NationStates Jolt Archive

I am really tired of everyone (including many Canadians) saying that we do not have a culture or identity. We are a young nation, and we haven't had time to codify our traditions into a particular food, dance or music that *represents* us. Hopefully we never will. Why is so important that we have these symbols? Do we want to be stereotyped as having certain national characteristics?

To Canadians who are unsure of their culture, I suggest you travel outside of Canada for a while. It will help you see how different other people live, and make you appreciate the uniqueness of your own culture.

One thing you will see is that in the majority of countries in this world, homogeneity is the norm, not the exception. There is usually one dominant culture, and although minority groups exist, they are rarely visible or protected under law. In Canada, we are blasé to the diversity of colours, languages, clothes, foods and music that we are surrounded by, but you sure miss it when you are in a place surrounded by people of the same colour and you only get to eat one kind of food!

The mix of people we have in Canada, compared to the United States is quite different. For example, most black people in Canada are of West Indian (Caribbean) descent, and a great many of those are first or second generation. Canadian hip-hop has a much different flavour and style than American hip-hop, due in great part to this influence. The French in Canada are not confined to Quebec...New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have large French-speaking populations too...and Acadian French sounds a lot different than the French spoken by Quebecois. Even in the Western provinces, there are whole francophone communities sprinkled about. We have large East Indian and Chinese communities, but not nearly as many Latinos as in the States. All of these things make for a much different mix than is found in the U.S. That is not just saying, "We aren't the U.S in this way". It's saying, "This is what Canada looks like". We get compared to the U.S a lot, but it is not really a fair comparison.

It is hard to know what your customs and traditions are, unless you get the chance to remove yourselves from the familiar for a time. When you are visiting another country, and are surrounded by the customs of others, you start to realise that there are things you take for granted that you actually miss. A lot of Canadians have 'cultural envy', and latch on to a certain group, thinking that they have a better culture than we do. We want so desperately to belong to something identifiable, that we may for a time reject our own traditions in favour of someone else's. Our traditions are a mix of all the different cultures that have formed our country, so yes, it is difficult to point to one or two things and say, "That is Canadian". The fact that Molson beer commercials raised such patriotic feelings in many Canadians is a little sad. So, to assuage the bruised egos of Canadians who have been told, time and time again that they have no identity, let me list a few things that I realise I hold dear as a Canadian:

1) The food. The wonderful variety of food! No, there is no ONE traditional Canadian dish (unless you mean maple-syrup beans and back bacon). You pick any kind of dish you can think of and you can get it here. I like the idea that my kids will grow up being comfortable with Native, Asian, African, European, and Latin American cuisine.

2) The space. You want crowded cities, you got them... but if you want wide open spaces like nowhere else, Canada's got it. Pretty much the entire northern parts of the provinces, and the 3 territories are very sparsely inhabited. Good hunting, good camping, good times. The smaller, younger cities are nice too, and fairly safe. And CLEAN! Every time I come home it seems like our cities sparkle...and no slums...

3) The general agreement that we look out for one another. Most Canadians really value our 'socialist' tendencies (though not everyone agrees with them), and we are justifiably proud of our healthcare, education and social service systems (though they are being eroded). These things come out of the Canadian idea that a hand up is not a hand out.

4) Our humour. No, really...sometimes you just have to be Canadian to get it... anyone remember Four on the Floor? The Kids in the Hall? Royal Canadian Air Farce? This Hour has 22 Minutes? We're weird.

5) Our divisions. I love the squabbling that goes on in Canada. The West has its panties in a bunch because we feel like Ottawa hates us, and the Maritimes' biggest export is their unemployed... the French in Quebec want to separate, but the French in Nova Scotia still love us:) Our divisions have done a lot to define our identity, and are uniquely Canadian. I love the fact that I can for the life of me understand a drunken Newfie when he's talking, and you get a Quebecois too far in his cups and he starts sounding like a duck.

