Americans and Canadians culture Q&A Thread.

[CdnCarrie]

I think it's our lack of collective ideology that makes the US what it is. There are as many anti-capitalists and embracers of socialism in the US as there are Capitalists. And guns? Second amendment arguments are one of the most divisive.



Hockey is king and maple syrup for all? (j/k)


Says who?

Sociologists. It's a shared sense of values and belonging. Are you saying the USA has none?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I think all nations must have some time of collective ideology to make them a nation. In your case - "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" , capitalism and fear of socialism, strong advocates of guns - just to name a few.

What do you think the collective ideologies are between the provinces? I think the universal healthcare and social benefits are some that define us.
If you had no collective identity then you wouldn't be a nation.

I thought we were talking about between the states?

And you're not really accurate either about the collective ideology. You really really really think every state much less every citizen has a fear of socialism? Or embraces capitalism with gusto? Or is a strong advocate of guns. I know your opinion of the U.S. isn't very high so it's not surprising you would bring those things up but be aware collective ideology is something that by the very nature is collective and in U.S. there's a wide variety of ideologies as I'm sure there is in Canada. I'm sure you'd find people who don't have the highest opinion of healthcare as it is in Canada and the social benefits either (or think they can do better for the people) people to name one. Forgive my frankness here but it would naïve to think otherwise.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

The population size doesn't matter. It's the make up of the population.
Our immigration is similar to yours.

Driving through my closest states - North Dakota and Minnesota it does not look very diverse.

Funny you say North Dakota as I usually refer to Canada as a giant North Dakota with a French Quarter. (sorry I use humor a lot, I'm not trying to offend)

Minnesota isn't diverse? I'd say Minneapolis is a pretty diverse area.

Ever been to NY? Or South Florida? Or even North Florida? Louisiana? California?

Sociologists. It's a shared sense of values and belonging. Are you saying the USA has none?

Spend some time in the bible belt. Then Head on over to California particularly San Francisco and tell me about a shared sense of values.

Heck next time you go to Disney, take a drive north to Gainesville or Titusville. You may as well have travelled to a different planet.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Originally each colonial 13th state was in essence its own country. Britain’s treatment of our ancestors was what brought us together. If the articles of confederation and the constitutional conventions taught us anything, we all think we’re right.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Diverse is so broad of a term anyways. What are we talking about? Purely the color of someone's skin? We talking about their ethnic makeup? We talking about their religious affiliation? We talking about their culture? We talking about something else?

 

[Buzz Rules]

Also can we stay away from politics if possible? This thread is becoming more policy based versus informative discussion. I don’t want this thread closed because some can’t resist anti-American sentiment. This discussion is about positive discussion about both our great countries cultures not a political debate.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I’m quoting you, but this is directed at everyone who quoted me. You missed The point of what I said. I get being proud to live in a country, that you have chosen to stay in when there is a way for you to move if you so desired. I’m saying the weird part is to say you are proud you were BORN in a certain state, when that is clearly out of your hands.

I thought I was addressing specifically the state part? I know the other poster mentioned country, but I was specifically trying at least to explain the "born in X state" part. I guess that didn't come across

 

[CdnCarrie]

I thought we were talking about between the states?

And you're not really accurate either about the collective ideology. You really really really think every state much less every citizen has a fear of socialism? Or embraces capitalism with gusto? Or is a strong advocate of guns. I know your opinion of the U.S. isn't very high so it's not surprising you would bring those things up but be aware collective ideology is something that by the very nature is collective and in U.S. there's a wide variety of ideologies as I'm sure there is in Canada. I'm sure you'd find people who don't have the highest opinion of healthcare as it is in Canada and the social benefits either (or think they can do better for the people) people to name one. Forgive my frankness here but it would naïve to think otherwise.

Hmm not sure why you think of have a low opinion of the USA. If I did I wouldn't vacation there that often.
I think you're missing the point. We are talking in general terms here.

I think you have to say that the USA has a strong culture of gun advocacy. When I say that I don't mean every individual of course. But in general compared to other countries. You must think it's important as you put in your constitution. It's not in ours. This is not a negative point. It's just a difference in our nations.

I'm talking about the collective values of a nation. I don't know how each state is. We were comparing nations not states. That's like me asking you about the cultural identity of provinces.

What do you think are the different values between the two countries? I think one is like I said before fear (for want of a better word) of government is one. Social programs vs individuals responsibility is another.

