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Yes, ditto that ^^^. It seems like it doesn't matter who commit the offense, most of the time it's still both people involved will automatically say "I'm sorry" to each other at the same time. Personal space really is that important but I think there's more to it than just apologizing for imposing on space or bumping into each other. I think that by apologizing to each other it's also a way of acknowledging each other as individuals.
I think the door-holding thing is somewhat vanishing in Vancouver, especially amongst the female population. There have been many occasions where I have been directly behind a woman and she deliberately didn't hold the door. Also, I have experienced many times when people (women especially) reach the door at the same time - I let them go first, holding the door and she just walks straight through, in a very entitled manner and doesn't say a thing. I mean, I took the time to let you go first - at least a nod/smile would be nice.
I don't know where it originated or how far back it goes but for the most part the stereotypes about being polite are true. This website has a lot of information about Canadian manners and etiquette: Canadian Manners and Etiquette » J.J.'s Complete Guide to Canada
The following excerpt called Understanding Canadians is from Simon Fraser University and it's an introduction to help foreign students in understanding how to adjust and interact with Canadians. I think they have done a pretty good job of summing up the nature of Canadians. I checked and double checked to make sure the information isn't copyrighted and that it was okay to copy over to here:
While it is difficult to describe all Canadians, there are a few common values that Canadians tend to share as a whole:
Freedom and individuality: Canadians tend to see themselves as individuals first, rather than as members of a group. Decisions about career, education, and social activities tend to be made based on personal interest.
Politeness and fairness: Canadians value politeness, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in many social situations; they are often apologetic, and may even say ‘Excuse me’ or ‘I’m sorry’ if someone else has bumped into them. Generally speaking, Canadians tend to feel uncomfortable in situations where another person is acting aggressive or rude, and try to avoid conflict/confrontation. Lining up for services is something that most Canadians feel strongly about, following the idea that the first person who arrived should be served first; Canadians tend to feel quite uncomfortable or frustrated when people ‘jump the queue’ (jump ahead in line) or do not line up at all.
Personal space/Privacy: Canadians value their personal space. When speaking to each other or lining up, they typically feel most comfortable allowing an arm’s length between people. Similarly, they prefer to respect each other’s privacy; polite conversation between strangers will typically be about something light, such as the weather, steering away from sensitive topics like money, politics, status, etc. Canadians' need for personal space and privacy goes hand-in-hand with their sense of individuality, that everyone is entitled to personal space and privacy.
Tolerance, sensitivity and political correctness: As Canada is a very multicultural country with citizens with a variety of different beliefs, Canadians try to avoid expressions or actions that can be insulting to others. As a whole, Canadians take a more liberal approach to social and political issues.
Eye contact is a sign of honesty/sincerity: While eye contact at all times isn’t required, Canadians appreciate a certain level of eye contact during conversation, as it implies a level of trust and honesty.
Being on time: Canadians value their time, and expect others to be on schedule. Whether for a class, meeting, work or other scheduled event, it is best to arrive on time or even a few minutes early.
Curiosity about other cultures: Many Canadians travel abroad, and so tend to be curious about other countries. It is not uncommon to ask ‘Where are you from?’, or ‘What is your background/heritage?’. Canadians even ask each other these questions, as family heritage and community culture are a large part of what defines Canada’s multicultural society.
Informality: Canadians tend to interact more informally with each other. Specifically in a university setting, some professors will ask you to refer to them by their first (given) name; they may also encourage you to ask questions or provide opinions in class, to create a more discussion-oriented lesson.
I am used to saying sorry and giving people space. We in Canada, are fortunate that our sidewalks and stores aren't as crowded as some cities/countries are.
I was in Europe for a while and found a few cities SO congested with people, that I felt claustrophobic at times. Everyone cuts everyone off because there just isn't enough room to "give them space", and if you said you were sorry each time, you'd be saying it a LOT. It took some getting used to and I wasn't comfortable.
The stereotype of reservedness or being overly polite/apologetic is usually how foreigners describe the Japanese than the Canadians.
Japanese tend to see themselves as members of a group than individuals.
Politeness and fairness: Japanese value politeness, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in many social situations; they are often apologetic, and say ‘Excuse me’ or ‘I’m sorry’ if someone else has bumped into them. Generally speaking, Japanese tend to feel uncomfortable in situations where another person is acting aggressive or rude, and try to avoid conflict/confrontation. Lining up is also strictly observed by the Japanese.
Eye contact is a sign of honesty/sincerity: While eye contact at all times isn’t required, Japanese appreciate a certain level of eye contact during conversation, as it implies a level of trust and honesty. Japanese often nod their heads to express that they are listening and understand the speaker.
Being on time: Japanese value their time, and expect others to be on schedule. Whether for a class, meeting, work or other scheduled event, it is best to arrive on time or even a few minutes early.
Formality: Japanese tend to interact more formally with each other, especially when the other is a foreigner or older person.
Is it a stereotype?
I thought it rang true and I have personally witnessed it on many occasions. People are smiling and accommodating(at least in Toronto and Ottawa). You'd never find it in India where I come from or from most Asian countries.
Is it a stereotype?
I thought it rang true and I have personally witnessed it on many occasions. People are smiling and accommodating(at least in Toronto and Ottawa). You'd never find it in India where I come from or from most Asian countries.
I think you are right, that it's not really a stereotype. In Canada it is Canadian values, but to people in other countries who have never visited Canada nor had first hand experience with the common Canadian values then to the best of their knowledge it will just be stereotypical hear-say.
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