For Canucks... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/07/2004 08:24:01 AM · #1

Hey, have you guys noticed the 180 degree (in Celsius) turn in the media's attitude towards Canada?

I remember constantly hearing jokes and putdowns on American televisions about the GWN, but lately I'm hearing waaaaay more positive stuff than negative...I'm kind of enjoying it.

Here's the latest, which I think is funny...

They may one day know our capital...

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

12/07/2004 08:55:17 AM · #2

I've travelled quite a bit and I tell ya... that Canadian flag is also quite a chick magnet!!! ;-)

Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

12/07/2004 10:09:04 AM · #3

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:

I've travelled quite a bit and I tell ya... that Canadian flag is also quite a chick magnet!!! ;-)

I've noticed on your profile page that you take photographs without a shirt on...that must be the reason they're flocking your way!

I remember hearing about a year and a half ago (from several different people) that had gone south to vacation and they were given the finger on several occasions while driving through a town and that they were refused gas at a gas station because of the Ontario plates...I'm not sure if the situations are changing or just the stories I hear...

Message edited by author 2004-12-07 10:14:03.

orussell

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

12/07/2004 10:11:03 AM · #4

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

CNN suddenly loves us because Martin is kissing Dubya's butt. It's too funny how the media is able to spin things to the point of making up the public's collective mind on issues.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/07/2004 10:12:16 AM · #5

Originally posted by orussell:

CNN suddenly loves us because Martin is kissing Dubya's butt. It's too funny how the media is able to spin things to the point of making up the public's collective mind on issues.

My point exactly! Well said...

kosmikkreeper

Nikon D300s

12/07/2004 10:12:39 AM · #6

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:
I've travelled quite a bit and I tell ya... that Canadian flag is also quite a chick magnet!!! ;-)

I've noticed on your profile page that you take photographs without a shirt on...that must be the reason their flocking your way!

I remember hearing about a year and a half ago (from several different people) that had gone south to vacation and they were given the finger on several occasions while driving through a town and that they were refused gas at a gas station because of the Ontario plates...I'm not sure if the situations are changing or just the stories I hear...

Thank God I'll have Quebec plates soon!!! ;-)

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/07/2004 10:14:19 AM · #7

Je me souviens...Montreal?

Morgan

Nikon D800

12/07/2004 10:33:19 AM · #8

This positive Canadian branding has been going on for many years. It is not a new thing.

In the early 70s, I lived in Tokyo, Japan studying photography.

(I know, I know; my DPC scores clearly show I was a poor student...)

For my first three months in Japan, it was very lonely. My only English-speaking contacts were my fellow students who were mostly older American military personnel or the children of American military personnel. I did not live on a US Air Force base, so I spent a lot of spare time by myself. I simply assumed that none of the locals spoke any English. At that time only 3% of Japan was non-Japanese, so it made sense to me that they were not conversant in my language.

In those days, the USA still came and went from Japan as they pleased and without any regard for Japanese government approvals. Gigantic military ships would just sail into Tokyo Harbour unannounced and depart the same way. These practices were left over from the American post-war actions after Japan surrendered.

Many Japanese kids my age "did" want to hang out with me. But, that was just so they could speak and practice their English. They did not actually want to be my friend. I was just a free educational tool. So, it just made the situation worse for me.

In the mid 70s, all of the Japanese kids wanted to be American, act American, and look American. As a Canadian, I was the closest thing that they had to an American in my Prefecture. My denim blue jeans were highly prized and could have been sold for 10 to 20 times what I paid for them at home. Anything American was sought after by the kids.

In contrast, the parents and grandparents were the exact opposite.

They still remembered the war and hated all Americans. I could feel it wherever I went. People would stare at me and the expressions on their faces easily demonstrated what they thought. Japanese are known for their ability to control their feelings and hide their emotions. But, you would not know that from my experiences.

