Americans and Canadians culture Q&A Thread.

[Buzz Rules]

I’m a Gen Y who lives in the Northeastern part of the US.

Also known as the millennial generation who started the obsession with soccer.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Buzz,

I have a serious question, and I hope you’ll give a serious answer.

How old are you and where are you from?

I think I’m having a hard time in this thread because I don’t have a frame of reference for you. It would help me connect a little bit more if I could get a little bit of a picture of you in my head.

Why is a frame of reference of me needed for you to enjoy the thread though? Genuinely asking.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Wow! As an American, I feel the need to apologize to Canadians. We all don't revel in American Exceptionalism and the rest of the world gets the crumbs we leave.

I just want to say this politely @seshat0120, with all due respect, there is nothing wrong with the view of American Exceptionalism/tolerant individualism. It doesn’t have to mean anything negative in the slightest. Many Americans believe the USA is a special place for many reasons. It does not inherently mean the USA is the best country in the world. You can be proud of your nation’s accomplishments while respecting the rest of the world. That doesn’t mean people believe in nationalism. My ancestors fought for the US in the War of 1812, Civil War, WW1, and WW2 (possibly the American Revolution but I haven’t gotten that far in my research yet to be sure). I am very patriotic about my country partly because a few of my family members did serve in the military for it. That doesn’t make me and others who like to express some patriotism equal to a certain segment of the US population that we all denounce. I believe in equal rights for everyone. You and I may disagree on certain topics we can’t discuss here but I do respect your opinions. All I’m asking is for you not to characterize me in the fashion you did in your post. Thank you.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Buzz, I hold no hard feelings and you have forgiven me many a time when I have crossed a line. I do agree that it is sometimes hard to tell how someone's words are meant to come across on a forum like this one. Let's put this one to rest, shall we? There are better conversations waiting just around the bend...

That being said, I have been trying to come up with a different topic all day long, but have been unsuccessful, thus far. You are usually the one who comes up with the great conversation starters. I find that I struggle with that, because I live in two different worlds. I am a Canadian who doesn't really have any questions for Americans, because I live here and I don't have any questions for Canadians because, well, I still have my foot in the door there as well. I do enjoy jumping in on topics as they arise. Except for soccer. I hold no opinion on soccer. (That's meant as a light-hearted joke, Buzz, not a dig in any way.)

So are we good?

Ok, I have a topic. Do you say math, maths, or arithmetic?

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Buzz… getting back to your original question, I love sloppy joes .
But not the American version served on a bun and very messy to eat. Sloppy Joes we’re not something we ate at home growing up, but after having them on a vacation to the US.. they became a true comfort food meal at my house.
We skip the bun, the sloppy joes are served over buttered mashed potatoes, with a side of Green Giant sweetlet baby green peas and a basket of hot garlic bread. Yum! nothing better when only comfort food will do!

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Ok, I have a topic. Do you say math, maths, or arithmetic?

Math

 

[Frozen Canuck]

Ok, I have a topic. Do you say math, maths, or arithmetic?

Definitely "math," from me. I seem to recall in the early grades, it was always called arithmetic. I think of that as kind of a dated word now.

 

[Disneylover99]

Ok, I have a topic. Do you say math, maths, or arithmetic?

Mostly math. But I do hear teens talking about which maths they are taking in highschool since they may be taking a couple of different types.

 

[prairie_girl]

Why is a frame of reference of me needed for you to enjoy the thread though? Genuinely asking.

I didn’t say I wanted to know to enjoy the thread. I said I wanted to know to figure out who you are as a person. Having customer service as my background, I always search for even the tiniest connection we may have so that I can better understand how to interact with someone. If you said you were 90 and from Florida, I would understand how (and why) you may be thinking the way you do. Knowing your age range and location will help me, and maybe even others on this thread.

I say math, but my mom says maths. It’s short for mathematics from the olden days lol

 

[Buzz Rules]

I didn’t say I wanted to know to enjoy the thread. I said I wanted to know to figure out who you are as a person. Having customer service as my background, I always search for even the tiniest connection we may have so that I can better understand how to interact with someone. If you said you were 90 and from Florida, I would understand how (and why) you may be thinking the way you do. Knowing your age range and location will help me, and maybe even others on this thread.

I say math, but my mom says maths. It’s short for mathematics from the olden days lol

I’m a pretty private person, so most things about me won’t be shared on the Disboards. I like to think of myself as a happy typical American who enjoys history, culture, and of course soccer. Just an average Joe.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

I always search for even the tiniest connection we may have so that I can better understand how to interact with someone.

I know what you are getting at. My sister is a nurse and does this as well. She looks for any hints that she can find common ground and relate to people to facilitate discussions. She doesn't need a life story to do that, but anything to build a bridge makes it easier. It is an exceptional skill to have.

I’m a pretty private person, so most things about me won’t be shared on the Disboards. I like to think of myself as a happy typical American who enjoys history, culture, and of course soccer. Just an average Joe.