6) Our stereotypes. How is this a part of being Canadian? Well, internationally there are some stereotypes about Canadians, but it's the national stereotypes I love. All people from B.C smoke bud and snowboard. Albertans are cattle-ranching hicks. Saskatchewan residents can't drive in anything but straight lines and love cattle-tipping on the weekends. Quebec hates the rest of us, and Ontario is only bearable because of Toronto. Newfies can't speak English, and everyone in the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut live in igloos. People on PEI fish, collect EI and fiddle a lot. It goes on...

Basically, we DO have a culture...and you have to be Canadian to understand it. We don't have a set of symbols we can point to and say, "That's what we are", but we certainly shouldn't feel deprived because of that. Our identity is still changing...and part of that identity is this horrible uncertainty we've all felt about our national identity. I used to feel like I would have given anything to belong to a group with a clear cut identity, or that I'd rather live almost anywhere else but here. After having travelled, I realise that my heritage is a very mixed one, and richer for it...and to be quite honest, I wouldn't call any other place my home.

Here here!

:D Although I noticed travelling we are generally stereotyped as 'Nice people'. :p

Canadians rock, you invented the Bare Naked Ladies!

Canadians rock, you invented the Bare Naked Ladies!

I'm pretty sure they invented themselves:) Or were they born? Not sure...

You know, to be quite honest, a lot of us DO say 'eh WAY too much.

Another stereotype: You know someone is Canadian when they say thank you to the vending machine.

You know someone is Canadian when someone bumps into them, and its the Canadian who says, "sorry!"

CANADA IS NOTHING BUT A WASTE OF OUR LAND!! lol, just kidding. Canada is considered an extension of America though by many people. We have a lot of the same values. We have an open border too. But there are certain things about Canadians that enable you to tell them apart. One is the maple leave, another the syrup. Then there is "eh?" and how they say "about" Its just sad that we have more people in one state than you do you in your country :P

The kids in the hall kick ass. Thanks Canada. I forgive you for Mike Meyers.

Why do you folks call mac and cheese, Kraft Dinner? Why do you call whole milk Homo milk? How many of them do you have to milk to make a gallon?

CANADA IS NOTHING BUT A WASTE OF OUR LAND!! lol, just kidding. Canada is considered an extension of America though by many people. We have a lot of the same values. We have an open border too. But there are certain things about Canadians that enable you to tell them apart. One is the maple leave, another the syrup. Then there is "eh?" and how they say "about" Its just sad that we have more people in one state than you do you in your country :P

What values are those exactly that we share? Just for clarification. And the Canadians you've met...they were covered in maple syrup and leaves? In what way is our population 'sad' compared to your crowded living conditions? I think it's probably more comfortable here...

Why do you folks call mac and cheese, Kraft Dinner? Why do you call whole milk Homo milk? How many of them do you have to milk to make a gallon?

It's called Brand Naming...like calling tissue paper Kleenex. Homo milk? We're gay friendly here:). I've always wondered why the Americans have hung onto the Imperial system of measurement, when they fought so hard to rid themselves of the English...whereas the Canadians who fought harder to STAY on the coattails of the Brits (go...shoo Canada...shoo! ), went metric like the rest of the world, with no problem. Any thoughts?

Gallon? What is a gallon? I am proud of Canada's bags of milk. And I am also proud of Quebec's butter/margerine law (by law, margerine cannot be yellow or even have a hint of yellow). As a matter of fact, Canada has several laws that would not be recognized in the States.

Besides, right now there are millions of Americans desiring to come to Canada. Canada is the greatest country in the world.

Ah but you see we don’t want to make a gallon, it doesn’t exist :P

To the above:

Wow, you’ve said a mouthful there, and I’d like to think it hits home for a lot of us, and hopefully not just me because I’m weird.

Canada is a unique country indeed. I think perhaps to truly appreciate the differences between Canada and our closest neighbour you need to ask Americans back packing through Europe why they’re sporting a maple leaf and not an eagle or the stars and strips?

I’ve always thought it so funny that we’ve never grasped how unique we are but its there. Perhaps I’ll be sadly disappointed but can those in the audience from France, Engalnd, Belgium, and Holland tell the difference between Canadiens and Americans?

