[philyd13]

I personally find it mind boggling that within a country so dependent on the US, anti-American views are even able to exist. One must know that our country has become absolutely dependent on the US in numerous aspects. From an economic standpoint we rely on them for 85% of our exports. Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau once related neighboring with the States to "sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, one is affected by every twitch and grunt." Militarily the Canadian government over time has cut vast amounts of defense spending. They do this because they would rather someone else spend money for our protection. Is this efficient? Yes, but is ethical? No. Culturally we have also come to depend on them. Most TV shows, music, movies, etc that we grow up exposed to are almost primarily American. Our countries are among the youngest in the world, and we share similar histories. Both are children of Britain, and both were formed with the blood, sweat, and tears of European immigrants. Our countries have forged one of the strongest alliances in the world. This must not be overlooked, and the world longest undefended border, which we share, must not be jeopardized. One must simply think of Canada as the younger sibling of the US, sure we may be annoying at times, and sure we have our differences, but that certainly does not make us enemies. I simply find it frustrating how dense Canadian people are able to create so much turbulence toward such a vital relationship (yes i said dense, because those who believe in something unjustifiable can only be that). Considering our dependency, I cannot understand how any Canadian citizen can be disrespectful. We continue to benefit from having a superpower for a best friend and we should show our appreciation rather then take it for granted. Not only is it unethical and ignorant, but also ultimately stupid. I will leave you with a quote from President John F Kennedy, “Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder. What unites us is far greater than what divides us.” So can someone please let me know how ANY Canadian can possibly be anti-American? How is it possible for people to have these sort of attitudes about a country that supports us militarily, culturally, and most importantly economically. Our economic dependence could be seen in the great depression, as we were the harderst hit country (besides the US obviously), and since then our ties have only become stronger, proving if the US falls, we fall. It is stupid to be a proud Canadian, and not be proud of our neighbour also, as they should be thanked for helping us retain our countries very existance. Im anticipating alot of negative replies, mostly from those who are anti-american themselves, but i welcome them all. It is OK to dislike a certain governmnet, however to dislike the people as a whole is rash and unjustified. We must respect our neigbour, we owe it to them considerably. Anti-American attitudes are embarrassing to me, and i mostly hear them from unintelligent kids who percieve it as 'cool' (i am in grade 12), i just want to know how some of you see something seeminly unjustifiable as justifiable. I look forward to your replies.

[sandorski]

Paragraphs.

I disagree with you. What you perceive as "Anti-American" is largely Pro-Canadian. I'm neither Pro/Anti myself, but will certainly criticize the US when I see something I disagree with.

[Mr_Canada old]

I believe it could be BECAUSE we are so dependant on the United States that it angers some of us into dislike of the United States.

Well, personally, it's why I am.

Some Canadians hate the idea of having their country dependant on another, and wish for Canada to be more.... independent and sovereign.

We don't want to be dependant. We want our OWN stuff.

[Mr_Canada old]

sandorski sandorski:

Paragraphs.

I disagree with you. What you perceive as "Anti-American" is largely Pro-Canadian. I'm neither Pro/Anti myself, but will certainly criticize the US when I see something I disagree with.

Well, I wouldn't say PRO-Canadian....

I think it would just simply be Nationalist.

[Clogeroo]

$1:

Well, I wouldn't say PRO-Canadian....

I think it would just simply be Nationalist.

Or a fascist?

[Banff]

Nice little speech.
I am personally , more anti Canadian - pro American Canadian than I am anti American . There are certain attributes about the US that I find good and bad . Many have said to me , that we depend on the US far too much , and as though we are too afraid to do many things on our own , and of course I feel the same . Since you seem pro-american perhaps you'd like to share what it is about Canada which makes you proud to be a Canadian and not an American , because frankly I'd like to revoke all citizenships from those who are americans first and Canadians only when opportunism speaks.

[Mustang1]

There’s nothing wrong with questioning America. In many ways your “anti-Americanism” is a relative term anyway, as for some, merely critiquing contemporary American foreign policy is indicative of hostile leanings. In fact, Canadians have always been wary of Americanism – see UEL and their abject rejection of Republicanism – but there is a difference between philosophical differences and outright American bashing – which, I’ll grant you, can be tedious and banal. The opposite, blind American apologists, are no better, mind you.

Lastly, I noticed that you consciously decided that many detractors will somehow harbour anti-American sentiments, and this is rather flawed logic. Instead of branding those that disagree with agendas – which is rather duplicitous – why not intelligently address their ideas instead of rejecting them out of hand.

