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There may be some countries in the world that are more acculturated by their neighbour than Canada is, but there aren't many and certainly none that are as large.
Yes, some Canadians go out of their way to distinguish themselves from Americans. In some cases the difference is profound and real (in terms of mindset and outlook on life), but in most of them it's more superficial, only to "make a point", and it rings hollow.
I sincerely wish it weren't so, but it is what it is.
Canadians are pretty much FORCED to distinguish themselves from Americans, because so much of the world, including Americans, are ignorant of Canada.
I don't see it as something to be sorry for. I see it as EDUCATING people that Canada is a very different place than the US. You mentioned two HUGELY important things that define a culture. Mindset and outlook on life. That covers a heck of a lot of territory.
I for one won't sit by and say nothing when I'm told that Canada is US lite or words to that effect. It's about as irritating as a French-Canadian being told they don't speak " real " French.
Your focus always seems to be one of pop culture,. that English Canada shares with the US. A country is MUCH more than pop culture.
I agree. That's primarily why Canada is an independent from the U.S.
So now you don't have feel sorry when Canadians inform others who lump us in with the Americans, that in fact we are fundamentally different in some very important aspects.
So now you don't have feel sorry when Canadians inform others who lump us in with the Americans, that in fact we are fundamentally different in some very important aspects.
My only wish is that there were more Canadians like you, who take an interest in their country's history and culture (as I assume you do - we've been exchanging on here for long enough), and assert their country's distinctiveness.
My only wish is that there were more Canadians like you, who take an interest in their country's history and culture (as I assume you do - we've been exchanging on here for long enough), and assert their country's distinctiveness.
I honestly can't decide if it was self-imposed or simply happened slowly by osmosis over time.
One thing I do know is generally speaking it's not the big bad Americans that came in and imposed their culture on Canadians.
Uh, well in regards to cinema, yes.
"The lack of domestic production throughout much of the industry’s history can only be understood against this economic backdrop, where the major distribution and exhibition outlets have been owned and controlled by foreign interests."
It used to be almost impossible to show a Canadian film in a major cinema.
My only wish is that there were more Canadians like you, who take an interest in their country's history and culture (as I assume you do - we've been exchanging on here for long enough), and assert their country's distinctiveness.
Aw thanks.
Don't worry though, I correct the ignorant Canadians when they say silly things about the US as well. or exaggerate Canada to the point of being ridiculous.
"The lack of domestic production throughout much of the industry’s history can only be understood against this economic backdrop, where the major distribution and exhibition outlets have been owned and controlled by foreign interests."
It used to be almost impossible to show a Canadian film in a major cinema.
I'll begin by saying that my remarks will apply to Canada's English-language films, not French-language ones.
I disagree with the foreign interest excuse. IMHO, the short answer to why any distributor, foreign or not, doesn't carry Canadian films is "because Canadian films generally suck." Production values were low, actors and directors were not well known, and plots tended to be more, "Look, this is a Canadian film" than good stories. Distributors make money off cinema owners who order what they are offering, and cinema owners make money off butts in seats that have patronized the overpriced snack bar. Show a film from any country that nobody is interested in, and you won't be making money. Which do you think most Canadians would rather see: two guys from Nova Scotia moaning about how lousy their life is (Don Shebib's "Goin' Down the Road") or a Hollywood blockbuster featuring cars, guns, explosions, and Schwartzeneggar?
There have been successful Canadian films that people have gladly paid money to see in Canada. "Scanners" comes to mind, as does "The Silent Partner," "Meatballs," and "Porky's." But they are few and far between; and I'd suggest that it is far easier for good Canadian filmmakers to head to Hollywood, where budgets are larger and consequently, production values can be higher. Certainly, it's worked for James Cameron, David Cronenberg, and Norman Jewison--all Canadians.
Whether my theory holds water, I don't know; but I do feel that the failure of Canadian English-language films is not because distributors are foreign-owned. If Canada improved it's film offerings to the point where Canadians are willing to pay to see them, those distributors would be happy to carry them.
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