And BTW I think you mean Ontario is bearable despite Toronto :P (damn upper Canadians)

Oh this hour has 22 minutes, how I love you. Thank you CBC, thank you.

I'm from England, but have visited Canada 4 times now, and love it. Mind you, I havent really been out of the cities much, but the rest of the country looks pretty nice. Would love to drive from East to West (or vice versa) one day.

Much of my family live in Canada.

Why do you folks call mac and cheese, Kraft Dinner? Why do you call whole milk Homo milk? How many of them do you have to milk to make a gallon?

Because the package clearly states.
"Kraft Dinner".
Not "Mac and Cheese".

And it is, HOMOGINIZED (sp) milk.
Not "WHOLEGINIZED". It has nothing to do with "Whole" anything. Maybe we just use common sense?
And how many of what? Cows? We milk them. But we don't milk for Gallons.

Why do you use a measuring system that most of the world has already given up?

and I apoligize if I offended anyone with my last statement.

And BTW I think you mean Ontario is bearable despite Toronto :P (damn upper Canadians)

Good point. I guess it depends.

One thing I do hate is the Toronto 'Collectors' system on the motorways. Now, whats that all about? Both this and the expressways are full of traffic everytime i'm on them, it just seems pointless, especially when you realise you've missed your turnoff because you took the expressway by mistake (its so confusing!)

No idea, my province has nice straight divided highways.

110 kmph and littered with deer/moose. Death traps, oh yea

[QUOTE=Sinuhue]
6) Our stereotypes. How is this a part of being Canadian? Well, internationally there are some stereotypes about Canadians, but it's the national stereotypes I love. All people from B.C smoke bud and snowboard. Albertans are cattle-ranching hicks. Saskatchewan residents can't drive in anything but straight lines and love cattle-tipping on the weekends. Quebec hates the rest of us, and Ontario is only bearable because of Toronto. Newfies can't speak English, and everyone in the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut live in igloos. People on PEI fish, collect EI and fiddle a lot. It goes on...
QUOTE]

Thanks man. You put alot of work into typing that but is there anything wrong with cattle tipping, not alot else to do here. stupid stereotypes.

Poutine. Ah, that delicate blend of fries, cheese curds and gravy....bannock, First Nation's unleavened bread, served with jam...PEI mussels in BC chardonnay...caribou barley soup....Tim Hortons coffee...Montreal steak...

Actually, those straight roads. Dont they get a bit boring after a while?

I painted cows in my youth. Tipping cows makes the still awake ones angry.

Thanks man. You put alot of work into typing that but is there anything wrong with cattle tipping, not alot else to do here. stupid stereotypes.

Hehehe...don't get me wrong...I love Saskatchewan...bunch of lefties in disguise I say...and I never said it was WRONG per se...

Well, they’re straight to a point.

When I went south the I-95 nearly put me to sleep. I always think of my roads as straight but they do curve, and go up and down. We sit on the shawls of the Appalachian mountain range and the government wasn’t willing to carve it up. The highways here move with the land, and offer an amazing view. So they’re more of a straight in the sense that you’ll not move the wheel more than 15 degrees.

I painted cows in my youth. Tipping cows makes the still awake ones angry.

No no no, you just need someone to distract them,

hmmmmmm if by lefties you mean socialist, yup the father of medicare was our preimer. and the roads are only straight in the south.

Thats cool...whereas here, Margaret Thatcher's government decided to build a straight motorway right through a fairly large hill quite near my house, which resulted in just the same amount of traffic and a stupid blot on the landscape - disgusting. I guess thats the consequence on living on an island!

CANADA IS NOTHING BUT A WASTE OF OUR LAND!! lol, just kidding. Canada is considered an extension of America though by many people. We have a lot of the same values. We have an open border too. But there are certain things about Canadians that enable you to tell them apart. One is the maple leave, another the syrup. Then there is "eh?" and how they say "about" Its just sad that we have more people in one state than you do you in your country :P

No...you used to have an open border. Now you don't. Now people have to be fingerprinted as they go over the border into the US. I used to say maybe I'd chance going down to the US once Bush left office...well, I hardly think you guys'll be toning it down by 2008, so- you won't be seeing this Canuck anywhere American, anytime soon...or any time, ever, really.