And of course each individual has their own opinion but we are talking culture here not individual opinions.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Diverse is so broad of a term anyways. What are we talking about? Purely the color of someone's skin? We talking about their ethnic makeup? We talking about their religious affiliation? We talking about their culture? We talking about something else?

Yes....to all.....I'm referring to ALL of that.

Also can we stay away from politics if possible? This thread is becoming more policy based versus informative discussion. I don’t want this thread closed because some can’t resist anti-American sentiment. This discussion is about positive discussion about both our great countries cultures not a political debate.

If that's on me and I'm sorry.

I really like Canada. I've admittedly only been to Toronto and Quebec but I really enjoyed myself there. A bit cold but lovely.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Yes....to all.....I'm referring to ALL of that.


If that's on me and I'm sorry.

I really like Canada. I've admittedly only been to Toronto and Quebec but I really enjoyed myself there. A bit cold but lovely.

It was just a general message. No offense to any on this thread.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Funny you say North Dakota as I usually refer to Canada as a giant North Dakota with a French Quarter. (sorry I use humor a lot, I'm not trying to offend)

Minnesota isn't diverse? I'd say Minneapolis is a pretty diverse area.

Ever been to NY? Or South Florida? Or even North Florida? Louisiana? California?


Spend some time in the bible belt. Then Head on over to California particularly San Francisco and tell me about a shared sense of values.

Heck next time you go to Disney, take a drive north to Gainesville or Titusville. You may as well have travelled to a different planet.

Ever been to Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg? Diverse.

I actually have been to Minneapolis about a dozen times as it's only a 6-7 hour drive.
Also been to NYC, San Francisco, and around Florida.

Heck next time you come to Canada drive around parts of Toronto and you may have well travelled to a different planet!!
My neighbourhood is hugely Filipino and East Indian. Huge population of both groups in the area.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

I'm talking about the collective values of a nation. I don't know how each state is. We were comparing nations not states.

That's the point though. There is no collective value between states as every state is so different.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

This is American Culture now. It has been so long since they've had it, I wonder if Canadians remember what it is?


The Stanley Cup.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Hmm not sure why you think of have a low opinion of the USA. If I did I wouldn't vacation there that often.
I think you're missing the point. We are talking in general terms here.

I think you have to say that the USA has a strong culture of gun advocacy. When I say that I don't mean every individual of course. But in general compared to other countries. You must think it's important as you put in your constitution. It's not in ours. This is not a negative point. It's just a difference in our nations.

I'm talking about the collective values of a nation. I don't know how each state is. We were comparing nations not states.

What do you think are the different values between the two countries? I think one is like I said before fear (for want of a better word) of government is one. Social programs vs individuals responsibility is another.

And of course each individual has their own opinion but we are talking culture here not individual opinions.

But again we're talking about collective ideologies. You're just making assumptions off of things that aren't collective enough. The benchmark I suppose for calling an entire nation under 1 collective idea I suppose is higher than yours only thing I can guess. The gun part is something that is not collective enough, the interpretation of what that means in modern times has continuously been called into question (which is fairly well known) and if you consider the states if you cared to you can find that different states have different viewpoints on it. That's what I mean.

As far as not liking the U.S. well ...that would stray too far for this thread. FWIW you can still vacation here and not have a high opinion, I mean I wouldn't personally but then again I don't make comments about countries I've visited and wish to go back to in any sort of negative way. I have some places I could do without going back to and I have no such plans to go back to them.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Canada is a diverse mosaic and the USA is a melting pot. Both are unique and grand in their own way.

 

[CdnCarrie]

I'm not talking politics - I'm talking sociology.

Like the fact that the USA states "Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness" while Canada's constitution calls for "Peace, Order and Good Government".
I think it's an interesting discussion.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm not talking politics - I'm talking sociology.

Like the fact that the USA states "Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness" while Canada's constitution calls for "Peace, Order and Good Government".
I think it's an interesting discussion.

Then talk about those points although they can easily stray into politics.

Your other stuff muddies the waters and is less about neutral observations of differences.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

I'm not talking politics - I'm talking sociology.

Like the fact that the USA states "Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness" while Canada's constitution calls for "Peace, Order and Good Government".
I think it's an interesting discussion.

Me too.

 

[Buzz Rules]

I'm not talking politics - I'm talking sociology.

Like the fact that the USA states "Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness" while Canada's constitution calls for "Peace, Order and Good Government".
I think it's an interesting discussion.

It is interesting but the thread is starting to venture off into discussions beyond that point.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Then talk about those points although they can easily stray into politics.

Your other stuff muddies the waters and is less about neutral observations of differences.

This.