Zan said:
A bunch of stereotypes, pointeless to answer.
Zan said:
It isn't the rest of the world, it's part of the world.
Zan said:
No, you obviously don't.
Clearly I've offended some people. I've apologized - and do so again. No need to beat me over the head with my post, ITN, I got the point from said1 and immediately apologized when I realized how offensive my words came across.
I came here to connect with people from Canada and just enjoy some comraderie with others, learn some new stuff... just generally partake of the friendly environment here. I am really not interested in causing trouble, I was just expressing some frustration and making an obviously ineffective attempt to understand some things a little better. If you knew me better, you'd realize I am not an insensitive person so I take it to heart that I've come into an established community and come off like a pompous ass. Embarrassed, actually. Seems I really got off to the wrong foot here. Too bad - you all seem like a fun bunch.
I came here to connect with people from Canada and just enjoy some comraderie with others, learn some new stuff... just generally partake of the friendly environment here. I am really not interested in causing trouble, I was just expressing some frustration and making an obviously ineffective attempt to understand some things a little better. If you knew me better, you'd realize I am not an insensitive person so I take it to heart that I've come into an established community and come off like a pompous ass. Embarrassed, actually. Seems I really got off to the wrong foot here. Too bad - you all seem like a fun bunch.
Zan said:
You didn't offend me Zan, I was merely responding to what I perceived to be a certain tone. If you have any insights on how you view Americans in general, I would love to hear them, sometimes societies need constructive criticism from the outside.
Short of the condescneding tones throughout this thread, I actually picked up on a couple of things. And there is no need to be emabrassed, every has an opinion, on occassion we argue with one another but in the end we are all human.
We ARE a fun bunch (careful with the boss mod though, Haggis, she gets a kick with some wicked torture chambers)*shudders*.
And weclome to Canadian Content, start an introduction thread, we'll give you a warm welcome :twisted:
Zan
We don't care.
We're Americans.
We rule the world!
We thinks its hilarious that we rule a place we know nothing about.
Don't you think that's funny too?
Well, if y'all don't, we don't care anyways.
We're Americans!
We don't care.
We're Americans.
We rule the world!
We thinks its hilarious that we rule a place we know nothing about.
Don't you think that's funny too?
Well, if y'all don't, we don't care anyways.
We're Americans!
I think not said:And weclome to Canadian Content, start an introduction thread, we'll give you a warm welcome :twisted:
8O Doh!!! great idea, ITN - tis done, and thanx eh?
Z
the reason no one in america cares about canada is because canada is not a major player on the world scene. i think its normal for other countrys to pay attention to the usa becuase what we do might effect there life , but nothing in candaian politics really instestests me of would have any effect of me or even they people im canada lol