Canadian Patriotism (esp. in border areas)

[mishigas73]

Originally Posted by Robynator

Americans take patriotism to a new extreme.

I was with you up until you said that.

In my experience, there is NO comparison as to patriotism....and the Canucks take the cake.

There's absolutely nothing *wrong* with it, but there also shouldn't be this attitude toward the patriotism of Americans in conjunction with it.

[mikeyyc]

Here's my $0.02 (now worth $0.022 US)

Canadians are intensely patriotic and proud, and up until the last 15 years or so, very quiet about it. However I think when pressed, the vast majority of Canadians are also very aware that there are alot of things we don't do so well with, and as a whole we are very aware of our place in the world and how we are percieved.

Americans generally are much more jingoistic in their patriotism. This is especially true since 9/11. My country right or wrong, Greatest country on earth, etc. and as a whole don't have an overly informed opinion or a whole lot of experience with the rest of the world.

I currently live in Houston, and the most fevrent patriots on both sides of the border are generally the least informed about the rest of the world.

One example comes to mind. On another thread in general US, there was talk about the greatest skylines in the WORLD, and when anything other than a US city was brought up it was pooh pooed and regarded as automatically inferior if it wasn't here already.

These are general statements and not directed at anyone specifically, least of all people here, as for the most part if you're reading this you have an open mind.

Mike

[MidniteBreeze]

Originally Posted by LovestheSun

I'm rather confused at this post and its intent. The grim realities of geo-politics suggest that there has never been a more dangerous time in the world to travel to certain parts of the world and be considered a US citizen than today. Would some travellers want to ensure there is no confusion, possibly. Would I encourage my son or daughter to distinguish their citizenship if I felt it would assure their safety by a small measure - absolutely.

Another dynamic to explain the flag presentation on backpacks or t-shirts could simply be a matter of being comfortable with the idea that you are a tourist and traveler outside of your home borders. The distinction can sometimes create great moments of hospitality and conversation.

The last thing I'm going to do while traveling is to pretend that I'm a local -- I'm not. I'm a Canadian not a ..... (fill in the blank).

From my own personal experience seeing seeing tourists visit my home community, I can speak to this issue somewhat. I live in a community whose second largest industry is tourism, (and of this - visitors from the US are the vast majority). Most of the travellers are so blatantly stuck in their own culture you would think that they have no idea they are in another country.

AS one example, my son, who worked at a gas station/minnow shop for three years, became well acquainted with the tourist travellers. Rarely, and I mean RARELY, would a tourist arrive with Canadian funds. They would drop their US funds on the table as if there was absolutely nothing wrong with paying for items in a foreign currency. Conversely, I have travelled to the US many times over the past 30 years and not one occasion can I recall a vendor accepting Canadian money. On many occasions I actually had retail clerks disregard my canadian coins, pushing them back to me saying that they don't accept *foreign* money.

So, you might notice in your country visitors distinguishing themselves, but do you notice your countrymen while travelling??

Just a thought.....

First of all, please understnad my intent was not to "dis" Canadians for being patriotic, whether it be in my country or theirs. It was just something I noticed recently that I hadn't before (at least when it comes to Canadians in the US, specifically in my neck of the woods) and I was just curious about it. As mentioned above, traditionally you guys have been more "quietly" proud of your country and it just seems that recently you're being more "open" about it. Nothing wrong with that at all. As far as differentiating yourselves from Americans abroad, again, totally understandable, especailly given current world events. (I've heard of AMERICANS seweing Canadian flags on their packs to avoid being hassled overseas.)