I'm just sayin'...

Here here!

:D Although I noticed travelling we are generally stereotyped as 'Nice people'. :p


Yes Canadians are nice.......too nice(it scares the crap out of me quite frankly :( )

Well written post, Sinuhue.

Nothing wrong with ranching either. Just think of that nice juicy tender bottom sirloin tri tip steak and all the fine women in tight Wrangler Jeans :D

ya, go canada. We are the best. and if you want to see good stereo types, watch a few old molson commercials.

No...you used to have an open border. Now you don't. Now people have to be fingerprinted as they go over the border into the US. I used to say maybe I'd chance going down to the US once Bush left office...well, I hardly think you guys'll be toning it down by 2008, so- you won't be seeing this Canuck anywhere American, anytime soon...or any time, ever, really.

I'm just sayin'...

My sentements exactly, no offense to americans I know most of you are good people, but your goverment discusts me and I don't think i could force myself to enter america.

No...you used to have an open border. Now you don't. Now people have to be fingerprinted as they go over the border into the US. I used to say maybe I'd chance going down to the US once Bush left office...well, I hardly think you guys'll be toning it down by 2008, so- you won't be seeing this Canuck anywhere American, anytime soon...or any time, ever, really.

I'm just sayin'...

Actually, to be serious, it is a little risky for a Canadian (especially a Canadian who isn't WHITE) to cross the border into the U.S without a passport anymore. How open is that?

ya, go canada. We are the best. and if you want to see good stereo types, watch a few old molson commercials.

Are those stero types AM or FM?

You wanna know why a majority of America doesn't accept gays, because a majority of America is either connected to a God based religion and if you're connected to a God based religion you either agree against things supporting gay marriage or you're not the religion you say you are.Gay preachers?What's that all about?If you're gay, I'll respect you, that doens't mean I'll accept you or your mistake.Cant really call it a decision because there's one right answer for that issue.

My sentements exactly, no offense to americans I know most of you are good people, but your goverment discusts me and I don't think i could force myself to enter america.

SPELL CHECK! CAPITALS! PLEASE!
Sorry...I used to teach English. (Do you like those sentence fragments?)

Wow your like my freinds mom. Sorry about the bad typing.

You wanna know why a majority of America doesn't accept gays, because a majority of America is either connected to a God based religion and if you're connected to a God based religion you either agree against things supporting gay marriage or you're not the religion you say you are.Gay preachers?What's that all about?If you're gay, I'll respect you, that doens't mean I'll accept you or your mistake.Cant really call it a decision because there's one right answer for that issue.

I hate to break it to you, but I don't think that excuse cuts it. Most Canadians are also religious. In fact, we have two forms of public education: public (generally non-religious, although founded for the benefit of Protestants) and Catholic. We also have many non-Christians, many of whom are very religious in their own ways. A lot of Canadians do not support gay marriage, or are very comfortable with homosexuality (????). The main difference between the American and Canadian attitude towards homosexuality is this:

Americans: Gays! I hate them, and I have the right to say so loudly and proudly. Let's go gay bashing! Yay!

Canadians: Well, I don't want my kids to be gay, but I guess if they are, I'll still love them. Ah, who cares...you've got to admit, they are snappy dressers!

Both attitudes are silly, but we tend to be less violent in our dislike. For the record, I have no problem with gays at all.


Oh...and you said: If you're gay, I'll respect you, that doens't mean I'll accept you or your mistake.

That doesn't sound like respect. It's like saying...hey, if you're black and you marry a white girl, I'll respect you, but I'll feel fine calling your kids mutts and telling you what a mistake you made.

