thespian86

In a discussion in Politics that began about American Arrogance and misperceptions, a few snide comments turned into a back and forth of sorts; all about who is right and wrong. Within that "right and wrong" this really interesting thing happened. The accusations of who was what nationally began and I think it's a really interesting concept. Publicly, the United States talk a lot about Patriotism. In Canada, there was a popular beer commercial (let the clichés begin) stating "I am Canadian" and it clearly hit home with all of us. The Welsh are British BUT NOT English. The Black Irish, depending on where you are, is either northern or southern Irish. Ruskies, Italian Stallions, etc.

I thought about this simple question; what parts do our Nations play in this global play? What am I not? What offends me? Negativity ensued.

Then it became clearer. I am proud to be Canadian. The war of words I had with Matthew330 is because he is proud to be American. I've never met anyone prouder to be a Brit then Dan or Strange; well, maybe I have hahaha, you're a loud and proud group.

Then it complicated itself again. Clichés are clichés because they are kind of true yes? For instance I don't have a pet beaver but there is an overwhelming beaver population here and we are strangely proud of that. But what complicates the most is that, also something I considered while flaming Matty, there is no such thing as "An American" unless you're referring to someone who is an American citizen; you can't use it as a description of one's personality. Even the description changes from person to person.

This is a pretty tough, and lengthy answer so I don't expect many but I think it's something to think about. How are you perceived? What are you, and why are you; in reference to your Nationality? I've come up with this:

Cliche: Everyone expects us to be the laid back country to the North; forward thinking sure, but we know how to have a good time, and everyone knows they're invited. We are always chilly, we all play hockey, drink beer, hunt and fish, chop logs and build snow forts. By the way, almost all of us do all of those things, and celebrate it. We're educated but soft spoken, a gentler version of the powerful and kind neighbor that lives bellow us.

Personal: I was born in a fairly small town in New Brunswick, Canada called Fredericton and resented it most of my life. It's large enough that you are teased with the idea of success in the "conventional way" (big city, big house, big job, big life), but small enough that your options are so limited that you see that big dream of yours slip away. I have been surrounded by Natural beauty most of my life, as well as a city that is everything. Literally, there is nothing you can say that would describe a city that my city cannot also take credit for.

For instance:
-Next to San Fran, we have the second largest, per capita, gay population in North America.
-We have a thriving arts scene.
-We are driven by the trades, and are certainly a blue collar city.
At the same time we are the capital, and a great deal of the jobs are governmental, and therefore white collar.
-We are the seventh smartest city in the world (smartest, as in forward thinking).
-We are the second best place to buy real estate in Canada right now.
-We are a university town, and have a large population of young people.
-We are a retirement town and have a large population of old people.

Etc, etc.

I started to think about how remarkable my little bubble is; how absolutely incredible my life here was before I grew up too fast. And then I looked outside. The East Coast of Canada has to be one of the most environmentally rich places in the world; the ocean life, the forestry, the natural resources, the animal life, etc. Wow.

And then to the west coast it gets better. Hard nosed, blue collar workers, who believe in socialism (wtf? I was taught by CNN that those contradicted each other). Environmentally forward thinkers, really trying to make a change (Yay David Suzuki et al). A diversity that isn't just a word (First Nation life has always been a part of mine. As well as the french. I feel gifted to live in this place because of that alone). Vastly different climates within the same country. Snow storms that make people cry when they see them from Spain (my ex-girlfriend's grandparents). I love my country.

How did it affect me? Well I grew up in an environment that not only supported but encouraged positive social change. I can remember being young and learning about Medicare. What an incredible concept; thanks Tommy D. Nature walks to learn about the environment first hand, and it's importance. Promoting civility and diplomacy instead of aggressiveness and a conquer all mentality. I was encouraged to explore the wide world of careers and education because here it is important to have both a large amount of white collar and blue collar workers. It is a country of complete possibilities and a diversity like no other. A life of change where it's not always bad, and a fairly laid back feel that lets one explore without the pressure of discovering. And because of this, and several other important influences, I've grown up to be me. I'm pretty proud of that.

You too?

-Taylor

__________________
EX: Whats new?
ME: I officially love coffee more then you now.
EX: uh...
ME: So, not much.