One day a care package arrived from my Mother who still lives in the Niagara Region (in Ontario). It included Canadian flags, patches, label pins and more. Mom knew something that I did not. I liked the Canadian stuff and displayed it proudly. I had the patches sewn on to my Levi jacket by the local dry cleaner�s wife. I wore the label pin every day.

That is when my world completely changed.

Suddenly, everyone was happy to see me. Shopkeepers now smiled at me where once glares of hatred were all that were offered. Many people tried to speak English to me. The man in the camera store suddenly spoke beautiful English to me, where I had regularly struggled to purchase film and batteries from him with my pathetically butchered attempt at Japanese. The world completely opened up for me because of these silly flags and emblems.

I do not mean to condemn my American friends with this story. But, I am sure that you can all appreciate the attitude of the older Japanese who were still living with the first-hand defeat of the war and who felt like an �occupied� nation at that time.

Many things changed while I lived in Tokyo for those couple of years. The USA had to finally seek Japanese permission to enter the country. The cold war ended and the need for 18 American fighter-jet equipped, so-called weather stations in Japan were no longer as essential.

{To offer some perspective, the entire country of Japan will fit within the space of Lake Superior. So the excess of military bases blatantly disguised as weather stations were a ruse that fooled no one. But, they were deemed essential to maintain the balance of world power concerning Russia and China.}

Japan and America both moved on and life continued to improve. But, it was a very difficult time for everyone. Being a Canadian means that we are sometimes immune to the major political challenges of the world and are often viewed more favourably by others. We are seen as a friend; rather than as a bully, or an infidel, or the world�s largest authority and power. Canadians are known as peacekeepers and folks remember Canadians in this more positive light.

Canada is simply good branding and a consistent marketing message! But, in reality, it is likely not always the truth. Nor, is the perception of a world that is 100% anti-American. In my view it is likely better to simply be proud of whom you are and to respect others and avoid the politics when you travel.

Anyway, as I have travelled around the globe, I have discovered a far better device to earn friendship and respect that is way more powerful than any country�s flag, badge or label pin. It is a smile. And, it is contagious. Give it a try. It is free to all and universally understood.

Message edited by author 2004-12-07 11:58:50.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/07/2004 10:58:03 AM · #9

That's the neatest thing (both the story and advice) I'll ready today...thanks Morgan!

Morgan

Nikon D800

12/07/2004 11:49:00 AM · #10

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

That's the neatest thing (both the story and advice) I'll ready today...thanks Morgan!

I am happy that you found it to be helpful - Michael

Russell2566

12/07/2004 03:47:19 PM · #11

!

Message edited by author 2019-12-27 11:21:04.

Morgan

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

12/08/2004 05:53:28 PM · #12

This news is gaining a great deal of traction...

I saw it elaborated upon in two of our Canadian daily newspapers, which surprised me. But, here it is as an excerpt from an Australian news web site.
---------------------------------

Not my fault, I'm Canadian
by Elaine Monaghan
December 9, 2004

FOR some Americans, it is the ultimate humiliation, yet hundreds of US citizens preparing to holiday abroad are buying a travel kit that helps them pretend to be Canadian.

The kit, which a US company is selling for $US24.95 ($32), includes a T-shirt with a Canadian flag; Canadian stickers for suitcases; and even a quick reference guide titled How to Speak Canadian, Eh?

Traditionally, Americans have looked down on their northern neighbours, and Canadians are the butt of a thousand American jokes.

Relations between the countries, always prickly, are even more strained after Canada's refusal to back the US-led war on Iraq.

US President George W. Bush did not help matters during a recent visit to Ottawa. Confronted by protesters, he said he was grateful to those Canadians who came out to wave "with all five fingers".

