Quote:
Originally posted by Temporary_User
hey all, as the title states, Im an American living in Canada. I know that once people get to know me they're cool with it, but at first theres always the "oh you're American..." or some other comment/joke for awhile.
|
More seriously, this could have to do with holding people morally responsible for the acts which their country does. Remember, you do choose your country.
Recently at least, there are alot of events involving American politicians attacking Canada, or being generally rude.
Humour would also be a part of it. Stories about the foreigner who is ignorant of local custom/mores/situations are as old as time: in the case of Canada, there is only one nation that is adjacent to it, so that will be the foreigner selected.
Quote:
I don't really mind it, but wonder do most Canadians really dislike Americans as a group or is it just mindless humor.
|
Some of my best friends are Americans.
(and this was an example of humour, if not mindless humour).
Quote:
Is it smart of me to let everyone know where I'm from right off the bat?
|
I don't see why you would. What you do, and who you are, seem much more important than where you are from.
If you consider your nationality a large part of your identity, more important than your profession, your hobbies, your interests and your beliefs, then I think you should expect others to view you first as a member of your nation, and secondly as an individual.