Why are some Canadians so rude and insolent?

Question

Coming from British Columbia, I am used to consideration and politeness. I find most Albertans are the friendliest, most upbeat, helpful people. I do not understand why, as you head towards the East, people become extremely self-centred, obnoxious and ostentatious. They seem so class-oriented and snobbish, flashing money around. I make an exception to French Canadians, who are mostly not like this.

Over the years, I have dealt with many nationalities: South African, Chilean, Mexican, Japanese, East Indian, Chinese, German, British, Swiss, French, Italian, American, etc.. and I do not find any of them to be particularly rude. Americans are actually very very polite and mostly sweet-natured; they are simply more direct about what they want and make up their minds faster and more strongly, which is fine.

Answer 1

same reason why most americans are.

Answer 2

I've never been to eastern Canada but I can tell you that I felt the same way in New England. I'm also not super familiar with British Columbia (I've only been a couple of times as a kid) but I know that here in California people are really laid back in general. The pace here seems a little bit relaxed. In the eastern US there just seems to be more hustle and bustle and it's not so much that they're rude as it is they're rushed all the time.

Not only that but it could be the weather. Think about all the places in the world and the people that have a reputation for being among the friendliest (think Hawai'i or Jamaica) live in warm places. Cold weather makes me cranky, it's probably the same for them.

Answer 3

I think you will find this more prevalent in the "Liberal" non thinking population. They are under the impression that they are above being told that they are in the wrong and also too ignorant to know why the are wrong and too immature to just apologize. I have found many times when I politely ask them to not trespass on my lawn or block my driveway with their vehicle most females will respond with an insolent remark and even go as far as to challenge my authority to keep my private property private. Most children are respectful but I have found that certain cultures will jabber away in their native tongue in response. Stereotypes are not all encompassing but have basis in fact. They feel safe in knowing that legal practice don't support the law in regards to trespassing, and other rights of owners.

Answer 4

I live in Ontario, and I can feel your pain, believe me.

I love going out west and dealing with people out there. Much more laid back. People in the east (Atlantic/Maritimes) I also find to be very friendly. Many of them would help you out in a heartbeat, no questions asked. Ontarians seem to be always in a hurry, under stress, overbooked. Time is money, and get out of my way is often the attitute, especially in the bigger cities. I just moved to a smaller town (pop. 11,000) and the pace of life here is much nicer.

I have found people in Quebec to be quite rude though. Montreal isn't bad but if you go anywhere else and they sense you are not bilingual they can be quite nasty. A friend of ours moved there for work and they told her to "go back to Canada". She's from Northern Ontario, and can speak and understand French, at a moderate level, so wasn't completely Anglophone.

My husband and I came thisclose to moving to Chilliwack a year and a half ago. He actually did and had gone ahead of me but his employer screwed him on his contract and I was missing him so much by that time I told him to just come home. I am sad we didn't have the opportunity to try living out there together.

Maybe someday!

Answer 5

I have worked at a place where there were lots of americans, british, canadians and many other nationalities. My experience with Canadians were nothing unusual. I found most nationalities extremely friendly. Maybe i didnt come across the kind of guys u are talking about

Answer 6

As an American, I've found that most Canadians I've encountered have been exceptionally friendly and helpful. My husband and I used to go camping to Canada all the time, and we honeymooned in Niagara Falls. I've been only to Ontario though, so maybe all Ontarioans (is that right?) are friendly? Of course, we lived in Detroit, so compared to most Detroiters, everyone is friendly, no matter what state, province, or country you're from!

Answer 7

I, like many, would argue that you find rude and insolent people in every culture and every nation. It's a matter of accepting it.

Americans are no exception. Depending on where you've been - and whether or not you are a citizen, rudeness reveals itself in subtle or obvious ways. You just have to observe.

Also keep in mind that what one person finds rude, obnoxious, or in poor-taste may not necessarily to noticed or even acknowledged. It is subjective to each individual's levels of tolerance.

Answer 8

You didn't go far enough east.
The people of Nova Scotia and PEI are the friendliest people I've met this side of North Carolina.

Answer 9

I'll bet the French Canadians would flash money around if they had any.

Answer 10

nicely ur question is rude...i'm from the *** part of canada- what are u speaking about..ur info is a few undesirable expierences....large deal..I come for the length of rude and positive ppl...that is only the way the international is

Answer 11

I've lived in Alberta my entire life & honestly, there are so many rude people here.