What is this thing about "Blame it on Canada"?

[777]

I am from Finland and I am perplexed by the statement "Blame it on Canada". What is the origin of that? Is it a joke or an insult?

Also, why is there anti-Canadian sentiment in the USA?

Thank you

 

[Hobbit]

The "Blame Canada" joke started with a song in the South Park movie, where the U.S. blames Canada for kids using profanity, since two particularly childish and vulgar comedians the kids like are from Canada, and that's where they learned the profanity.

The anti-Canadian sentiment from the U.S.A. stems from the anti-U.S. sentiment from Canada. The Canadian media is very anti-American and 40% of Canadian teens would describe the U.S. as "evil." They hate us, and we're beginning to get tired of their bullcrap, so we return the sentiment.

 

[Comrade]

I am from Finland and I am perplexed by the statement "Blame it on Canada". What is the origin of that? Is it a joke or an insult?

Also, why is there anti-Canadian sentiment in the USA?

Thank you

South Park - The Movie

"Blame Canada" one of the songs.


This is considered funny because of Canada's insignificance in the world and insofar as America itself it concerned. Canada is generally affected by the USA and rarely vice-versa.

In that same respect, there is little serious anti-Canadian sentiment at all in America, simply by way of it's total lack of real impact on the USA.

But, there is a fundamental and very serious anti-American feeling among many Canadians due to their own position in the relationship. While I understand this completely, it's not like I as an American find such feelings rational.

 

[777]

Why is Canada so anti-American?

 

[Comrade]

Why is Canada so anti-American?

For the same reason most of Europe is also so. Impotence.

 

[Doomer]

actual Anti-Americanism is fairly rare in Canada. For the most part Canadians are anti-Bush. Unfortunatly the "Vocal Minority" (aka loud mouth board trolls) give average Canadians a bad name.

As for that poll. I would really like to see the actual poll that was made. It's really easy to scew(sp) a poll one way or another.

eg poll. Do you feel americans are :good
: a little evil
: moderately evil
: very evil

that poll is exaggerated but you get the idea.

Also where was the poll taken? it's commonly known that anti-americanism is highest in Quebec. but a large portion of Quebec is Anti-Canada too.

On a person to person basis most Canadians and Americans get along fine (as long as politics don't enter into the conversation).

I'd say the biggest hit to American-Canadian relations though is a combination of Jean Cretien and George W. Bush. (they really didn't get along at all and IMO both of them are not very good diplomats. Diplomacy is very important when two people don't like each other.

As for the blame Canada thing. It is mostly just a south park joke.

I could go on and on with the events that contributed diminishing to American-Canadians relations since the Brian Mulroney - Ronald Reagan Years. (when relations were at an all time high). But that would a lot of time.

Sufficed to say Canadian-American relations are not as simplistic as many would have you believe when they try to sum it up in a one line answer.

 

[Comrade]

actual Anti-Americanism is fairly rare in Canada. For the most part Canadians are anti-Bush. Unfortunatly the "Vocal Minority" (aka loud mouth board trolls) give average Canadians a bad name.

As for that poll. I would really like to see the actual poll that was made. It's really easy to scew(sp) a poll one way or another.

eg poll. Do you feel americans are :good
: a little evil
: moderately evil
: very evil

that poll is exaggerated but you get the idea.

Also where was the poll taken? it's commonly known that anti-americanism is highest in Quebec. but a large portion of Quebec is Anti-Canada too.

On a person to person basis most Canadians and Americans get along fine (as long as politics don't enter into the conversation).

I'd say the biggest hit to American-Canadian relations though is a combination of Jean Cretien and George W. Bush. (they really didn't get along at all and IMO both of them are not very good diplomats. Diplomacy is very important when two people don't like each other.

As for the blame Canada thing. It is mostly just a south park joke.

I could go on and on with the events that contributed diminishing to American-Canadians relations since the Brian Mulroney - Ronald Reagan Years. (when relations were at an all time high). But that would a lot of time.

Sufficed to say Canadian-American relations are not as simplistic as many would have you believe when they try to sum it up in a one line answer.

The question asked of Canadian youth was whether America was evil, not whether Bush was.

While I don't see those 40% as a rational sign of true ignorance, what it does indicate is the fact that Canadian media is portraying that image to it's people. The results of this poll of the youth are clearly a sign of the effect Canada's recent anti-American media campaign on those who are most easily influenced by it.

In addition, many of us on this board have been in direct contact with Canadians via the Internet through various venues on the Internet, and it's no secret how much and how many simply despise us for who we are, as a nation.

I'm personally at a loss for what they intend to affect in America with such irrational attitudes. Given they have everything to lose and nothing to gain by opposing US policy internationally, I'm hoping reason will win out in the end, despite the damage they have done to their own up and coming generation and their perception of America.

