As a nation, we are proud of our identity. However,
many of us cannot articulate what it means to be Canadian, only that our country is different, and better than, the United States.
Living in the shadow of our neighbour to the South, the United States, we are greatly influenced by their culture. We are both free, democratic societies, and we have strong ties to each other, but the two countries are very different. The best way to highlight these differences is to compare Canadian values to those of Americans.
“We like the cold and don’t complain,” is how my brother describes being Canadian (J. Roud). In this country, winter can be brutal. Most of us would not say that we actually enjoy being cold, but without winter we would not have many of our favourite things, such as: hockey, skiing, maple syrup, and there would be no need for Tim Horton’s coffee for warmth. Even if we do not like the cold, we stay quiet because we are too nice and polite, two traits not often used when describing Americans.
Another one of the main factors that sets these two great nations apart is the government structure and economy. One follows a belief in a social welfare system, while the other pushes more individualism and capitalism. This can be seen in its most basic form in the two countries’ slogans: “Peace, Order, and Good Government” in Canada, and “The Pursuit of Happiness” in the US. When asked what the biggest difference between the two countries is, my mom says, “America is more capitalist, while Canada takes a more socialist approach,” (A. Roud). Many Canadians are happy to say that they have always had universal healthcare and can go to the doctors without paying out of pocket, while this is still a contentious issue for the States, making us more fortunate. This does come at a price though, namely much higher taxes.
Continuing, Canadians also like to believe that our society is a cultural mosaic, or “The Tossed Salad,” people can come and live here without full assimilation. In contrast, America is viewed as “The Melting Pot,” where immigrants are encouraged to become “American.” This shows how the United States is proud of its culture and history and would like to share that with others without altering it, while Canada has the desire to grow its roots, learn from other cultures, and change with its people.
However, even though modern Canada is influenced by America in many ways, and we may seem so similar, Canadians do have a distinct culture. The three main differences are: our passions, our government, and our diversity of citizens. As a nation, we are proud to be Canadians, and deserve to be, because of this great land we call our home.
Works Cited
Roud, Amanda. Interview. 6 Jan. 2018.
Roud, Jack. Interview. 4 Jan. 2018.
Unknown. American Influence. Wikimedia Commons, upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Flag_map_of_Canada_and_United_States_%28American_Flag%29.png.
---. Canadian Starter Pack. StarterPack Memes, www.starterpackmemes.com/img/uploads/2476_canadian-stereotypes.jpg.
---. Diversity. Blogspot, 1.bp.blogspot.com/_dan-4F-nkSo/TOdVZ9M8BsI/AAAAAAAABKE/A7ZAsNIUOdc/s1600/AmericaIsMessyFoodEitherWay.jpg.
---. I Am Canadian. Huffington Post, o.aolcdn.com/images/dims3/GLOB/legacy_thumbnail/1200x630/format/jpg/quality/85/http%3A%2F%2Fi.huffpost.com%2Fgen%2F1210718%2Fimages%2Fh-MOLSON-I-AM-CANADIAN-RETURNS-628x314.jpg.
---. North America Flag Map. Viktoria, viktoria.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/depositphotos_51647815-North-America-Map-With-Flags.gif.
---. Polite Meme. WannaJoke, wanna-joke.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/funny-picture-canadians-are-too-polite.jpg.
I think the way you decided to approach this topic was very smart. To compare Canadian values to the United States' values emphasizes your point of view. You brought up the point of a melting point, or the tossed salad; which do you think is a better way to look at immigration and why?
ReplyDeleteVery good idea to compare the neighbouring countries to help support your point. later on you talk about the idea that Canada changes with the people in it vs the fact that the US stays the same. why do you think Canada changes and/or why the US stay the same?
ReplyDeleteI like how mentioned the melting pot and tossed salad which connected your blog to the first unit. In your first paragraph you speak of people assuming Canadians are American just they speak English has this ever personally happened to you? Do you think it is a good thing that Canada and the U.S. are so closely related or do you think they should emphasize their distinctive cultures?
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ReplyDeleteI liked how you displayed that Canadian people are proud of their country and how being Canadian is considered a high honour among other people. It was especially awesome how you called out those americans on their rude habits and immature attitude. I thought that the way you represented Canada as a country that likes to embrace other cultures and grow for them. Where as America is a melting pot that doesn’t allow much of the idea of incorporating other cultures into its identity. Overall, I thought that your blog was very interesting and eye opening on the what Canada Values about its country and it heritage.
ReplyDeleteMadison,it was very interesting to read your blog. The way you showed how Canadians are different from America was very smart. I liked how you described America as a melting pot and Canada like a mixed salad. This is true, our nation is very diverse and accepting. This value attracts other people from different parts of the world to come and start a life in Canada. When I lived in Mauritius for two years, some Mauritians would be surprised when I would say that Canadians are not the same as Americans. I do agree that Canada is influenced by America, but Canadians are polite.
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