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Americans posing as Canadian abroad (pg. 16)
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| elFreak |
| Americans are hated here. I don't hate Americans, but most of the twats here are major scum. Then again, they tend to all be military and low class white trash/hood scum. Most schools here (including mine) do not hire Americans because its just too much hassle, so we often see the pretending to be canadian applied on a different level. Its funny when you interview someone then ask for their passport for visa purposes and they tell you that they lost it. I have lived in the US, and trust me there are just as many douchebags in canada, after all i came from there. |
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| verndogs |
| quote: | Originally posted by elFreak
Americans are hated here. I don't hate Americans, but most of the twats here are major scum. Then again, they tend to all be military and low class white trash/hood scum. Most schools here (including mine) do not hire Americans because its just too much hassle, so we often see the pretending to be canadian applied on a different level. Its funny when you interview someone then ask for their passport for visa purposes and they tell you that they lost it. I have lived in the US, and trust me there are just as many douchebags in canada, after all i came from there. |
Are Americans hated more there than the Japanese? |
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| elFreak |
The new generation do not hate the japanese. (they were removed from the war and occupation of course.) A few years back there was a craze on everything Korean in Japan (food, music, movies.), and this cultural exchange of sorts did not erase the past but ironed out relations quite a bit. American army bases occupy some of the most prime real estate in Seoul and the people want them out. You should see the fuss they are making over the Korean chairman considering lifting the ban on US beef.
and im not hating here, just saying what i see and hear.
*waits for a soldier to post we saved their ass in the war so i can get into how the korean war was really a front for a us/russia conflict*
pulls kimchi out butt.
anyohaseyo:p |
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| Dr. DAS |
| quote: | Originally posted by RJT
People take heed. What you say, what it means, and what you intend to argue for or against are three different things that all, apparently shockingly to some, affect one another.
Just because you don't intend to argue for or against something doesn't mean you aren't actually doing it. The problem is not with those debating you, the problem is that your positions are inherently flawed for more reasons than you either see or acknowledge.
In short, understand what is coming out of your mouths or keyboards before you say it and half the arguments you get into will be avoided. |
...still not getting it.
I don't understand - and I'm speaking to this strictly for clarification - why you started pulling apart the historical references in my first post.
In order to creat context for the subject at hand, that being the practice of American tourists wearing Canadian flags and the perversion of our national identity as a result, I provided examples of events that had helped to shape the image of a nation - a nation that was still in the process of discovering thier own place as a citizen of the world and not simply a dominion of the British Empire.
It is not your place, and is inappropriate, to contest any of these events as seminal moments in our history because, quite simply, you don't know the first thing about Canadian history. I do. I was raised in Canada, studied at Canadian schools and served in the Canadian military. I know what I am talking about.
However, instead of adding to the discussion at hand you take a completely oblique route to discredit the post, and fail.
Instead of speaking in the defence of your countrymen or adding some insight to the converstation with your American perspective, you essentially deny that Canada has any culture of it's own, that our achievements and tradgeies are insignifigant. Regrettably, I allowed myself to be drawn into this conversation and the thread became perverted as a result.
Now, you say it is my fault you took the wrong offramp because I built the highway.
Read the initial post again. There is no personal attack, there is no attack on Americans as a people, quite the opposite, and for some reason you attached yourself to the wrong issue and took us all for a walk. The references I made were intended only as a means to give those people with a limited knowledge of Canadian history and development, be they American, Australian, Polish or Persian, some insight as to how we see ourselves, and how I percieve the Canadian identity being used as a shield.
Canada worked very hard to develop it's reputation abroad, and instead of adressing that your fellow Americans are ashamed or frightened to identify themselves (which I thought was a very interesting social subject)in foreign countries, you jump right to denying that we have any national identity at all.
Whether we are the most powerful or most benign nation on the planet is beside the point. The point is that your foriegn policy has made it uncomfortable to travel because of world public opinion, and so your people conceal thier identity and pervert our image abroad.
You started an irrelevant arguement and are trying to justify it. Identify the topic being discussed and say something on-topic and insightful, or say nothing at all. The conversation will flow much smoother.
