Replies

It can be uncomfortable being between these 2 worlds. Indeed that is what it means to be Canadians. Canadians have a massive inferiority complex that causes them to discuss themselves in terms of not being like Americans. That’s it these days. That’s the best we can do.

But in the US I also come across this extreme attitude that America can never do wrong. I like America but that doesn’t mean America doesn’t get it wrong from time to time. “America’s great because it’s America” is not really constructive enough. Every society needs to be self critical to make sure it sticks to its prime values.

I use to see America as champion of capitalism. After all it fought the Cold War. But I find many Americans are opposed to capitalistic ideals or really have forgotten what it is.
Not just the annoying and large liberal left. But the protectionists who think they are helping the American people (well the ones who aren’t the frauds that damn well know protectionism lines to pockets of those producers protected by the state).

Every country has its flaws, known best by those who have an interest in their country and its government, and how it treats is people, and its partners around the world in trade and commerce, plus its humanitarian aid given freely.
When one is embroiled in extreme comparatives with another one will always compare the "flawed self" to the "obnoxious other". It is a no-win situation.

Each country must be weighed on its own merits and its own demerits, and a comparison between the country of Canada and the country of the United States is an exercise of waste unless one seeks only to insult the offending other.

There is no comparison, any more than two cousins could be twins. There is a 4,000 mile of friendship historically, but I see the desire to wall it up on both sides now. Originally, it was the Canadian side who disliked the Americans after George Bush took over, but long before that, (and they won't admit it), it started with VietNam and the draft dodgers. As Americans now realize Canadians are "not the friends to the north" they once were, they are becoming more defensive as well to the point of outright dislike. It's ok, the Canadians have hated the Americans for a number of years, but are now admitting it up front.

For me it is as if my two parents are getting a divorce and I can do nothing about it.

Alternatively, there are wonderful things about both countries, but why should the "characteristics" of one country be "wrong" in the eyes of another???

If Americans are loud, noisy, roiling, arrogant, or any other lusty descriptive, is the opposite true of Canadians?Are Canadians quiet, settled, subservient? I don't believe that is true. So what makes Americans wrong and Canadians right???? Perception of what we believe the "other" is like. Insecurity does funny things to one's perception of reality. Being put on the defensive is another thing which messes up reality. It is called Displacement and it is a real phenomenon. Don't believe me. Look it up.

Canadians claim Americans wear Canadian Maple Leaf patches in Europe as they are so rude and nobody wants to serve them, but Canadians are "loved". They also write Americans who visit Canada are stupid and ignorant. If I were treated as rudely in any country as the Canadians write of the Americans I would take my tourist dollars elsewhere.

I am all for separating the two and let's see who suffers.
At this point, I think the Canadians are becoming lazy, spoiled children, waiting for their government to do everything for them. That isn't my way at all. That isn't the American way either. That is why I am "in my comfort zone" down here, in control of my own destiny, and pleased to contribute to the country and pay my fair share on the way.