I'm all for stereotypes. They're always good for a laugh or the backbone of a new sit-com. Are they all accurate? Yes. I 100% believe that stereotypes are well-rounded representations of cultures, races, hair-colours, and political alignments.Just kidding.
I actually have some major beef with the Canadian stereotype these days. Correct me if I'm wrong, people-who-likely-know-more-about-this-stereotype-than-the-actual-Canadian, but are we or are we not just assumed to be polite, spineless, hockey-playing, donut-making, maple syrup-drinking Americans?
My last trip out of the country was quite some time ago but yes, I experienced many times the "OH! You're a CANADIAN! Here I was thinking you were American...sorry!"
So then I think, if you really couldn't tell from the get-go, how much nicer can we actually be? I mean, as a Maritimer I do have some niceness and charm built in, but Toronto-natives are too busy smoking to cover the smell of vagabond urine to be friendly. And how do I suddenly become less of a betch as soon as you find out where I'm from? Believe me, I don't...I'm already talking about you behind your back and hating on your ugly shoes.
[Of course, the beautiful Dutch people use this statement in a completely different light as they still treat all of us like heroes for our work during WWII. I don't know how many times teary-eyed seniors personally thanked ME for the greatness of Canadians. THAT was amazing.]
That being said, I completely embodied one aspect of the stereotype all week. My hatred of this past (for the love of god make it all be over) winter has been well-documented. This week it has been sunny and about 15 degrees (59 Fahrenheit) and I have walked the dog every day until he could barely drag one paw in front of the other, I wore t-shirts outdoors, I saw people wearing shorts and considered it, and I even thought about tanning in the backyard.
This phenomenon is what I like to call, Canada-warm.
After months of our eyes being frozen shut, even the slightest heat means that it's officially summer and we should begin taking complete advantage of it in case Global Warming doesn't pull through.
Posts
21 comments:
i think we can count on global-warming.
also, canadiens make donuts? I had no idea.
eh?
I broke out my flip-flops last week after rugby practise because it was 10 degrees and my teammates thought I was out of my mind.
I'm Jewish. You know how many stereotypes are about me? A MILLION! So, yeah, I know how it feels. People hear that i'm Jewish and instinctively look for a crooked nose. Sigh.
I don't know how y'all handle the chill up there. I'd freak out, I think.
Yeah what's this business about donuts? I never heard that.
Plus you forgot about the igloos.
So...I guess I should go delete my post complaining about the fact that temperatures are hitting the 80's everyday here in Florida, huh? And if it makes you feel any better...I'm a blonde sorority girl. The stereotypes NEVER end, and they're almost ALL wrong.
when I travel to Europe I tell everyone I'm canadian! I live close enough, Windsor Ontario is across the street. But your canada-warm is very similar to Michigan-warm.
You know what? The donuts are probably more an internal thing. Anyone hear of Tim Horton's?
I can't believe I forgot both igloos AND "eh?"
Cultural Fail.
Ah Canada Warm. I'm a fan of Vancouver Dry (like today - the ground is wet, there are puddles everywhere, the air is moist as a mofo, but because there are no discernible rain drops it's officially Not Raining today.)
I'm a New England lesbain so I'm supposed to have short hair, dogs, look like I stepped out of the pages of an LL Bean catalogue, hate men, and have no sense of humor! Well, alright...but I don't hate all men, only stereotypical ones, and I do have a sense of humor, it's just not that funny.
If it's any consolation, I never thought Canadians were nice people. I pretty much hated them all for about 10 years after John Inglis from summer camp never wrote me back during the winter even though we totally made out behind the boat house. I figured it had nothing to do with me, but everything to do with him being Canadian.
Noelle: Oh my god, I totally know John! He said you were a complete huss :)
Well, as a sconnie, I must say I grew up with a LOT of stereotypes about all youse! ;)
1. Sweet & softspoken
2. UPer accents
3. ALL of you are mounties
4. No one has neighbors as you all live in the middle of nowhere
However, I've been to Canada and loved it. All thoughts proven wrong.
ps - My friends and I told everyone we were Canandian when we lived in England 2yrs ago. Sooo much easier than listening to all of Europe rant about what shitheads we Americans are.
I am a maple-syrup-drinking Canadian and damn proud of it!
My grandma is from Quebec. She still has a super heavy accent (even though she's lived here for like 40 years). I make fun of her a lot as if I'm not Canadian as well.
Oh, stereotypes. Some are amusing, but most of the time, it's just annoying.
I'm from the South, and there are plenty of stereotypes about us, too. You know, because we all enjoy our fried chicken, talk slow and are uneducated. Yeah...
Enjoy this bout of warmth! I'm sending some of this warm weather your way because it's really, really warm here.
Cassette45: What's a sconnie??
What about poutin? Is that how you spell it?
Ah yes, Poutine! It's a delicious concoction (best had in Quebec) where they take french fries, pop some cheese over the top (best using cheese curds) and melt it all by pouring gravy all over it.
The Newfoundlanders have the same thing but sometimes swap the cheese for dressing/stuffing/whateveryoucallitwhereyou'refrom
When I traveled Down Under, I just toldpeople I was Canadian. It was much easier.
MN last weekend: 65 degrees F
MN today: 35 degrees F
Forecast for MN next week: 75 degrees F.
I feel your pain--Fuck this shit!!
tanning? lucky. In Ottawa we're walking around with umbrellas lately.
Post a Comment