Dim7

Canon EOS R

Canon EF 24-70 2.8L II

12/08/2004 07:41:09 PM · #13

Very well said Morgan! I lived in Taipei for a year in 86 and best ice breaker is a nice smile and friendly attitude. I found so many situations were the difference in culture made me laugh. When in another country do as the natives do, you can�t get into trouble that way and the people will appreciate you for it! I guess we as Canadians are known to be easy going. I think that we try to adapt to other cultures more instead of imposing ours on them!
;-)

Message edited by author 2004-12-08 19:44:57.

frychikn

Olympus C-5050Z

12/08/2004 07:49:31 PM · #14

You know, if I ever have occasion to travel abroad I will not pretend to be Canadian. Not that there is anything wrong with being Canadian, but I am American and not one damn bit ashamed of it. I don't flaunt it but never will I try to hide it either. If anybody wants to hate me because of my country of origin, that is their problem and not mine.

I loved the Bush line about being grateful for all the people who waved at him with all five fingers. The man has a sense of humor, unlike the vast majority of those who dislike him.

samtrundle

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

12/08/2004 07:55:34 PM · #15

Well, you can say many things about Michael Moore... but it's pretty hard to suggest the man doesn't have a sense of humour... I'd say plenty of bush haters have a sense of humour. It doesn't hurt that the man himself keeps giving them great comedic material to work with.

As for Canada itself... I love the place.

I lived in Montreal for 14 months, and had a complete blast - though minus 40 c is something an an aussie will never ever ever get accustomed to.

Message edited by author 2004-12-08 19:56:46.

Dim7

Canon EOS R

Canon EF 24-70 2.8L II

12/08/2004 07:57:30 PM · #16

Originally posted by frychikn:

I don`t like him but I don`t hate him and most of us got a good laugh at that line! I don`t think any American should be ashamed of who they are! Understanding ones identity is a large part of life and we are all molded by our environments and personal life experience. We should all be proud of where we come from, its who we are!! The truth is that after 911 most Americans are not travelling out of the U.S.A. as they had in the past. No one can blame them for feeling safer at home and what a beautiful diverse country you have!

Message edited by author 2004-12-08 20:12:32.

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

12/10/2004 12:18:53 PM · #17

Originally posted by frychikn:

I thought the Bush quote was hilarious as well! I also love the United States and the people there. There are serious differences in culture and in many respects I prefer the diversity and progression of Canadian culture. On the other hand, it seems that as Canadians we lack the confidence to celebrate our history and traditions as much as our friends to the south.

The point was made well by Dim7.

Beagleboy

Canon EOS-30D

12/10/2004 12:35:08 PM · #18

Originally posted by Russell2566:

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Originally posted by orussell:

CNN suddenly loves us because Martin is kissing Dubya's butt. It's too funny how the media is able to spin things to the point of making up the public's collective mind on issues.

My point exactly! Well said...

Funny, I thought it had more to do with the fact that they were allowing AWOL soldiers, also known as CRIMINALS apply/get refugee status?

We're not "allowing" anything. Citizenship and Immigration Canada are studying this very closely and will make an informed decision once all the facts have been evaluated.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

12/10/2004 10:54:01 PM · #19

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:

I remember hearing about a year and a half ago (from several different people) that had gone south to vacation and they were given the finger on several occasions while driving through a town and that they were refused gas at a gas station because of the Ontario plates...I'm not sure if the situations are changing or just the stories I hear...

Thank God I'll have Quebec plates soon!!! ;-) [/quote]

Either things must have changed dramatically, or this falls under the category of "Urban Legends". I for one have never been harshly treated by any American simply due to the fact that I am a Canadian. From June to September last, I had the great fortune of travelling from the Ottawa area to Seattle and and my return trip visited several states on the east coast. In each of the 21 states I went through I was very well received and got to make some wonderful new acquaintances and friends.

I have a great number of american friends as I live rather close to the border, and that I have had the opportunity to travel extensively within the USA over the years.

Don't be afraid to travel to the USA ,,,,,,you will most assuredly love the experience. I know I do.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

12/10/2004 10:55:37 PM · #20

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:

I've travelled quite a bit and I tell ya... that Canadian flag is also quite a chick magnet!!! ;-)

Surely you don't think its because they think that we are, mmmmmm,,,,, er, how do I say this.......... "Frozen stiff".....