What do you think accounts for the general lack of knowledge Americans have in regards to Canada?

Question

Misconceptions, misinformation, and often complete ignorance in regards to Canadian culture, geography, politics, language, weather and just lifestyle in general is evident especially in everyday American media, in spite of Canada being right next door. Do American schools place little importance on geography or social studies outside of U.S. borders ? If so, why?

Answer 1

I have wondered the same thing. I am sure there is some group in power that does not want the American people to see something they may want to adopt.


..... Power = .Maybe doctors? drug companies? hmmm

Answer 2

I don't live in America, but there is also a low level of political awareness in the country that I live in. Lack of participation definitely stems from the lack of knowledge. I don't know why there is a lack of knowledge of politics. I suppose it relates to the lack of political education in high school and/or primary school. Anyway lack of knowledge could also stem from a lack of interest. And a lack of interest may be caused by several things. Ordinary people feel lost listening to a policy reading. They probably do not know how a certain policy may affect them, if it is not paraphrased by a journalist. Policy reading goes on for hours and some of the contents are only comprehensible to people who have studied social science/economics and thus know the impact of these policies on their lives. When you don't understand a subject and there is no one educating you on it you will lose interest on that subject. Some people may be resigned to believe that their individual votes mean nothing to the overall results and thus do not take an interest in politics because they think they're the only ones who vote randomly. Unfortunately when a group of people think like this, the effect is quite disastrous. Another possible reason for the lack of interest is that politicians have a non-trustworthy image. Their statements are often made just to give a certain impression on people and often it is only half the truth. This could deter people from seriously considering their policies and shift the focus from understanding policy to proving its validity. Some people give up on politics because of this reason. They see that their effort in understanding would not reward them with making a better choice because it is all based on lies. What could we do to improve this: politicians need to be more accountable to their promises. People have to also understand that every vote does count.

Answer 3

Iveno: This is attributed to Canada's size population wise. It is like a mouse standing next to an elephant. Greater Toronto is our biggest city and you could fit 20 cities the size of Greater Toronto into Greater Los Angeles, U.S. !!! We simply, are no big deal to the world (unless you want to migrate here) - never mind the U.S.! Canadian education like American education simply, sucks!!! Canada has to know its place in the world. We are not a place that every other country studies about either - never mind the U.S. !!!

Answer 4

I know a lot about your beautiful country and my 8 year old is studying Canada in Social Studies right now

Answer 5

yes, isolationism is alive and well. but don't feel bad, it's not just directed at canada. I bet 50% of 6th graders right this minute could find florida on a map.

Answer 6

All the above, as you stated., plus, the sheeple of America are truly selfish, stupid, and self-centered.

The Government school system here is about as dumbed down as is possible, for purposes of propaganda training.

That there are actually enough folks with half a brain, to lead us, is truly a miracle demonstrating that God exists and favors a bunch of rebelious immigrants.

Answer 7

canadians study both canadian and american history.
americans dont study canadian history.