I do, however have some issues with your “rant” and I hope you can address them

$1:

“Our countries are among the youngest in the world, and we share similar histories”

Our countries are among the youngest in the world? Really? Compared to, what, England? Or France? What about Italy or Germany or the slew of emerging Eastern European or African nations?

Secondly, we don’t have ‘similar’ histories at all. We may share some history, but that doesn’t render it similar. In fact, the “differences” produced rather different nations, albeit one that do have some similarities. I’d be interested in seeing how you substantiate your point

$1:

“ they should be thanked for helping us retain our countries very existance.”

Huh? Could you elaborate on how the U.S. aided us in retaining our very existence?

[philyd13]

In reply to 'Sandorski', of course you and others will criticize the US on certain issues. Criticism is important, it is part of the 'freedom of speech' ideology that both our countries embrace. It is an essential factor in keeping democracy alive, and I personally criticize the US government on many issues. However, criticism and anti-Americanism are two completely different things, for one is just and the other is unjust. Perhaps you are right that pro-Canadian attitudes may fuel anti-American ones, however if you are correct in thinking this than this does not say much for the intelligence of the anti-American populace. People should have the intelligence to differentiate the two, and not interconnect them. To be pro-Canadian, should mean being pro-American, because without the US, to even be pro-Canadian would be a non-existent concept because our country would be non-existent. In response to 'Avro', I agree whole-heartedly with you.

[Banff]

Also if your teachers are teaching you to be pro-American over Canadian they should be fired . We can as a nation , grow to become independant and more defined , and lose no respect as allys for the US in the process .

[Mr_Canada old]

Clogeroo Clogeroo:

$1:

Well, I wouldn't say PRO-Canadian....

I think it would just simply be Nationalist.

Or a fascist?

Well technically....Only partially,

Banff Banff:

because frankly I'd like to revoke all citizenships from those who are americans first and Canadians only when opportunism speaks.

Here here!

[Banff]

philyd13 philyd13:

In reply to 'Sandorski', of course you and others will criticize the US on certain issues. Criticism is important, it is part of the 'freedom of speech' ideology that both our countries embrace. It is an essential factor in keeping democracy alive, and I personally criticize the US government on many issues. However, criticism and anti-Americanism are two completely different things, for one is just and the other is unjust. Perhaps you are right that pro-Canadian attitudes may fuel anti-American ones, however if you are correct in thinking this than this does not say much for the intelligence of the anti-American populace. People should have the intelligence to differentiate the two, and not interconnect them. To be pro-Canadian, should mean being pro-American, because without the US, to even be pro-Canadian would be a non-existent concept because our country would be non-existent. In response to 'Avro', I agree whole-heartedly with you.

I think you should leave Canada for awhile and reapply for Canadian citizenship in the future .Not to be rude , but reading between the lines I find alot of your words bent toward American politics , and very little confidence in building a strong Canadian nation .

[Mr_Canada old]

$1:

To be pro-Canadian, should mean being pro-American, because without the US, to even be pro-Canadian would be a non-existent concept because our country would be non-existent. In response to 'Avro', I agree whole-heartedly with you.

To be Pro-Canadian you must be Pro-Canadian. Period. We don't have to like the Untied States. Explain to me how the United States helped us become a country? Infact, it THREATENED it. Was it 5 times? Are you saying that Canada wouldn't itself, if the US didn't exist, protect itself if the world was a threat?

I think Canada would be a little more different country without the US, but we'd still be a country. Just without American influence. Keep in mind that Canada and America weren't even allies until around WWI.

$1:

Also if your teachers are teaching you to be pro-American over Canadian they should be fired . We can as a nation , grow to become independant and more defined , and lose no respect as allys for the US in the process .

That's better. I agree.

Same with Anti-American teachers..... Well, at least Anti-American teachers who lie.

[philyd13]

In response to 'Mustang1', this was in fact, a Rant that I quickly put together to present last year in English class. I agree, there are some flaws, but none of the flaws are contradictory or capable of jeopardizing the key point I was trying to get across in this rant. The key point being that I do not feel that Anti-American sentiment from Canadians is justifiable. Therefore there is only one of the issues in which you have risen, that I will justify because it is the only one relevant to my main thesis.

So, when I said 'they should be thanked for helping us retain our very existence' I was referring to the fact that our economy is strong when theirs is strong, it is weak when theirs is weak, and this concept only works one way. If the Canadian economy crashed, it would effect the American economy but likely not too dangerously. If the American economy crashed however, the Canadian economy would fall with it. Our Canadian way of life would fall when theirs falls. So when I say they should be thanked, it is because this Canadian way of life in which we love and take pride in, is essentially made possible because of the American economy. So because of this, they do help us retain our very existence, and they should both be respected and thanked for this. If Canada was attacked, do you think our military would be capable of defending the second largest (landmass) country in the world? Not a chance. So who do you think would be flying over to rescue us all? The Americans. I’m just thanking them in advance, and giving them the respect they deserve. Not that it is likely, but if it ever happened (a military attack, or an economic crash), the rest of Canada would realize this also. Until Canada is able to support itself, and until we do not need the USA as a crutch, I will stand firm in saying that Anti-American attitudes are unjustifiable.

