Canadians: I Need Your Help! [Archive]

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Bond

09-12-2009, 08:36 PM

So, I am doing a presentation in one of my business classes this week on "The Canadian Backpack and Flag."

My assigned reading claims Canadians often sew your national flag onto backpacks as a showing of pride, and also frequently sew the flag onto other apparel. I am wondering if this is true or not?

If possible, I would also like your view on Canadian nationalism: how you view your country, your perception of your country, etc.

If you could also give me your view on American and Canadian-American relations that would be great as well.

I've read a lot of academic pieces by Americans on Canadian culture, but I really wanted a first-hand knowledge of your culture.

Witty comments would be the best.

Swan

09-12-2009, 08:38 PM

The reason we do that is because people prefer to mug Americans.

Combine 017

09-12-2009, 08:43 PM

Quit stealing our water and trees you yankee bastards.
I view my country as "better than your country". No particular reason, just because.

Bond

09-12-2009, 08:51 PM

Those are good, but I could use some more substantive comments as well!

Vampyr

09-12-2009, 11:17 PM

I like to think of Canada as America's hat.

Teuthida

09-13-2009, 03:45 AM

I've heard of instances a couple years ago that some Americans would wear those backpacks when traveling overseas so people would be nicer to them.

Typhoid

09-13-2009, 03:53 AM

I've never internationally travelled, but what Ive heard from those who have, is the reason we sew our flag on our bags is honestly not only pride - but so we don't get confused with Americans. It's much better to be a Canadian in Europe, than an American, or so I'm told.

I would also like to say, there is a giant misconception with Canadian nationalism. We're as, if not more nationalistic than Americans are (At least with the older generations). If you go to any small town in Canada, you will see a Canadian flag on every corner, every school, every everything. Even in the big cities, we have flags everywhere. Constant reminders of being Canadian. I am, however sure it's like that everywhere in North America (to the respective country).

I personally, love Canada. Clearly, being Canadian, it seems self-evident. I thionk we have a very strong culture in ways such as hockey, lacrosse, being multi-cultural in English and French. quite enjoy our laid back nature to war, and our tolerance to world events. I like the fact we don't go to jail for smoking pot, not only because I smoke pot, but because I view pot less devastating than alcohol or kidnapping.

I think Canadian-American relations are really good considering the world. I mean sure there are the few lumber debates, and pollution conversations, and pressure from you in the south that we make pot illegal, but other than that there is little to no problems between our countries on a serious scale. We are, in the best example of the world, a "Brother and brother" scenario. You don't always get along, but you'll always have the others back - typically.

Canadian culture is really stolen, depending on the area you're in. Canada is a giant mesh of different cultures. Widespread, we definitely have hockey and lacrosse. In the east coast, Footbal; (CFL) Is very popular. In Vancouver, our culture is lent to us not only by typical Canadian things, but also Japanese, Chinese, and Middle Eastern because of all the immigration that's taken place. In places like Calgary and the southern parts of Alberta, it is much more like (for a crude example) Texas, as you can get in Canada. Winnipeg has a lot of Ukrainians and Native people in it, which lends to that city, and the Maritimes are almost (and frankly were) their own country altogether (Newfound wasn't a Province until 1949, before that was a part of the British commonwealth, and at the early 1900's was a seperate country altogether.) Cleary there is Quebec, which has it's whole thing going for it. Being French and all.

Frankly, I love Canada. Give me a choice to move anywhere in the world, it will be in Canada. My biggest destination to travel to? The other side of Canada. My favourite word that has each letter followed by an "a"? Canada. Sure, our country might be a mis-translation of "Kanata", the geographically-native word for "Villiage", but that's what we are.

We touch 3 oceans. We're one of the largest landmasses on Earth, and are nearly the ally of every country through sheer friendliness. We created hockey, basketball, zippers, and are the reason the White House is white. I love this place, and wouldn't trade it for a single thing.

Fox 6

09-13-2009, 04:16 AM

I think of Canada as America lite. All the comforts none of the hassle. I personally would display the Canadian flag if i travelled to avoid being seen as an american. I think Canada has reputation for being well liked in the international community. Canada has such a huge diversity in terms of people, geography, cultures, cities, etc that i truly believe that it is the greatest nation on earth.

