Ok I am 15, and I live in Toronto, Canada and my dad got a job in Charlotte, NC and we are moving there in a couple of weeks. I am so nervous about moving to the US. I have been to the US before, and I liked it because it's just like Canada (or Canada is just like the US I guess), like the highway signs are the same, same restaurants, tv channels, companies, all that type of stuff. But even though it's still sort of the same, it just feels very different. Like I notice weird things, like there are tons of billboards along the highway, the fast food restaurant signs are HUGE like way bigger than I have ever seen, I notice lot's more trailer parks, and I see more opinions expressed, like anti abortion bumper stickers, anti gay billboards, "God Loves you" all over the place. I know that all sounds stupid, but it seems weird to me because I don't see that very often in Canada. How am I going to get used to living in the USA? I am really nervous!!!
2007-01-16 01:26:20 · 17 answers · asked by danhh 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
oh yeah I forgot to mention guns ... is it true most people have guns in the US and you get shot if you don't like them or something?
2007-01-16 01:31:33 · update #1
Your life in the US probably will not be much different than life in Canada. I realize that it is a big move, but you will most likely associate with the same types of people with whom you associated in Canada. The move will not change you, so you will be the same person. You are moving to the southern part of the US so you will see a lot more religious fanatacism (anti-gay and anti-abortion signs etc) but you do not have to let that affect who you are. It may actually make you a stronger person in the long run to be exposed to different viewpoints. No matter where you are, if you are yourself you will be fine.
Best of luck!
2007-01-16 01:34:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, even other Americans find the Bible Belt intimidating. The Bible Belt is the spiritual home of "big government conservatism". The state doesn't do anything to help you if you're poor, but it is more than happy to meddle in your private life.
I live the liberal (or at least, live-and-let-live libertarian) West, and whenever I fly into Virginia or North Carolina, it's like being in another universe. You just have to take some of the cultural differences with a bit of bemused humor, while at the same time maintaining your values as a Canadian.
Once on a Virginia Beach road, I saw the "Homosexuals Burn in Hell" and "God Bless Our Troops in Iraq" billboards being placed next to the "Jesus is Love" billboard. Apparently, not you're gay or Middle Eastern.
You certainly don't see stuff like that in California (or Ontario, though you might see it in Alberta...heh). But rather than get upset, I just laughed. Thought it was the most hilarious contradiction ever.
2007-01-18 07:08:43 · answer #2 · answered by SFdude 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would not say that most people have guns in the US. Our Bill of Rights says that we do have the right to bear arms, but not everyone takes advantage of that right. In fact, I was a Probation Officer for 3 years. In my county, as probation officers, we were not even allowed to carry any sort fo weapon with us.
Some states, weapons are more common - like Texas and Arizona (I was a probaiton officer in Arizona). In the north, where I currently live (Wisconsin), a lot of people have hunting weapons. I am sure being from Canada, that is something that is familiar to you.
You'll be fine. The bumper stickers, billboards, and fast food signs aren't going to kill you. In a year or so, you probably won't even notice them, just like the rest of us.
2007-01-16 01:41:30 · answer #3 · answered by CharmedTeri 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll do just fine in the USA. Since there are similiarites between the US and Cananda (restaurants, television shows, etc.), I have no doubt that you'll adjust with no problems. I was in the same situation as you except, I moved from the US to Germany. Its a lot harder to adjust when everything is completly different, esp. when its all in another language but I believe that I'm doing okay with it. I'm still trying to make new friends but I do keep in touch quite often with friends and family from back home through e-mail and instant messager. I do call them from time to time but its hard with the time difference. If it helps any, do a little research on Charlotte to get it know it. There will be a lot to see and do as Charlotte is a well known city. I've posted a site with area info such as tourist attractions, resturants, etc. for you to look through. Good luck =o)
2007-01-16 01:47:36 · answer #4 · answered by galaciel21 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure you will be just fine. It's nervous to feel that way when moving anywhere new not just another country.
About the guns, Charlotte is very nice. I think what people meant about God's country and guns was because the south is considered the Bible belt. There are a lot of 'born again' Baptist stye Christians. The gun comment was because that area of the south has a lot of 'good ol' boy type hunting etc. Your not a deer your going to be just fine!
2007-01-16 02:14:17 · answer #5 · answered by Wicked Good 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Charlotte is a decent city. Not as cool as Toronto, and you're definitely moving into God, Guns and NASCAR country, but you'll be just fine...
Yeah, quite a lot of us have guns, but we don't go round shooting each other for being mouthy, for the most part. Just don't EVER break into someone's house. That WILL get you shot, and the law will be on their side.
The really cool thing is you'll only be a 4 hour drive to Myrtle Beach, SC. Great vacation spot.
2007-01-16 01:29:43 · answer #6 · answered by I hate friggin' crybabies 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Charlotts is a very nice city, though alot smaller than Toronto. Yes, alot of people have guns, but you don't really see them or anything--I've never even seen one in real life, nevermind handled one! I'd say you see them more for hunting than for crime! As far as the religious nuts, just ignore those people--most of them are nice, but misguided, in my opinion.
I hope you love it here! There will be a period of adjustment, but at least you know the language! Good luck!!!
2007-01-16 01:37:03 · answer #7 · answered by melouofs 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'll address your question about guns. I live in the southern US and on my dad's side of the family every single person owns a gun...including my granny. On my mom's side of the family, only a few of the men do. However, NOBODY will shoot you unless you are breaking into their house or threatening them (which hopefully you wouldn't do)....and the only way they would is if they felt like their lives were in danger.
It is sort of a crime here to go around shooting people...lol.
Don't worry so much though......it's not that bad here.
2007-01-16 13:56:04 · answer #8 · answered by Led*Zep*Babe 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in Arizona and have never lived anywhere else. I do know that back East, where you are moving too, I hear that things are more conservative. Out west, where I live, things are more casual. People don't get all dressed up and don't get all excited about everything. Every state is different. My suggestion is to look online for someone who lives in your area who is also from Canada to hang out with, if you think that would make you feel better. All new places take some time to get use to. :)
2007-01-16 01:32:21 · answer #9 · answered by snowangel_az 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Americans today have ALOT of freedom compared to other countries and thats what makes us different. Canada to the U.S. isn't too much of a change except weather. I dont mind Canadians at all we are the same people just called a different country, we hold no biggotry towards you, basically from america junior to america. Good Luck and welcome to our country
2007-01-16 01:40:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