A Question For Our Canadian friends

Canadians' "Global Power"

I suspect the power of Canadian "presence" was proved during WW-II. Fought side by side with US, as well as Australian, many others. Regardless of ethnic ambiguities, Canada's help in that skirmish proves their pluck, when the wall fronts the balls. imp
 

Shalimar said:
Actually it seems to be primarily about respect. We were asked by op if we defined ourselves as North Americans. We replied in the negative. For some reason, some American posters took exception, and felt the need to correct us. Why?
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Speaking only for myself, my teaching self cannot ignore facts. Defining oneself as whatever one wishes is certainly a right, but when it comes down to intransigence I take a stand. Ignoring and/or disputing basic geography is, to me, like dangling a catnip mouse in front of a cat - you cannot expect me to NOT reply.

This is about a sovereign nation having the right to decide for itself it's own identity.
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That identity was created when certain collections of landmasses were named many years ago.

No one else need agree, after all, it is not about anyone other than Canadians.
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I don't like to see people delude themselves so I attempt to point out the facts.

Certain comments were construed, I think correctly, as dismissive toward women, a bullying approach. Again, a respect issue. To us these behaviours came across as contempt. It is distressing to be treated this way.
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I won't comment on this dimension of the thread, as I wasn't even aware of it.
 
imp said:
I suspect the power of Canadian "presence" was proved during WW-II. Fought side by side with US, as well as Australian, many others. Regardless of ethnic ambiguities, Canada's help in that skirmish proves their pluck, when the wall fronts the balls. imp
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Oi. As I understand it, you joined us and you were a bit late. About 2 years late.

Only Joking, don't take it personally. Your help was appreciated. :grin:
 
Shalimar said:
I respect you, Philly, but we will continue to disagree on this one. Reality is perception after all. Lol. One hand claps for us all.
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I respect you as well - you should know that by now. We can agree to disagree as well - that's part of life's yummy soup. :chuncky:

Reality is perception ... I would have to say yes and no. I could perceive that a huge white marshmallow is coming at me, when in reality it's a truck. My perception in that case would be faulty - and painful. But outside of physically dangerous scenarios, sure, perceive away.

What is the sound of one hand clapping? (MAN, I've wanted to use that line for a long time!)
 
Well, as the OP of this thread I certainly didn't expect it to turn into anything that would cause upset for anyone...:(

Thanks for everyone's replies anyway it's been a bit of an eye opener to see the strength of feeling from both Camps.. .
 
There is a cultural conflict here. Canadians simply define ourselves in another fashion. We do not feel bound by arbitrary dictionary definitions. I live in North America, however I am a Canadian. We do not presume to define Americans. We feel that would be inappropriate. I think I have said enough on this particular subject. Everyone, have a lovely day.
 
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SifuPhil said:
......

Not saying Canada is America - it is PART of THE AMERICAS.....
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I think we've acknowledged several times that 'Canada' is on the North American continent, but we don't think of ourselves as Americans in any way, shape or form and wasn't that the question: how do Canadians think of themselves? We think of ourselves, we identify as Canadians. We don't identify as Americans.
 
hollydolly said:
Well, as the OP of this thread I certainly didn't expect it to turn into anything that would cause upset for anyone...:(
Thanks for everyone's replies anyway it's been a bit of an eye opener to see the strength of feeling from both Camps.. .
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Yes it is very interesting and not surprising that people want to be identified by the country they belong to. I didn't feel upset, but was somewhat miffed and astounded that it needed so much clarification.

You can pose that question to anyone anywhere, and they will react the same way.

For example: Do Scottish, Irish and Welsh identify themselves as British, because after all they are in the British Isles? Imagine how they would react?
 
How a simple subject like this can get people so angry and bring far afield charges into the fray is beyond me. I re-read this whole thread and still find no signs of any form of gender "bullying". To me is was only geography, nothing more.
 
The OP addressed the question to Canadians, not you. You are not a Canadian, so pushing your point of view so hard is bullying us and very annoying and certainly not appreciated. Because you are not Canadian, this subject is not something you know anything about, obviously, because again, I repeat - you are not Canadian, and know jack squat about what Canadians think.
 
Cookie said:
The OP addressed the question to Canadians, not you. You are not a Canadian, so pushing your point of view so hard is bullying us and very annoying and certainly not appreciated. Because you are not Canadian, this subject is not something you know anything about, obviously, because again, I repeat - you are not Canadian, and know jack squat about what Canadians think.
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Ok Cookie.....
 
funny thread.
I think a bit of our Canadian frustration with identity and pride could be the fact we often get asked "so are you 'Merican or Canadian?". "Where are you from? America or Canada"
For me to be clear I always say Canada. I like it to be known there is a difference.
 
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