[Clogeroo]

$1:

I personally find it mind boggling that within a country so dependent on the US, anti-American views are even able to exist. One must know that our country has become absolutely dependent on the US in numerous aspects. From an economic standpoint we rely on them for 85% of our exports. Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau once related neighboring with the States to "sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, one is affected by every twitch and grunt." Militarily the Canadian government over time has cut vast amounts of defense spending. They do this because they would rather someone else spend money for our protection. Is this efficient? Yes, but is ethical? No. Culturally we have also come to depend on them. Most TV shows, music, movies, etc that we grow up exposed to are almost primarily American. Our countries are among the youngest in the world, and we share similar histories. Both are children of Britain, and both were formed with the blood, sweat, and tears of European immigrants. Our countries have forged one of the strongest alliances in the world. This must not be overlooked, and the world longest undefended border, which we share, must not be jeopardized. One must simply think of Canada as the younger sibling of the US, sure we may be annoying at times, and sure we have our differences, but that certainly does not make us enemies. I simply find it frustrating how dense Canadian people are able to create so much turbulence toward such a vital relationship (yes i said dense, because those who believe in something unjustifiable can only be that). Considering our dependency, I cannot understand how any Canadian citizen can be disrespectful. We continue to benefit from having a superpower for a best friend and we should show our appreciation rather then take it for granted. Not only is it unethical and ignorant, but also ultimately stupid. I will leave you with a quote from President John F Kennedy, “Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies. Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder. What unites us is far greater than what divides us.” So can someone please let me know how ANY Canadian can possibly be anti-American? How is it possible for people to have these sort of attitudes about a country that supports us militarily, culturally, and most importantly economically. Our economic dependence could be seen in the great depression, as we were the harderst hit country (besides the US obviously), and since then our ties have only become stronger, proving if the US falls, we fall. It is stupid to be a proud Canadian, and not be proud of our neighbour also, as they should be thanked for helping us retain our countries very existance. Im anticipating alot of negative replies, mostly from those who are anti-american themselves, but i welcome them all. It is OK to dislike a certain governmnet, however to dislike the people as a whole is rash and unjustified. We must respect our neigbour, we owe it to them considerably. Anti-American attitudes are embarrassing to me, and i mostly hear them from unintelligent kids who percieve it as 'cool' (i am in grade 12), i just want to know how some of you see something seeminly unjustifiable as justifiable. I look forward to your replies.

Canadians still do have a colonial mentality. We wish to still be noticed or to please those to just get some attention. Many Canadians will actually get excited if even a Canadian or Canada is mentioned by the United States or in their media. Like we should feel privileged they took notice of our affairs. This longing for recognition is almost a plague here. Even look at one of the most popular programmes produced by the CBC talking to Americans. Basically about laughing at how unaware Americans are of Canada. Sure it may be good for a few laughs but there is something deeper about this in that we know so much about Americans and the United States we feel as they should know the same about us but they do not nor care.

Even as you said we are the “younger sibling” or as if we are just “lesser Americans”. Another problem with Canada is most people do not know who they are or are so much like Americans this makes them very insecure about themselves and their country. If you have no reason to be a distinct people or a country then that raises many problems and questions. Then those who wish to be distinct will try and act like they are or be louder about it. That is why part of Canadian nationalism for some is really just comparing themselves to Americans. Their entire identity depends on being different from other people.

One area although many will not agree with me is the British part of Canada. Those who cannot come to gripes with this or who continue to see Britain as the imperial power that held us down. Those who see the union jack as if it is not part of our country or has no place here. Canada was part of the British Empire an economic, political, and military organisation voluntarily. It was like NATO but probably times ten. It didn’t always work our way but most global organisations never go one country’s way but this one helped Canada enormously. This is part of who we are for Canada is much like Great Britain or once was. We could be English or French or be whatever race or of any creed but also were Canadians part of an empire and were equal subjects. The past though has been largely forgotten and many want nothing to do with it. As a result this has weakened even the meaning of Canada and Canadians. After all any viable country must have a past or be weak and ephemeral as a result.

All of these things probably have fuelled anti-Americanism, anti-Canadianism, separatism, and much insecurity about our country and ourselves.