 

[Doomer]

I Answered you by saying that polls should be taken with a "Grain of salt" becuase they can be easily scewed. I also mentioned fact about what area of Canada had the most anti-Americanism (Quebec) and questioned where the poll was taken.
Reading a poll without questioning when, where, and how the poll was taken is acting blindly.

I also mentioned the fact that the loudest people are usually in the minority. (trust me I see plenty of Americans pass through Canadian forums who act the same way some Canadians act on American Forums. It doesn't make me think that most americans are like that.

As for the youth. Well, they're just youth. They'll grow up, become wiser and more educated. I know that my views are much different now then they were 15 years ago. You need to remember that most youth are loud mouthed, irrational people, who believe they are invincible, and know everything. Thats why they're youth, and thats why they're not allowed to drink, join the army, or vote.

Also you seem to make it sound like our media has nothing better to do then bash Americans. For the most part our media spends it time on Canadian issues with the odd American issue thrown in here and there, and even most of that is Canadian-American Relations or Foreign policy which causes a ripple effect across the border.

 

[Comrade]

I Answered you by saying that polls should be taken with a "Grain of salt" becuase they can be easily scewed. I also mentioned fact about what area of Canada had the most anti-Americanism (Quebec) and questioned where the poll was taken.
Reading a poll without questioning when, where, and how the poll was taken is acting blindly.

http://www.torontofreepress.com/2004/weinreb063004.htm

"Can West News Services, owners of several Canadian newspapers including the National Post as well as the Global Television Network commissioned a series of polls to determine how young people feel about the issues that were facing the country’s voters. Dubbed "Youth Vote 2004", the polls, sponsored by the Dominion Institute and Navigator Ltd. were taken with a view to getting more young people involved in the political process.

In one telephone poll of teens between the ages of 14 and 18, over 40 per cent of the respondents described the United States as being "evil". That number rose to 64 per cent for French Canadian youth."

This addresses your question directly, does it not?

I also mentioned the fact that the loudest people are usually in the minority. (trust me I see plenty of Americans pass through Canadian forums who act the same way some Canadians act on American Forums. It doesn't make me think that most americans are like that.

Perhaps "loud" is not the most unique aspect of internet users. In fact, the word I would ascribe to most is "educated". Most internet users, especially those who debate online, are among the most learned of their respective population.

As for the youth. Well, they're just youth. They'll grow up, become wiser and more educated. I know that my views are much different now then they were 15 years ago. You need to remember that most youth are loud mouthed, irrational people, who believe they are invincible, and know everything. Thats why they're youth, and thats why they're not allowed to drink, join the army, or vote.

Sure, but the youth are also the most easily manipulated. And of late the media of Canada leans so far left that it's not hard to see their perceptions a result of this hard core anti-American bias in that media.

Also you seem to make it sound like our media has nothing better to do then bash Americans. For the most part our media spends it time on Canadian issues with the odd American issue thrown in here and there, and even most of that is Canadian-American Relations or Foreign policy which causes a ripple effect across the border.

Well I've been in Canada and stuck with Canadian programming for days on end, since before and after the Iraq war. In both cases the bias against and fixation of Bush and American policy was glaringly obvious to me, in your local news. I'm sure you might believe this be a product of our own "radically biased" media but then again there is always the net results of the polls which reflect the insane idea that America is now "evil" to almost half of the youth in Canada. I can't get over how this is supposed to make any sense in a country with rational debate and true balance in their media.

 

[Merlin1047]

Why is Canada so anti-American?

I don't think that Canada is anti-American. I believe that Quebec is anti-American because they are pro-French and the French are anti-American because they long to be the big dog on the European block and think they can do so by posturing against American interests.

Ever since that pompous windbag De Gaulle came to Quebec and had the damn nerve to bellow about a French Quebec, that part of Canada has been a pain in the ass not only to the US, but to the rest of Canada as well.

 

[Annie]

I think that the US and Canadian relations, at least from the US side, is more on the order of how many get along with a very close cousin, perhaps one that lived on the same block, while growing up. Almost, but not quite a sibling. You and they might say terrible things to each other, but each knows to some extent it's the closeness of the relationship that makes it possible.

Fighting, verbal that is, might be pretty intense, certainly more intense than the much older cousin one thinks so beautiful, handsome, or smart, but sees only at one holiday a year! The 'oh so perfect cousin' holds a position of being a model or an ideal one would like to emulate.

If some event happens that shakes the foundation of the family, the close cousin sniping at you might piss you off, but you expect it. If the 'perfect, but rather distant cousin' does something similar, one's tendency might be to have the scales lifted from their eyes, see the ugliness previously hidden or denied, and vow to not only stay away from them, but know they never belonged on the pedestal they believed they deserved and that you put them on in the first place.

With the passing of the crisis, the close cousin and you return to normal relations. Not so the distant cousin.

