Posted on 03/05/2006 9:53:07 AM PST by Heartofsong83
Too close for some people's comfort
Those who think Canadians are manifestly distinct from the folks next door may be disappointed by a new study
Terry O'Neill - February 27, 2006
The drumstick of Canadian nationalism beats with predictable regularity on the head of Uncle Sam. Ask many Canadians to define their country, and chances are they'll do so by contrasting it, superiorly, to the United States. As former prime minister Paul Martin put it during the election campaign, while his attack ads were busy painting Tory leader Stephen Harper as "[George] Bush's new best friend," Canadians see America as "our neighbour, not our nation."
That much is true. But those who think that means Canadians are manifestly distinct from the folks next door may be disappointed by a new study by Ronald Inglehart, of the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.
The political scientist says his empirical findings will come as a "shock to Canadians." After all, he says, "The worst insult I can make to my Canadian friends is to say, 'Aw, you're just like us.'"
But that may indeed be the case. As part of the Institute's World Values Survey, the professor plotted more than two dozen countries on a continuum: along one axis, he measured cultural attitudes associated with traditional or secular values; along the other, he gauged attitudes towards such things as tolerance for outsiders and self-expression. He then compared the current findings (based on data compiled no later than 2001) with those of two decades ago.
On the resulting graph, Canada ends up side by side not with Belgium, France or Sweden, but near the U.S.--with both registering values that fall roughly midway between secular and traditional, but with high levels of tolerance (Canada is marginally more permissive and marginally less religious). The only country measured that even approaches the philosophical space shared by our neighbouring nations is Ireland, which naturally skews slightly more religious and a tad less open-minded. Compared to data from the first time the countries were surveyed, at least 16 years ago, both the U.S. and Canada have shown similar rates of change toward secularism and liberalization.
Of course, an objective reading of the two nations' general approach to all manner of significant social and political issues (free speech, property rights, human rights, women's rights, minority rights, separation of state and religion, et cetera) would tell you so. That's why Inglehart likens the countries to rivalling siblings who exaggerate the ways they are unique instead of focusing on obvious resemblances. It's true, he allows, that the data used in the survey is now five years old, and it is possible the two countries may have diverged from their lockstep in the interim. "I'm sure the Canadians fervently hope so," chuckles Inglehart. Well, at least some do. Unfortunately, they'll have to wait till the next survey results are released, in late 2007, to find out.
They are truly out of touch with the population outside of the three largest urban areas, which skew Canada heavily to the left...
ping
My neighor who owns the house right next to me is a Canadian ... and a university professor. And he hates the USA.
There needs to be a redefinition of tolerance. Intolerance of public expression or practice of traditional religious beliefs, especially Christian, as is the case in Canada and much of Europe these days, is not particularly tolerant, IMHO.
Where on earth would they get it that they are superior to us?
"My neighor who owns the house right next to me is a Canadian ... and a university professor. And he hates the USA."
But WHY does he hate the USA? Is it because he's a Canadian? Or more likely because he's a professor?
They have some things in their favor. Fewer people and more resources are the two things that come quickly to mind.
Anti Liberal Smugness Sarcasm Torpedo ARMED. FIRE!!
Why, from themselves, of course. Who else would they trust?
Cheers!
Delta is ready when he is.
Interesting, albeit meaningless, anecdote. Do you imply that his personal predisposition can be correctly universalized across the Canadian populace? Would it be equally correct to suggest that my neighbors in Ontario, Canada who respect and admire the USA represent the entire Canadian populace (I own a house on Long Point on Lake Erie)?
Good question. I suspect it's because of his politics. He's obviously bright ... PHD in philosophy and degrees in piano theory. Has a real air of superiority. I do know I'm not anxious to discuss the issue with him. He is a jerk.
"He is a jerk."
Why did I guess it before you said it?
I am drawing conclusions about Canadians by the ones I meet. I have known some that are very nice but we don't talk politics. Increasingly I am meeting and reading about Canadians who think they are superior ... who hate this administration, etc.
I don't understand the rationale of deciding to live here ... and hate our way of life. I'd love to ask him if he's going to become a citizen, or if he is ever returning to Canada.
That's it exactly. I know many Canadians and all have said one thing, they may disagree with American Politics sometimes but hate Americans never. When I've asked that question I get a really wierd look and a "Lord no".
Sure there's a few crackpots but I think this whole "Canadian's hate Americans" is overblown.
The interesting question to ask Canadians isn't whether they hate Americans, but whether they hate terrorists - like Hamas or Hezbollah or the scum we are holding at Gitmo.
The American flag is flown next to the Canadian flag at her folk's house as it has been since her father was liberated from a German POW camp by Americans.
Many stores display a small American flag in their windows too.
Our "tolerance" for those who "hate the USA" yet remain around to enjoy the bounty of our freedom and material wealth is reaching its end. Your neighbor should leave, willingly or otherwise, especially in view of the fact that he is not a citizen but has chosen to remain the subject of a foreign sovereign. In other words, "F" him and all like him.
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