30 Helens agree. |
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| XaNaX |
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| verndogs |
| quote: | Originally posted by pkcRAISTLIN
a stereotype is a stereotype for a reason ;) |
I'm not denying the stereotype about the obnoxious American tourist. Hell, one of my worst experiences traveling happened to be when I was sitting next to one of these stereotypical American tourists on a seemingly endless flight from London to NYC. (I'll save the story for later)
It's just that WE ARE NOT ALL LIKE THAT. |
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| Fpcookie |
| RJT is doing nothing to help the cause lol |
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| verndogs |
| quote: | How to Avoid Ugly American Syndrome
My fellow Americans,
Are you planning a vacation to Europe? Are you aware of “Ugly American Syndrome”? You know how Americans tell jokes about foreigners (the French always seem to be a popular target for a laugh)? Well, guess what? They tell jokes about you! And from what I have observed the European stereotype of the ugly American is embarrassingly true.
I saw a play in Ireland in summer 1999 in which American tourists were satired--they were dressed in white sneakers, fanny packs, t-shirts with a sports team logo, and baseball caps. They complained about the cigarette smoke and asked for decaf coffee. Quite amusing since the actors resembled my parents a bit. (Though, I must admit I also asked for decaf coffee in Ireland.)
Some stereotypes and how to avoid them:
1. Americans are loud. Talk less loudly. Many Europeans speak English very well. There is no need to speak extra slowly and there is certainly no need to increase your volume. If you meet someone who does not speak English, speaking loudly will not help them to suddenly do so. Americans also talk very loudly with each other. I know that might be harder to avoid, but observe other people around you and speak at the same level. It's not a contest--you don't need to be louder than them.
2. Americans complain because things are different from home. Well, you do. Ok, not all of you. Many are open-minded and want to experience difference. Why the rest of you bother to leave home, I don’t know. A couple of things Americans usually complain about :
* Caffeine. Most Europeans do NOT drink decaf coffee. So don’t ask for it. Even if a restaurant or café claims it has decaf, they don’t. You won’t know the difference until it’s too late.
* Smoke. Most European restaurants do NOT have a non-smoking section. So quit whining about the smoke. You are not going to get lung cancer from a two-week vacation. Besides, if you are travelling during high tourist season, you probably won’t have a problem finding a smoke free (or at least a less smoky) restaurant because they’ll all be filled with other American tourists. My advice: Suck it up!
3. Ugly white tennis shoes. I see this all the time. American tourists are soooo easy to spot because they wear brand spanking new blinding white sneakers. I know where this comes from--it’s from all the suburbanites reading tour books warning them to “wear comfortable walking shoes.” Americans, who drive their cars everywhere, generally put up with uncomfortable shoes more than others. So how to buy comfy shoes is a mystery to them. They go to their local sports store or nearest LL Bean catalog and purchase special shoes just for the trip. If you don't own comfy shoes that you can walk miles in, they please buy some! But don't get white sneakers. Try Birkenstocks, Doc Martins, or some other shoes that don't look like they were meant for exercise.
4. Funny hats. Baseball is an American sport. Baseball caps are distinctive American head wear. Nothing screams "I'm an Ugly American Tourist" like a baseball cap--ok, the white sneakers are worse. If you are worried about getting sun in your eyes then wear sunglasses.
5. Fat Fanny. I bet some guide book told you that a "fanny pack" would be a good idea. It would keep your hands free and deter pickpockets, right? Whatever. Seriously, would you wear one of those silly fanny packs at home? To work? To school? Then why on your trip? Backpacks are fine--get a small one. For women, use a purse! The same one you use at home should be fine. Yes, yes, I know "Beware of pickpockets." And you should. But wearing a fanny pack is ASKING a pickpocket to come get you. Do you know why? Because ONLY American tourists wear them! Don't be afraid to use your normal purse or school backpack (but please, please, pleeeeeease don't wear the backpack on your front). Simply be aware of it at all times and wear purses bandoleer style.
6. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and blue jeans. A trip to Europe is not a weekend driving in the country--even if you are spending the weekend driving in the countryside. Europeans, generally, don't dress as sloppily as Americans. Think "business casual" all the times. When in doubt, wear all black. You'll be mistaken for a British tourist. If you cannot afford a new all black wardrobe, then purchase a Canadian flag patch to sew onto your backpack. (But if you sew it onto your fanny pack, everyone will know you're an American trying to be Canadian).
Some final words about ultra casual American dress....
An American who lives in Italy recently related this story to me:
I was riding the train not too long ago from Arezzo to Milano and sat beside a lovely Italian student. She was in her mid 20s and was most interesting. At one point, she looked at me and said, "Do you mind if I ask you a question, since you're an American? Why do all the Americans wear those funny hats on their heads when they come to Italy? What is the significance of the t-shirts they wear--the one with the American flag, the eagle and the names of places they've traveled before? Do they always wear tennis shoes - don't they own nice shoes?" They were tough questions - I couldn't answer them for her. |
http://www.time-travellers.org/Hist...lyAmerican.html |
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| MeLLyMeL |
i sure as hell can't live without caffeine.
the only american thing i do on that list is wear jeans. but funny find. i don't go on vacation and wear things i wouldn't dare wear back home. :wtf: |
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| elFreak |
that article is bull for the most part.
stupid american writers |
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| RJT |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dr. DAS
...still not getting it.
I don't understand - and I'm speaking to this strictly for clarification - why you started pulling apart the historical references in my first post.
In order to creat context for the subject at hand, that being the practice of American tourists wearing Canadian flags and the perversion of our national identity as a result, I provided examples of events that had helped to shape the image of a nation - a nation that was still in the process of discovering thier own place as a citizen of the world and not simply a dominion of the British Empire.
It is not your place, and is inappropriate, to contest any of these events as seminal moments in our history because, quite simply, you don't know the first thing about Canadian history. I do. I was raised in Canada, studied at Canadian schools and served in the Canadian military. I know what I am talking about.
However, instead of adding to the discussion at hand you take a completely oblique route to discredit the post, and fail.
Instead of speaking in the defence of your countrymen or adding some insight to the converstation with your American perspective, you essentially deny that Canada has any culture of it's own, that our achievements and tradgeies are insignifigant. Regrettably, I allowed myself to be drawn into this conversation and the thread became perverted as a result.
Now, you say it is my fault you took the wrong offramp because I built the highway.
Read the initial post again. There is no personal attack, there is no attack on Americans as a people, quite the opposite, and for some reason you attached yourself to the wrong issue and took us all for a walk. The references I made were intended only as a means to give those people with a limited knowledge of Canadian history and development, be they American, Australian, Polish or Persian, some insight as to how we see ourselves, and how I percieve the Canadian identity being used as a shield.
Canada worked very hard to develop it's reputation abroad, and instead of adressing that your fellow Americans are ashamed or frightened to identify themselves (which I thought was a very interesting social subject)in foreign countries, you jump right to denying that we have any national identity at all.
Whether we are the most powerful or most benign nation on the planet is beside the point. The point is that your foriegn policy has made it uncomfortable to travel because of world public opinion, and so your people conceal thier identity and pervert our image abroad.
You started an irrelevant arguement and are trying to justify it. Identify the topic being discussed and say something on-topic and insightful, or say nothing at all. The conversation will flow much smoother.
30 Helens agree. |
No, I didn't, and no, they don't.
You're the one going all apples and oranges here, m8 - not me. I'm just going to drop this now because it's clear you and Theresa just aren't ever going to get it - no matter how clearly it's laid out for you.
I'm not trying to justify anything at this point, it looks like you're trying awful hard too (and failing even harder).
:)
Edit: And here's one last pro-tip for you - when you're providing context for an assertion, that's called a justification, justifications have to be reasoned and are generally rooted in fact, and not statements like "Our boys have got a tough rep!"
Then again, I've already explained this all til my internet face is blue, and neither you nor Theresa really care to see it. Oh well, yet again, not my problem. |
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