News: USA voted Britain's best friend in the world (to live, racist)

[Acajack]

I think there is a slight difference between public perceptions and official policy.

For example, in officialdom Canada and the UK sometimes share diplomatic missions in certain countries. (For example - one was just announced in Iraq.) I am pretty sure they would not do this with the US.

On the other hand public perceptions are very influenced by the media, which at least partly explains the affection showed by the British for the US.

Canadians who go to the UK are often disappointed by the indifference of Britons vis a vis Canada and the fact that people are mostly interested in talking about the US.

There is on the part of some Canadians an expectation that they be greeted as the Good North Americans, and like family, for having stayed loyal to the Crown in the 1770s, or having stepped in to defend Britain much earlier in the two world wars.

But in modern Britain Canada's profile is very low, due to the tremendous presence of the US as well as that of Australia (which occupies a lot of space in the UK as well - at least relative to Canada).

Canada just does not register on the radar as having a distinctive image or a uniquely Canadian cultural impact in the UK.

At best it is seen vaguely positively by people as a kind of America Lite.

[mintgum84]

^

Not true. From my experience, everyone likes Canada whilst America draws both love and hate. Many hate the foreign policy of the US, and dont hate the US in general - which is a massive distinction to make.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by mintgum84

^

Not true. From my experience, everyone likes Canada whilst America draws both love and hate. Many hate the foreign policy of the US, and dont hate the US in general - which is a massive distinction to make.

I didn't say Canadians were disliked in the UK. Only that people are largely indifferent to them.

Plus - look at the study cited at the beginning of the thread for an idea of who average Brits consider to be their best friends.

[Mac15]

Originally Posted by mintgum84

^

Not true. From my experience, everyone likes Canada whilst America draws both love and hate. Many hate the foreign policy of the US, and dont hate the US in general - which is a massive distinction to make.

I dont like canada. I hated it.

[Mac15]

Originally Posted by fusion2

We'll remember that in the next war when the U.K is threatened. We'll hold out helping you for about a year like the Americans did back in WW2, instead of coming to the aid of the 'motherland' right away.

To be honest, I really was surprised when I read this headline as citizens of the UK would vote for the U.S over such countries as Canada and Australia. Dissapointing to say the least!

Why? America is more linked and culturally alike than australia or canada. Especially australia it may aswell be in mars its that far away.

[Magnatomicflux]

Originally Posted by owenc

I dont like canada. I hated it.

Huh...could have sworn you wanted to move here if you couldn't get into the States.


I'll just chalk that up to one other thing you hate in this world.

[nzrugby]

Originally Posted by cali3448893

i know but still like it or not we have the number 1 military in the world.

Interesting the num 1 military in the world, yet you would not go and help Georgia in it's hour of need against Russia.
So what will the USA do if China decides to invade Taiwan, US ground troops versus Chinese troops in Taiwan will be shall we say interesting.
And nope neither the UK or Australia will be joining you in that little adventure.

[Mac15]

Originally Posted by Magnatomicflux

Huh...could have sworn you wanted to move here if you couldn't get into the States.


I'll just chalk that up to one other thing you hate in this world.

Yes the Toronto part which (no offence) is nothing like the real canada.

[nei]

Originally Posted by owenc

I dont like canada. I hated it.

I never heard Canada create a such a negative reaction in anyone before, generally well-run with decent people. I guess if North America in general is distasteful to you, otherwise.

Canada is much more similar IMO to the US than the UK. There are cultural differences between the US and Canada for sure, but the differences within the US are almost as great as the differences between Canada and the US. For example, when I visited BC, half of the "foreignness" of the place was from just being western rather than another country.

[nei]

Originally Posted by owenc

Yes the Toronto part which (no offence) is nothing like the real canada.

So what is real Canada?