Canadians only: Do you find that a lot of Canadians are prejudiced against Americans?

Question

I am Canadian, and I have lived here since I was two years old, but I spend a fair amount of time in the United States since a lot of my relatives are spread out there, and I also like to travel. Living in Canada I hear a lot of comments like "Americans are stupid" or "All Americans own guns" or other such stereotypes. I actually was talking to someone I met in one of my University classes, and we were discussing Americans, and he said that he hated all Americans because they were rude and outspoken. So I asked him what city he had visited in the States to find out why he felt that way (perhaps it was just a cultural misunderstanding?) and he said he had never been to the United States, and he never would because they were morons. I am tired of these comments, but I was wondering if other Canadians either a) did not like Americans and if this was so, why didn't they like them and b) do any other Canadians find that our fellow citizens hate Americans for no reason?

Sarcasm is totally not appreciated (plus, its not like Canadians really live in igloos or anything... just so you know), and I am loving the point of views about personal experience re: the media. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

SADLY, there is a great amount of Ignorance in Canada and the United States.

I'm a Canadian lifer, 2nd generation, and I too have many relatives scattered through the states.

SADLY, many "Innocently Ignorant" Canadians label some Americans as
'Dukes of Hazzard-types',
'Gangstas',
'Survivalist Macho Maniacs',
and fast-paced, money-driven, win-at-all-cost egotists.

Surely, your relatives, along with mine, DO NOT fit these crass categories.

ON THE FLIP-SIDE:
Way to many Americans have absolutely NO CLUE about:
what provinces are,
where cities are,
who Premiers and Prime Ministers have been,
the diverse 1st Nations cultures Canada contains,
Canadian foods, etc., etc.

BUT .... I fully 101% understand the American "Innocent Ignorance" state of being: The American school systems DO NOT teach anything but 'homebased' USA content.

THE WORLD STAGE:
ranks Canadian scholars consistently higher;
agrees Canadian entertainers and athletes are easily EQUAL.

So, Razi .... we just have to continue to do our INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL BEST to facilitate TOLERANCE, and continue to pray for greater and greater UNDERSTANDING.

BOTTOM LINE:
and so God said ... "Let us make man in our image ..."

therefore we are all FAMILY.

Thanks for the question "Sis".

Answer 2

I have actually found the same thing - a lot of Canadians seem anti-American. I think it's a lack of education, a fear of being "the second country", and just plain pride turned the wrong way.

I too travel the States often, and find that many American go out of their way to be kind. I also find Americans who are short and unpleasant. However, I find this in Canada too.

I think our stereotypes have been fed by media and fear.
The fact that SOME Canadians think that Americans believe we all ride dogsleds and live in igloos doesn't help either.

Truth is, wherever people live, they are who they are.

Answer 3

I am a born Canadian and married to an American who loves Canada. Most of my family lives in Canada as well, but there are some of us who live in the US. I think is depends on the person you talk too and there opinion. I think no matter how much are world changes this type of things won't even if we are tried of it.

Answer 4

Okay...I'm Canadian living in America and I didn't have many negative perceptions of America until I moved here.
For the vast majority of people I come across...they are normal, respectful and pleasant individuals....but then you have these American IDIOTS that say Canada is just Americas "11 unclaimed states" and that "we're just jealous"
Americans, as a whole, think they're better than Canadians and think we live in igloos and drink beer and watch hockey all day long.
Another reason for this stereotype is the issue of patriotism...Americas is based on ignorance and blatant displays that are most of the time rude to other countries in the world......and the passive Canadian attitude perplexes them to no end....we never let them know what we're up to and that p!sses them off!!

Answer 5

yeah, I've witnessed the ignorance. Exactly as you describe. I am not sure why it exists. I can only blame the media. The US media in SO biased. It is not like CBC where you get 2 sides of every story. In America, money controls the media, and what you see is NOT what things are like in America. So, it is my belief that Canadians have a skewed vision of America.

Answer 6

your topic is already stereotype, why can't other people from other countries cannot answer your questions?

People tend to hate each other.. that's the human nature, when you were in 8 grades, you hate others from another class, but when you are against other schools, you don't hate another class compared to other schools.. that's the human nature, we love, we hate and we forget...

when you become 30 years old and responsible, you will probably see that it's all childish and funny...

IMHO, There's no race who are stupid or bad.. everyone's individually good or bad, a little degree depening of surroundings.

hope this helps

Answer 7

I am always hearing anti American crap on tv. It's like were afraid because we aren't secure inour own identity. I have known many Americans and the ones I know were really great. At times I wish I lived there.

Answer 8

"more racist than toron".. no waay... Toronto is one of the most diverse city's ever... buffolo has its white side over here and black side over there.. im going there in 2 days and am looking forward to a positive experience... hopfully ill meet some hot black chicks!! i heard there really cute down there

Answer 9

They're just in denial of the simple truth. That they're actually 11 unclaimed States, and ALMOST Americans.

Answer 10

jealousy because their country is cold and boring