Wow your like my freinds mom. Sorry about the bad typing.

your: belonging to you
you're: you are

friend

I. CAN'T. STOP. MYSELF!!!!!

I have spent most of my life in Atlantic Canada (ns/nb/pei and a little bit of nf) and am very proud of it.

I've had a couple of enjoyable vacations in the states but I just love the lifestyle here. My co-worker from Jamaica has lived in a few American cities (and every major Canadian city east of Manitoba) and has told me how the courtesy Canadians take to do the little things such as holding doors open for the people following you are unheard of in other places.

Tourists often tell me we're the friendliest people they've ever met which surprises me (given our diversity).

I have spent most of my life in Atlantic Canada (ns/nb/pei and a little bit of nf) and am very proud of it.

I spent the last three years in Inuvik, NWT and during that time, I met more Maritimers than I'd ever come across before. Almost all of the non-natives were from the Maritimes! It was neat, actually, because I got to see some of the shared regional traits...the accents of the people from Glace Bay (right spelling?) compared to Cape Breton...the weird sayings, (Are you off your nut? He's a nutbar!), the obsession with Ma Brown's chicken (they used to fly it in once a year), but most of all the love all of these people had for their homes. After seeing pictures and videos, I have to agree...my next trip, I'm touring Atlantic Canada...beautiful. It's a shame there is so much unemployment, or I'd consider moving there. And your unions rock!

LOL I’ve never heard that about our Unions but hey I like compliments :D

Any Atlantic Canadian who works elsewhere will always retire back home. If they don’ they’re a statistical anomaly.


Up in heaven how do you tell who’s from NFLD? They’re the ones who want to go home.


The unemployment is a very bad thing but depending on your field (and qualifications) you might get picked up easy. Try living in St. John’s, Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton or Halifax. (There are more if you speak French) These are cities that are doing decently well for themselves, and have a good market for professionals. Be careful about advertising that you’re from Upper Canada as they will still like you but your initial impression will suffer. (But if you live in St. John’s there’s no use in pretending, you’ll be called a mainlander first day in.)

But these cities, gorgeous I promise you.

St. John’s- Home of George street this city has one of the highest bars per capita in the continent. A fun loving people with an almost exotic heritage that can be seen today. You haven’t been to a party until you’ve been to a newfie callee.
Saint John- a small time industry town based on its shipping and one company. (Irving) People here are hard working people who have a proud heritage and a long standing tradition of British Heritage.
Moncton- With geographic location and good service industries, Moncton is a hub city. Friendly people Moncton offers a good blending of the Acadian and English traditions within this province. While the Quebeckers have Montreal and Quebec city Acadians have Moncton and Dieppe. (Note: They are a fraction of the population)
Fredericton- East coast hospitality and loyalist tradition dumped into academia. The biggest employers in this city are the Province and the University of New Brunswick. With 1/5 people here a student popular culture play a prominent part of this small city.
Halifax- Moncton and Saint John rolled into one. Having both shipping and a good customer service industry immigration to this area picked up over the years. With a strong black population (see africville) and other cultures you have a budding metropolis, a mini Toronto if you will.

The mix of people we have in Canada, compared to the United States is quite different. For example, most black people in Canada are of West Indian (Caribbean) descent

Well if you didnt know: People from the West Indies are also African. All the original West Indians were killed like American Indians! *Clap* Have we all learnt something today?

Well if you didnt know: People from the West Indies are also African. All the original West Indians were killed like American Indians! *Clap* Have we all learnt something today?

I am aware of that. However, generally people from the West Indies don't identify as African, they identify as Jamaican, Triny, Haitian etc. That 'stop over' in the West Indies has created a culture much different than that of the descendants of African slaves in the United States. If you call a black person in Canada an 'African-Canadian' and they don't come directly from Africa, they'll usually correct you, "No, I'm from the West Indies". In any case, national identity is usually stronger than continental identity, and even the African-Canadians will probably say, "No, I'm from Botswana, the Sudan etc, etc". I mean, do you call yourself a North American?

