anti-prose. random matter.
Tirades From Canadians
Published on October 8, 2004 By crimson In Blogging
in style and substance...
It's funny to realize that I speak to more Americans than Canadians in my daily life. I speak to more people from Boston to California, and have a fondness for those down south. I've come to the conclusion that I hate talking to women from New Jersey, and that the quickest conversations originate in New York City. When customers of my company find out that I'm in Canada the reaction is genuinely warm and interested, unless it brings on a rant about outsourcing. Whenever we get doozy calls, the common interjection is Bloody Americans! Bashing our southern neighbours is a regular habit.

While eating my American food (McDonald's Big Breakfast), I came across a review for The Political Machine. In my morning paper. Small world after all. I don't know if it's a good thing or not but the line that resonated the most was this "In style and substance it's basically an electronic card game, but if you're a political junkie it can eat up hours." Sounds addictive.

My Canadian life bears little difference to an American life, I'd guess. We eat the same food. See the same movies. Breathe the same air. I wonder what it is that makes a Canadian a Canadian and an American an American. A love for our own politics and history? I don't see much love, or pride for that matter, out there. Although, if hard pressed, I guess I'd be more inclined to admit finding comfort and satisfaction in declaring my Anishnawbeness to anyone who's interested. But what does it all mean?

What does it mean to anyone?

Comments
on Oct 08, 2004
Bloody Americans, eh? Take off you hoser.

To quote from one of my favorite Canadians:

"Better the pride that resides
In a citizen of the world
Than the pride that divides
When a colorful rag is unfurled
"

I'll leave it at that. Won't try to top The Professor.
on Oct 08, 2004
Actually, unless someone points it out, I rarely think of the differences between Canada and the USA. I know the laws are kind of different, as are the accents, but then so are they down in the lower 48 (accents and laws). I have many Canadian friends, and some American ones now living in Canada, and if nothing else, I would say that besides having the longest unguarded border in the world, we are 2 countries separated by a line and flags, and little else.

Tell those losers who rant about outsourcing to quit driving their Toyotas! Besides, when we cant outsource to Canada, we just bring them down here to work!
on Oct 09, 2004
Take off you hoser.

Haha. Like I haven't heard that before.
Tell those losers who rant about outsourcing to quit driving their Toyotas!

I just tell 'em that they can either talk to me, or complain about it on our online survey. I haven't had anyone hang up yet.
on Oct 09, 2004
I spend quite a bit of time in Canada because of my job and i have noticed the differences between us and canadians. But, the further west you go in Canada, the more american-like they become. Weird.
on Nov 16, 2004
This is a reply to Dr. Guy who said " I rarely think of the differences between Canada and the USA." Sorry to say, but that just means you aren't looking out hard enough. I feel that besides the fact that we both play hockey and speak English, we don't have much else in common. I'm a hugely patriotic Canadian (along wtih all my friends a family...so it's quite common to be patriotic) and have been to the States several time. Have been east and west, north and south, and have never met anyone remotely like a Canadian. The common thought is that Americans think we are like them, or wish we were like them, but Canadians totally disagree. We've got our own multicultual identity, semi-socialist government, natural beauty, bilingualism, anti-war policies, and we're a commonwealth country. Like I said, it's hard for me to think that's we've got anything in common actually. I'm studying abroad right now, and the it's funny to see how the Americans walk around with their heads down because they know that they are "the most hated country in the world" and that Canada has been ranked the best country to live in by the UN 8 years in a row.
So I'm sure you are a great person, not personal against you,
But I just disagree with you. CANADA and the USA are as much the same as Ireland and England = same language, completely different values.
on Nov 16, 2004
We've got more bombs than you, so piss off.


Well... that's generally the response when someone decides to make a big deal out of it. Who can argue with that?
on Nov 16, 2004
He told me they still pick up hitchikers, and stop to help others that are having car trouble...they rarely lock their doors or their cars...things like that. Then again, many in rural areas here still live that way...and with canada's population being what it is, you guys just arent as crowded as were are here....yet. (big cities excepted, of course.)


It's funny, I was going to write about this in a way. I was talking to my girlfriend on the phone, and told her about my computer woes (my own has Windows 95, is dial-up, is a P1) and she told me just to get her computer and use it instead. Now, she's away, and has been for over 2 months. I reminded her that I didn't have a key and she told me to go ahead, the door was open anyway....??!!! But, then I got to thinking about it, and remembered that I rarely lock my door, too and I know countless of others who either have the door unlocked, or the key under the mat. Trusting? I suppose. That goes for hitchhikers and people in trouble too. But I wouldn't change it for a thing.
on Nov 16, 2004
Bloody Americans, eh? Take off you hoser.


Haven't heard that in a long time

5) I dont give a shit who hates us, their just jealous. (oderint dum metuant: let them hate, so long as they fear)


words of wisdom from LW

6) We've got more bombs than you, so piss off.


Shhhhhhh....... Don't tell every one.....


My lil bro works in canada and he loves it, well kinda he's in management so he gets personally attacked by the unions and banking between the USA and Canada is aparently a pain in the arse........