Why do a lot (not all) of the people of the United Stated always have something nasty to say about Canadians.?

Question

I've got friends from both Can. and The States and I can't see the difference from the two.Any opinions on why these two countries can't get along and why are Americans so down on Canadians.

Ok-Please keep it in mind that I am not talking about all Americans.

Answer 1

I think it would help if you understand that many (not all) Americans are not just down on Canadians, but they tend to be down on every other exsisting country in the world including their own people if any of them disagree with each other.
Have you visited the Y-answers American Politics/Government section? The responses are down right nasty as if they are at war with each other? Democrates vs. Republicans are constantly throwing out dis-information to discredit each other. And if all fails they resort to vile language at each other.
This is the Land of the Free & the Brave. God Help them & show them the way toward Love, Tolerance, & Understanding.

Answer 2

I am an American patriot and redneck, married to a Canadian, so I have the background to comment on this topic.

Believe me when I tell you that these attitudes exist in both groups. The Canadians have a superior attitude, and it is largely based on stereotypes. They view Americans as loose cannon cowboys, racists and overbearing megalomaniacs. My answer to these stereotypes is the fact that, yes, we Americans value people of action. Look at whom our movie idols are....John Wayne and Clint Eastwood are two good examples. In many of their roles, they are loyal to a higher cause than the government or the prevailing attitudes, and for this we admire them. I just can't see this as a negative thing. They accuse us of being racists, without regard to how the Quebecois and indigenous populations are treated. They are quick to point out fifty to 100 year old issues between the races here in the states, and claim that the attitudes continue. I submit that there exists today a color blind level playing field where opportunity is concerned. And as far as the law enforcement using profiles is concerned, the simple fact remains that certain demographic groups are far more likely to be involved in criminal activity than others. It sucks, but it's true. If one is truely interested in law enforcement, one must have substantial intercourse with these groups. Some call it racist profiling....I call it looking in the right places. Let these Canadians spend a week or two in Detriot or South Chicago or the District of Columbia, and then see what their attitudes are.

America is the most powerful nation on earth, and as such, it makes us the 800 pound gorillas in the living room. In order to keep America safe, secure and firmly in control of it's destiny, some interests occasionally suffer, and much is made of this in word's attitudes. Fact of the matter is that if the United States did not exist, the world would be a far more dangerous, underdeveloped, and ugly place. We are not perfect, but our overall contribution is far more positive than negative. Canada, France, and lots of other whiny holier - than - thou countries second guess our policies, and find fault. Oh well. They are wrong, and just a little bit jealous of our prowess.

We Americans see Canadians as naieve, submissive, frightened, and more than a little influenced by delusions of superiority. Canadians willingly gave up their personal weapons, so whenever the fascists take over in Ottawa, the masses will be helpless, and will be at the mercy of anyone who DOES posess a weapon. That would NEVER happen in America. The criminal element will never give up their weapons, and Americans with the unmitigated gall to actually posess the backbone to defend their families and all they hold dear with dealdly force, if necessary, will do likewise. Mutually assured destruction....it worked with nuclear weapons, and it works between the good and evil parts of America.

Now mind you, the two people share far more than they differ, and our overall attitude towards Canadians is a fondness and bond of free peoples sharing peacefully a continent, and a common language. But, there are some differences that we each find irritating in the other. They are mostly overlooked, but they do exist.

For a humorous look at this phenomena, watch the movie Canadian Bacon. It's very funny, and holds some truths as well.

Answer 3

I've never had or seen any kind of animosity towards Canadians myself. I also cannot see the difference, and I'm from NYC born and raised. I've been to Canada a couple of times and have always been very impressed with the cities and the people. It could be that alot of americans are jealous of the Canadians because most of them actually have jobs. Just a thought!
Best of Luck!

Answer 4

Probably for the same reason many Canadians always have something nasty to say about Americans. (Just two minutes ago I erased one of my own answers about the US - in trying to be funny I realized it could be insulting).
Sometimes it seems funny
Sometimes we are just plain upset with attitudes in parts of the other country.
Sometimes we strongly disagree with a public position of the other country (examples: the Iraq war - one country says "you are acting like an aggressor" the other country says "you are not standing by us in our need") Different view points, when it goes past philosophical views and comes down to actual actions, can cause a lot of very strong feeling on both sides.
Is there a distance between the two? We are basically friends, but we are quite different.
A very different form of government (advantages and disadvantages in both systems - but I prefer ours)
A different level of wealth
Different attitudes on world events, in general
Different cultures: Canada is closer culturally to Europe; USA has more Latin American influence; Canada has its two founding nations)
While I prefer my country, and while I have strong feelings against what went on in the Viet Nam War as well as the Iraq war, Guantanamo, etc..., and while I would be considered a leftist if I were in the USA, I do not like America bashing. I consider it to be cheap - even though at times I might catch myself doing a bit of it - just being "smart".
And of course I don't like Canada-bashing - that gets me angry!!! :)

Answer 5

I've never heard an American say anothing nasty about a Canadian. Maybe you have nasty friends?

Answer 6

I don't know anyone who talks bunk on Canadians....except for your maple leafs & canadians- that it :0) But that's just b/c I'm a flyers fan - nothing personal

Answer 7

I am American and I love Canada, I even went there on my honeymoon (Quebec was beautiful). I will however admit the majority of Americans have been indoctrinated with a xenophobia by our schools that help our government herd them to whatever debacle they have planned next.

Answer 8

Because all they hear in the american media is the ones yelling and being anti american. example a pm named parrish.

When a government official puts down america, c'mon what would you expect?

Answer 9

Because Canada is funny.

Hey, Canadians don't like us either.

Answer 10

Because too many Canadians butt their noses into our political business, ie Michael J Fox. And it's never anything nice.