As for ALL the original West Indians being killed off, perhaps you were unaware of the Galibi of French Guyana, the Caribs of Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica, the Garifuna of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Taïno and Ciboney of Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and the Rary 'Jibaros' of Puerto Rico? Yes, they suffered great loss of life during the conquests, but there are still thriving communities of Carribbean aboriginals who would be a little shocked to hear you say they are all dead.

Another point about Canadian identity...all this insecurity about our identity is a PART of that identity. It kind of goes along with our self-effacing manner and reserved way. We are not generally very publicly demonstrative, but we are very friendly as long as no one makes a big deal about it:). We aren't the kind to say, "Here's my identity for the world to see...it's Mounties and beavers (ahahahhaa) and beer and maple leaves and syrup and mountains and railways and...." ah, let's go watch the hockey game.

I am really tired of everyone (including many Canadians) saying that we do not have a culture or identity.

Meh ... people say the same thing about Americans ... big deal. Get over it, ya daffy canuck!

You have three things going for you:

1] Hockey. All the grace of figure skating combined with the adrenaline of the boxing ring. Everyone wins!

2] Scott Thompson. Funniest man ever.

3] Beer. 'Nuff said, eh?

Now go watch "Strange Brew" and leave us alone.

Now go watch "Strange Brew" and leave us alone.
Have you ever noticed that Strange Brew is based on Hamlet? I mean, even the brewery is called Elsinore! Too funny!

About that diversity thing you bring up in the first post, I have to wonder where you live that you take it for granted. I mean, day to day about 70% or more of the people I see are white. Not everywhere in Canada is really diverse.

About that diversity thing you bring up in the first post, I have to wonder where you live that you take it for granted. I mean, day to day about 70% or more of the people I see are white. Not everywhere in Canada is really diverse.
Do I live diversity? Well, I'm half Irish, half Cree (First Nations). I'm married to a Chilean immigrant and my daughters are all of the above. My sister in law is Pakistani, and I have some lovely little nieces who are culturally mixed. I have friends who are Greek, Haitian, etc etc etc... I am a rural Albertan, and mixed cultures are rare here, yes. I travel often to the city though, and I really am blasé by the amount of ethnic diversity you can see there. Most rural areas are fairly homogenous because the majority of immigration is to urban areas. Cities are generally more diverse than small towns or hamlets. However, the amount of racism I encounter as a non-white is fairly low, because people in rural areas also tend to get to know you better than your neighbours in the city do. I have felt EXTREMELY uncomfortable traveling through the U.S (mostly in cities along my flight route), but I have never had that feeling traveling through Canada. Maybe it's just me. Of course not everywhere in Canada is represented by all cultures, but here are some stats for you.

http://www.statcan.ca/english/Pgdb/demo28a.htm

The majority of Canadians are still of (usually) white European origin, but there is also a fairly high representation of other ethnic backgrounds.

In elementary school I lived in a military community and none of my friends had two white parents.
In high school almost half the people were black.
In college about half the people are from China, including four of the five roommates I've had (the other guy was from India).
I've also seen a lot of racism too, especially from friends and family =/

For Canadian identity though I think we're probably getting a reputation on internet message boards for making too many threads about Canada, surely this topic could've been expanded to include all countries? ;)

For Canadian identity though I think we're probably getting a reputation on internet message boards for making too many threads about Canada, surely this topic could've been expanded to include all countries? ;)

Yeah, we kind of took over there for a while, but it'll pass. You'll notice this was a thread on Canadian identity...I don't see how we could expand that to include all countries...

Sometimes it seems like Canada's entire national identity consists of "NOT BEING THE UNITED STATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sometimes it seems like Canada's entire national identity consists of "NOT BEING THE UNITED STATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

That's because somehow we can't get it through your thick skulls that you are the only people in the world suffering from the misconception that we are "America Junior" an "Extension of America" or "The 51st State". And about half of us are still waiting for a Prime Minister who will have the balls to tell the USA to go fuck itself.

Have you ever noticed that Strange Brew is based on Hamlet? I mean, even the brewery is called Elsinore! Too funny!

Ah the subtleties of Canadian humor. I love that movie. :)