Dylflon

09-13-2009, 02:39 PM

When I went to London and Scotland, I had the Canadian flag on my backpack so I wouldn't get hassled if someone thought I was American. Although I got hassled by one guy for being Canadian so next time I'll probably forgo the flag altogether.

i'll give you some Canadian nationalism thoughts later as well.

Vampyr

09-13-2009, 08:45 PM

I wouldn't mind living Canada. It has an interesting culture, the freedom's of America, and universal health care.

Acebot44

09-13-2009, 10:38 PM

Bond

09-13-2009, 11:21 PM

Thanks for all of your input. It has been really useful in making my powerpoint (ugh).

Any views on conducting business in Canada? Canadian business traditions?

BreakABone

09-14-2009, 01:37 AM

I wouldn't mind living Canada. It has an interesting culture, the freedom's of America, and universal health care.

Well, it was nice knowing you Vamp... this friendship is over!

I think my stance on Canada is perfectly clear and confusing.

Dylflon

09-14-2009, 11:54 AM

Well, it was nice knowing you Vamp... this friendship is over!

I think my stance on Canada is perfectly clear and confusing.

Yes, you insult and belittle our nation and its people while making two visits to us in a year and enjoying yourself immensely.

You will become one of us. It is only a matter of time.

Fox 6

09-14-2009, 12:38 PM

Yes, you insult and belittle our nation and its people while making two visits to us in a year and enjoying yourself immensely.

You will become one of us. It is only a matter of time.

well we already gave him 4 of the 6 injections while he was sleeping, just one more visit.........

Vampyr

09-14-2009, 01:00 PM

Any views on conducting business in Canada? Canadian business traditions?

I'll tell you what isn't one: profiting from health insurance.

*badum-pish*

manasecret

09-14-2009, 01:02 PM

Bond

09-14-2009, 01:21 PM

I'll tell you what isn't one: profiting from health insurance.

*badum-pish*
Har har. Universal health care is actually already in my presentation - from a very objective perspective, of course.

Typhoid

09-14-2009, 03:47 PM

Will we get to see this presentation eventually?

Bond

09-14-2009, 05:10 PM

Sure, I can upload the powerpoint when I'm done.

Ric

09-14-2009, 05:41 PM

1 It's much better to be a Canadian in Europe, than an American, or so I'm told.

2I like the fact we don't go to jail for smoking pot, not only because I smoke pot, but because I view pot less devastating than alcohol or kidnapping.

3and wouldn't trade it for a single thing.

1 Indeed it is in my experience, I have lived in France and Germany and travelled in Spain and I had that perception from what I experienced. The main reason, so a Canadian man in Munich told me, is because of a very strong mutural respect between Canada, England and France.

Canada were right there with us from day 1 in WW2 is a major reason ;)

2 You lucky bastard, I am definately gonna spend a long time in Canada when I eventually come to that side of the world and work my way from Peru up ;) It's gonna take a while.

3 What about 2 Canada's :lol:

The Germanator

09-14-2009, 05:50 PM

Zen

09-15-2009, 02:56 AM

manasecret

09-15-2009, 10:30 AM

It's weird, I feel like I was never quite looked down upon for being an American while in Europe. Maybe because we were playing music people assumed we weren't jerks. But even on my days off walking around I never quite got the vibe that people hated me. The only times I felt like a dick was when I couldn't speak German or French to people when I needed to buy something. Luckily, many more Europeans speak English and most were pretty nice about it.

The "Europeans hate America" thing was definitely overblown in my experience, too. Even in Egypt and Tunisia, most people you run into don't give a shit. In fact, at all the markets they're happy to see you, because they know you have money. Even talking to one Egyptian working at a booth in a market, he said he envied us because we have the freedom to speak as we wish and he does not. (Of course, I doubt that sentiment is universal.) And I agree, the only time I hated myself was when I was trying to buy something and couldn't speak the language or, worse, just butchered it.