How would you define "typical American," because I do not believe one exists. This is a big country and the people are diverse. You are, and I do not use this in a joking manner AT ALL, much more inquisitive about other countries than the "typical American." In fact, I would say that you are much more inquisitive and passionate about American culture than the "typical American." These threads are proof of that, as long as you are using the information that people reply with to build your knowledge base and understanding of others and not just using it as a springboard to add another "American great" to the list. Honestly, while you may have a few misperceptions, you do appear to have a broad knowledge base that you draw from and it is obvious that you read and explore a wide range of topics and interests. Life-long learning is a plus, in my book.

You are also not a "stereotypical" American (far from it, in my mind). Many people are patriotic and devoted to their country, but you are very patriotic, perhaps to the extreme. I can honestly say that I have never met anyone like you. You have such passionate feelings/opinions about America and display/project them outwardly, whereas most people tend to keep their patriotic feelings for their country inside and only bring them out for holidays and sporting events. That is not a bad thing. It is who you are, and it may just be magnified more here because of the board topic/direction specifically.

 

[declansdad]

Do you watch MasterChef Canada? This reminded me of a particular mystery box challenge where the contestants were presented with a box of iconic Canadian ingredients, one from each province. It was a lovely display of national pride and respect for the bounty of Canada.

I looked it up, and this challenge was from Mary Berg's season. Coincidentally, I'm watching her on Food Network right now!

Do you remember what was in the box?

 

[Frozen Canuck]

Do you remember what was in the box?

Great question! I'm curious about this too. I tried to look it up, but came up empty handed. I didn't find a video of the box reveal or a list online of the ingredients, but there was a clip of one person using maple syrup, another one with Arctic char and other seafood, and someone else using Yukon wild boar.

 

[porschegrl]

Great question! I'm curious about this too. I tried to look it up, but came up empty handed. I didn't find a video of the box reveal or a list online of the ingredients, but there was a clip of one person using maple syrup, another one with Arctic char and other seafood, and someone else using Yukon wild boar.

I also remember blueberries, Screech, a selection of fresh produce, and possibly a bucket of clams (although that last one might have been from a completely different episode during my binge-watch).

 

[fab1976]

Ok, I have a topic. Do you say math, maths, or arithmetic?

Mathematics . For real though, math. And that comes from someone in education.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

Do you remember what was in the box?

Wasting too much time with this, but finally found the video, and after much stopping, rewinding, and playing back, I think I have them all:

Nunavut: Arctic char
Ontario: red and white wine (from Jackson-Triggs winery)
Prince Edward Island: red potatoes
New Brunswick: littleneck clams
Newfoundland: Screech rum
Manitoba: pickerel
Nova Scotia: wild blueberries
British Columbia: farm fresh vegetables
Alberta: ground beef
Saskatchewan: green lentils
Northwest Territories: wild rice
Quebec: maple syrup
Yukon: wild boar

ETA: It was S03:E03 - At Home and Abroad, which can be viewed on Tubi for free.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

I also remember blueberries, Screech, a selection of fresh produce, and possibly a bucket of clams (although that last one might have been from a completely different episode during my binge-watch).

You have a very good memory! See above.

 

[declansdad]

Wasting too much time with this, but finally found the video, and after much stopping, rewinding, and playing back, I think I have them all:

Nunavut: Arctic char
Ontario: red and white wine (from Jackson-Triggs winery)
Prince Edward Island: red potatoes
New Brunswick: littleneck clams
Newfoundland: Screech rum
Manitoba: pickerel
Nova Scotia: wild blueberries
British Columbia: farm fresh vegetables
Alberta: ground beef
Saskatchewan: green lentils
Northwest Territories: wild rice
Quebec: maple syrup
Yukon: wild boar

ETA: It was S03:E03 - At Home and Abroad, which can be viewed on Tubi for free.

thanks

 

[Frozen Canuck]

While using my newfound Canadian inquisitiveness to research the 13 provincial ingredients used on Master Chef Canada, I stumbled on a few other links, which may be of interest to people...

13 Must-Try Canadian Foods by Province
21 Traditional Canadian Foods
50 Of The Most 'Canadian' Foods: It's Not Just Bacon And Maple Syrup

Americans (and Canadians too!) are there any of these that you have tried? Have not tried? Have found unique or want to try? Foods that you feel were missed? I'm not asking for a detailed list, perhaps just a few items that caught your eye. For example, I have never tried Screech or sushi pizza, and I have never even heard of a Jigg's dinner before. Items that are possibly missing from those lists include Hawaiian pizza and also Ginger Beef (a Canadian dish on Chinese take-out menus).

 

[Buzz Rules]

While using my newfound Canadian inquisitiveness to research the 13 provincial ingredients used on Master Chef Canada, I stumbled on a few other links, which may be of interest to people...

13 Must-Try Canadian Foods by Province
21 Traditional Canadian Foods
50 Of The Most 'Canadian' Foods: It's Not Just Bacon And Maple Syrup

Americans (and Canadians too!) are there any of these that you have tried? Have not tried? Have found unique or want to try? Foods that you feel were missed? I'm not asking for a detailed list, perhaps just a few items that caught your eye. For example, I have never tried Screech or sushi pizza, and I have never even heard of a Jigg's dinner before. Items that are possibly missing from those lists include Hawaiian pizza and also Ginger Beef (a Canadian dish on Chinese take-out menus).

I will definitely be trying some of these recipes. Thanks @Frozen Canuck.