I guess the idea of specifically doing things to "distinguish" yourselves as Canadians while in the U.S. was just a new idea to me. Obviously no one is going to hassle or threaten you in the U.S. simply by being 'mistaken' as another American. Not that I think Canadians have ever (or should ever) come here *pretending* to be Americans. In my neck of the woods, at least--where there is a difference between a MN and Canadian accent-- we'd probably figure you out anyway

And yes, I am well aware of the "ugly American" thing and I do my best to avoid those types of behaviors. I have been embarrassed at the actions of my fellow countrymen on more than one occassion! On the same token, though, I don't see a lot of Americans driving around in Canada with American flags waving from their cars or carrying "old glory" bags around. That's not to say it's never happened, but I just haven't personally noticed it. Of course wearing a stars and stripes sweatshirt in Canada is much less offensive than dressing "neutral" and acting like a buffoon...but I think you get my point.

I also know what you mean about currency. In MN it's not a big deal to pay for a pack of gum with a handful of change that contains a Canadian nickel (or dime or whatever). But when I did that in Washington, I had the same reaction you experienced where the lady shoved the coin back at me and rudely told me "we don't take these." This surprised me because I thought, as another border state, they'd have similar "rules" as Minnesota. (BTW, most places I worked as a kid in my hometown of Duluth DID accept Canadian currency. Some places even had "at par" specials, obviously not much of a deal these days though, ha ha.)

Maybe this patriotic "trend" seems novel to me just because in my part of the world it was never a big deal to see Canadians around. We knew you were Canadian and we were glad you were here visiting and spending your money! Plus unlike many tourists from elsewhere, you know what to do if there's a little snow on the road

[ColdCanadian]

Originally Posted by MidniteBreeze

As mentioned above, traditionally you guys have been more "quietly" proud of your country and it just seems that recently you're being more "open" about it.

Yes... SO QUIET that for the first two years of my recollected life/memory,
I'd never heard of a country called "Canada."
I'd heard of Italy, China, Japan, Spain, France, Mexico, a few other countries.
I thought we were American, and I was proud to be one.
(needless to say our lack of patriotism was disappointing.)

Not that I think Canadians have ever (or should ever) come here *pretending* to be Americans.

I've done that on a few trips to Myrtle Beach, back when I didn't like Canada.

Of course wearing a stars and stripes sweatshirt in Canada is much less offensive than dressing "neutral" and acting like a buffoon...but I think you get my point.

Wearing star-spangled clothing is practically never offensive in Canada. I have a white t-shirt with a big bald eagle behind a big American flag. It looks like a "biker" shirt though it's not from any 'brand' and I've had so many compliments from it in Canada, from many people including people who could be considered "visible minorities."

We also sell brands like "American Eagle" and they're popular. They often have flags on them. The only thing that might be strange is wearing a shirt wear the whole shirt is a U.S. flag. It would not be offensive, but possibly awkward.

There's only one occaision that I can think of where it could be offensive is deliberately wearing star-spangled clothing around large groups of muslims in Canada after islamic extremist terrorist acts.

I also know what you mean about currency. In MN it's not a big deal to pay for a pack of gum with a handful of change that contains a Canadian nickel (or dime or whatever). But when I did that in Washington, I had the same reaction you experienced where the lady shoved the coin back at me and rudely told me "we don't take these." This surprised me because I thought, as another border state, they'd have similar "rules" as Minnesota. (BTW, most places I worked as a kid in my hometown of Duluth DID accept Canadian currency. Some places even had "at par" specials, obviously not much of a deal these days though, ha ha.)

I've been noticing more U.S. change when I shop in Canada. Last night I got a U.S. quarter and was a little annoyed, since I don't know if I try to use it somewhere else if it will be accepted, since a U.S. quarter is now only worth 23 cents.

I don't remember seeing Canadian change in western NY or MI. We'd always tried to bring enough U.S. money with us before we leave.

Plus unlike many tourists from elsewhere, you know what to do if there's a little snow on the road

Yes... DONUTS!!! Wheee!!!

[MidniteBreeze]

Donuts, lol.

We call them s**tties here. Not sure why, but that's what they've always been called. And when you're going to DO a s**tty, it's called WHIPPING a s**tty. " For example: "Wanna go whip s**tties in the parking lot before school tomorrow?"

When I lived in Colorado they had never heard of this...got people laughing though!