One time in Sicily, I asked a hotel worker whether he would like some of the orange I just bought. Then he all of a sudden took it from my hand, pulled out a knife, and started peeling it for me. I was utterly confused, but I figured, "wow, what a nice guy!" Then when he was done peeling it he handed it back, and I gestured to him offering him some. He shook his head and then left, leaving me even more confused. What I had said was the closest word I knew to "would you like some." I said "Vorrei?" -- literally "I would like?" He must have thought I was demanding him to peel my orange for me since I was a hotel guest and he worked there. I still feel like a jerk for that.

BreakABone

09-15-2009, 11:20 AM

So in a serious note, Ive been thinking of going to canada for a while, like actuallt moving there, there's a few things holding me back but that is not important or relevant.

How expensive is rent?
Could a foreigner with absolutely no friends who actually live there make it?
How easy is it to get a job?
Will this job be enough to cover for rent?

Im sure more questions will come up as I get answers for these, I dont care about big city life as long as I dont get like a bear on my ass as soon as i walk the door or something. (and that I have internet access :P)

Why Canada? DR seems like such a lovely place.

Anyhow, I believe like all things, it varies. You may find some places that are really expensive to live, and others that are probably fairly cheap (granted its also all relative).

As for friends, I don't know I would imagine a big move is difficult for anyone, but you may start to make friends if you have a job and hang out with co-workers afterwards or join something.

Zen

09-15-2009, 12:03 PM

I dunno I'm still undecided, I have no problems being here and god knows I would miss the beach more than anything, I kind of get tired... I dunno.

Typhoid

09-15-2009, 06:14 PM

How expensive is rent?
Could a foreigner with absolutely no friends who actually live there make it?
How easy is it to get a job?
Will this job be enough to cover for rent?

Hahahahaha.
"How expensive is rent".
Because clearly Canada has a nation-wide equal economy. We're afterall, a tiny country. Wait...

If you want cheap Canadian rent, move to crappy cities. Basically anywhere in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or the Maritimes.
Rent in cities like Vancouver and Toronto are stupidly inflated. I was renting a 2 room basement suite (A tiny, tiny piece of crap) in the suburbs, about 40 minutes from the downtown core, and that was 1300 bucks a month.

You can make it anywhere without friends. All you need is the internet.

Is it easy to get a job? Sure. We have McDonald's/Starbucks.Subway.Supermarkets here, too you know.
No, those will 100% not pay your rent.

You'll miss the beach?
Learn Canadian geography. ;)
Vancouver is lined with beaches, as is all of Vancouver Island.

Teuthida

09-15-2009, 06:26 PM

I have a more general question in terms of moving to another country. Can you live in another country when your income would still be coming from your original country? Usually need a work visa to stay don't you?

Dylflon

09-15-2009, 06:49 PM

Hahahahaha.
"How expensive is rent".
Because clearly Canada has a nation-wide equal economy. We're afterall, a tiny country. Wait...

If you want cheap Canadian rent, move to crappy cities. Basically anywhere in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or the Maritimes.
Rent in cities like Vancouver and Toronto are stupidly inflated. I was renting a 2 room basement suite (A tiny, tiny piece of crap) in the suburbs, about 40 minutes from the downtown core, and that was 1300 bucks a month.

You can make it anywhere without friends. All you need is the internet.

Is it easy to get a job? Sure. We have McDonald's/Starbucks.Subway.Supermarkets here, too you know.
No, those will 100% not pay your rent.

You'll miss the beach?
Learn Canadian geography. ;)
Vancouver is lined with beaches, as is all of Vancouver Island.

This post comes off as somewhat abrasive. That's not the Canadian spirit at all!

Vancouver are does have pretty ridiculous rent. And as for jobs, it really depends on your skill set. A lot of companies are on hiring freezes right now due to the suffering economy.

As for landscape, what you lose in beaches, will be made up for by lakes and national parks (both of which we have many). Making friends up here seems easy if you're a naturally social person.

One trouble spot will be adjusting to the climate here. A lot of areas in Canada are horrendously cold for long portions of the year.

KillerGremlin

09-16-2009, 11:07 AM

BreakABone secretly loves Canada. But he also secretly loves men.

Anyway, Canada in a nutshell:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YFuM6fka4l8/SH6oxeqKH-I/AAAAAAAAAGc/zIYiyf7HnmI/s400/terranceAndPhillip.jpg

http://digitalheadbutt.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/terrance-and-phillip.jpg