Shaun Groves
You can learn a lot from a Canadian over a little lunch.
1. Canadians are thinner than Americans and fatter than Europeans.
2. Canadians are more liberal than Americans and more conservative than Europeans.
3. Canadians have two political parties: liberal and more liberal.
4. Canada has one class: middle.
5. Canada has more school shootings per capita than America.
6. Canadians pay 40% in income tax.
7. Canadians have “free” health care.
8. Canadians wait two years or more for “unessential” procedures like knee replacement surgery.
9. Canadians have a Texas. They call it Alberta.
10. Canadians don’t hug.
11. Canadians now use “right?” more often than “eh?”
12. Canada’s Rob Bell, Chris Tomlin and Rick Warren are Rob Bell, Chris Tomlin and Rick Warren.
13. Canada has TexMex and rodeos.
14. Canadians are shocked that Americans don’t know the name of their prime minister.
15. Canadians claim Sarah McLachlan, Shania Twain, and Rick Moranis but not Keanu because he’s technically Lebanese.
Who knew?
Jenn says:
Yep, I think you’ve got it pretty much covered – Prime Minister is Stephen Harper just in case you need to know that. You should also add we don’t live in igloos – some places in Canada like Vancouver hardly ever have snow.
And while you are sort of right about the political parties, there are technically 4 represented federally – the PQ, NDP, Liberals and Conservatives, there is also a Green Party present for elections but do not have an elected representative.
Also I’ve been told we say out, about, roof, and insurance funny – though I guess the same could be said for those of you on the other side of the border.
We also have Tim Hortons which can be more or less considered our national “fast food chain” – but the large majority just frequent it for it’s coffee and not the sugary fatty dough pieces it sells.
mamasboy says:
Learning a bit about Canadian politics (e.g., who the prime minister is and the general political situation) goes a long ways toward pacifying the Canadian ego, which can’t stand to be ignored by Americans. The funny thing is, in my experience, I’m not sure they really expect Americans to know who Stephen Harper, Jean Chretien or Paul Martin are, or why Harper’s election rocked the boat up North. They just think we *should* know who they are, which makes sense given that they are our neighbors. My dad spent quite a bit of time in Canada, and he received some very nice compliments when surprised Canadians found out he was apprised of their political situation.
One thing I learned when visiting Canada myself: Canadians love to diss on the US to their American guests’ faces. I’ve listened silently to this repeatedly and wondered to myself how they would react if they were visiting the US and a US tour guide, waiter, etc. insulted their country. It’s puzzled me even more, since I’ve always made an effort to understand their political situation and to not make statements that can be construed to make the US appear superior to Canada. I hope those you met were kinder than those I’ve interacted with. I imagine being a rock star helps with that.
If I had balls enough to ask whether Canadians claim him, I would ask what they think of Robert MacNeil. I just don’t have the cojones.
MB
Emily says:
Wait, Alberta is the Texas of Candada? I thought it was Quebec. But maybe this conflict of opinions has to do with the fact that I’m not from Texas and that my Canadian friends are mostly from Alberta.
Cali Amy says:
MB,
Not while in Canada, but abroad I experienced the same thing. It was actually hard to overcome for me, partly because we are so PC in the States!
Shawn Bashor says:
I can vouch for Jenn,
She is alright for a Canadian, in fact she is down right awesome. I have learned a lot through her and I also learned one very important thing. Some Canadians love Jesus as much as some Americans.
Krissy says:
How long do you suppose Americans without health insurance, or with bad health insurance ( like mine) wait for knee surgery? Three guesses.
shaunfan says:
I have opinions on your entire list, but I’ll stick with number 15 and make sure I put in a plug for my favorite Canadian export, Barenaked Ladies. Ed Robertson and Steven Page are the best. New BNL album out today, by the way called “Snacktime” their first ever Children’s album. http://www.bnlmusic.com/snacktime/?gclid=CMzoheaukpMCFQPHPAodaXurFA
Matt says:
so… according to #13 and #9… wouldn’t Canadian TexMex be AlAm?