How do Americans honestly feel about Canadians?

Question

You are neighbours yet there seems to be tensions. I once heard about Manifest Destiny what is it and do you believe in it? Pls state what state you are from.

Answer 1

Generally I think Americans are ambivalent about Canadians.

We like their beer (Molson), probably eat their beef (Alberta), can appreciate their hockey (Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs), adopt their artists (Alanis Morrissette, William Shatner, Jim Carrey, John Candy, and so on), and film in their country (Vancouver).

While I've nothing against Canadians, and indeed respect them, as a FIB I'm more passionate about my beloved Cheese-Head neighbors to the north and happy Hoosiers to the east. All in all, I'd say that Iowans (my western neighbors) are most like Canadians.

Regarding Manifest Destiny: here are some sections from Wikipedia related to its definition and how it affected our relations with Canda, Texas and Mexico. Please visit the link for the complete write-up.

"Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States had a mission to expand, spreading its form of democracy and freedom. Sometimes advocates said there was divine sanction (but atheists were often just as supportive). Advocates of Manifest Destiny believed that expansion was not only good, but that it was obvious ("manifest") and inevitable ("destiny"). Originally a political catch phrase of the 19th century, Manifest Destiny eventually became a standard historical term, often used as a synonym for the territorial expansion of the United States across North America towards the Pacific Ocean.

"(It) has always been a general notion rather than a specific policy.

"The phrase ... was first used primarily by Jackson Democrats in the 1840s to promote the annexation of much of what is now the Western United States (the Oregon Territory, the Texas Annexation, and the Mexican Cession).

"British North America
Although Manifest Destiny was primarily directed at territory inhabited by Mexicans and American Indians, the concept played a role in U.S. relations with British North America (later Canada) to the north. From the time of the American Revolution, the United States had expressed an interest in expelling the British Empire from North America. Failing to do that in both the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, Americans came to accept the British presence on their northern border, but fears of possible British expansion elsewhere in North America was a recurrent theme of Manifest Destiny."

Answer 2

Well, I don't know anything about 'Manifest Destiny' but I can tell you how I feel about Canadians. I don't have anything against them. I actually have some friends living in Canada. However, I know that plenty of Canadians have ill feelings towards Americans. I've heard people say that we think we are "better" and things like that.

Sorry, but I am not from any state. I've moved around a lot all my life (and i'm only 15) so I am not from any particular state. However I was born in Illinois, and currently I have lived in Georgia for 2 years.

Answer 3

I'm from Washington state. Manifest destiny was the philosophy, that America should reach from shore to shore. (ie: Atlantic to Pacific) There being natural borders with the oceans, the land between was fair game. Dunno if I beleive in it. Is history from long ago. Kinda like monday morning quarter backing.
Tensions between U.S. and Canada?:: Whatever tensions exist, I think are from citizens of both who see the 2 countries' governments, and people as one and the same. The French for example seem extra vocal about dissent of what the U.S. government does. And seem to hate the American people because of it. It's the same principle as one who hates all black people because of Rap music, and Jesse Jackson.

Answer 4

who are they?

Manifest Destiny is something from a long time ago it was the goal for the US to stretch from the east coast to the west coast. Now it does!

What do I think of Canadians?

Well my last girlfriend was Canadian and she dumped me when I deployed so in my sample of 1 Canadian I would say that 100% of Canadians in my survey are B-itches.

Answer 5

I like Canadians. Most I have met (family from there) have an ill feeling toward the US. I feel that there is alot of envy going on up there about the US. Canada has no military and no economy without the US. I think most Canadians need to stop sticking their nose up like they are somehow better.

Answer 6

The few I know are ex-in laws, and I have very deep respect for them, I can't generalize about all Canadians, because I know so few of them. I'm from California, and don't ever get up there.

Answer 7

I am from Pa, and truthfully do not think of Canadians at all, and when I do, it is usually with a bit of pity for them. They seem to have no real identity and seem so jealous of us, it is sad.

Answer 8

Well, there was a popular bumber sticker when I lived in Florida that read: "HAPPINESS IS SEEING A CANADIAN ON HIS WAY HOME... WITH A NEW YORKER UNDER EACH ARM."

Answer 9

In general, I don't hate them, and I don't absolutely adore them.

individually, my aunt and her family moved up to Canada - making them Canadians and I love them!!

Answer 10

I don't think about them very much - they seem to be all words and no action.

They make a lot of noise - but who cares?