 

[Comrade]

I think that the US and Canadian relations, at least from the US side, is more on the order of how many get along with a very close cousin, perhaps one that lived on the same block, while growing up. Almost, but not quite a sibling. You and they might say terrible things to each other, but each knows to some extent it's the closeness of the relationship that makes it possible.

Fighting, verbal that is, might be pretty intense, certainly more intense than the much older cousin one thinks so beautiful, handsome, or smart, but sees only at one holiday a year! The 'oh so perfect cousin' holds a position of being a model or an ideal one would like to emulate.

If some event happens that shakes the foundation of the family, the close cousin sniping at you might piss you off, but you expect it. If the 'perfect, but rather distant cousin' does something similar, one's tendency might be to have the scales lifted from their eyes, see the ugliness previously hidden or denied, and vow to not only stay away from them, but know they never belonged on the pedestal they believed they deserved and that you put them on in the first place.

With the passing of the crisis, the close cousin and you return to normal relations. Not so the distant cousin.

An interesting comparison from the height of the Cold War, which polled Americans soon after Reagan's "Evil Empire" speech about how they viewed the USSR.

http://www.danyankelovich.com/americasnewthinking.html

"The Soviet Union is like Hitler's Germany -- an evil empire trying to rule the world."

Agree: 56%

May 1984
Public Agenda
Foundation

While Canada may not be close to this figure yet, I'd gather France and perhaps even others in Europe are already surpassing this statistic. No Arab or Asian country would post lower than 56% overall, in my opinion. In fact the latest polls seem to indicate that the upper 80% of the population among most of the world is inclined to agree with this statement.

Anti-Americanism is a very nasty thing these days. What are we supposed to do about it. :huh:

 

[dilloduck]

I would suggest we assist other countries to improve the quality of life of thier own citizens. No more-no less.

 

[Comrade]

I would suggest we assist other countries to improve the quality of life of thier own citizens. No more-no less.

But that seems to be what makes us evil in the eyes of our allies, doesn't it?

 

[Hobbit]

actual Anti-Americanism is fairly rare in Canada. For the most part Canadians are anti-Bush. Unfortunatly the "Vocal Minority" (aka loud mouth board trolls) give average Canadians a bad name.

As for that poll. I would really like to see the actual poll that was made. It's really easy to scew(sp) a poll one way or another.

eg poll. Do you feel americans are :good
: a little evil
: moderately evil
: very evil

that poll is exaggerated but you get the idea.

Also where was the poll taken? it's commonly known that anti-americanism is highest in Quebec. but a large portion of Quebec is Anti-Canada too.

On a person to person basis most Canadians and Americans get along fine (as long as politics don't enter into the conversation).

I'd say the biggest hit to American-Canadian relations though is a combination of Jean Cretien and George W. Bush. (they really didn't get along at all and IMO both of them are not very good diplomats. Diplomacy is very important when two people don't like each other.

As for the blame Canada thing. It is mostly just a south park joke.

I could go on and on with the events that contributed diminishing to American-Canadians relations since the Brian Mulroney - Ronald Reagan Years. (when relations were at an all time high). But that would a lot of time.

Sufficed to say Canadian-American relations are not as simplistic as many would have you believe when they try to sum it up in a one line answer.

It was a Gallup (I think) poll I got off of Bill O'Reilly's "Radio Factor." Bear in mind that this particular poll was taken of teenagers. The point was how the media propoganda was affecting the younger generation. They had seperate stats for French Canadians (e.g. Quebec) and the number rose to 64%. If you go to billoreilly.com under "current column," he talks about this.

 

[Comrade]

It was a Gallup (I think) poll I got off of Bill O'Reilly's "Radio Factor." Bear in mind that this particular poll was taken of teenagers. The point was how the media propoganda was affecting the younger generation. They had seperate stats for French Canadians (e.g. Quebec) and the number rose to 64%. If you go to billoreilly.com under "current column," he talks about this.

"Can West News Services, owners of several Canadian newspapers including the National Post as well as the Global Television Network commissioned a series of polls to determine how young people feel about the issues that were facing the country’s voters."

Don't let 'em chalk it up to a conservative source when you don't have to.

 

[Said1]

I don't think that Canada is anti-American. I believe that Quebec is anti-American because they are pro-French and the French are anti-American because they long to be the big dog on the European block and think they can do so by posturing against American interests.

Quebecers are pro-French only to the extent of having an independant Quebec. They consider themselves different from Europeans, and would like to have their own nation-state. They are anti-Canadian, anti-American, and anti-European. Not that all Quebecers feel this way, but that is sort of what the seperatist movement is all about.

 

[Yurt]

I'd say the biggest hit to American-Canadian relations though is a combination of Jean Cretien and George W. Bush. (they really didn't get along at all and IMO both of them are not very good diplomats. Diplomacy is very important when two people don't like each other.

I concur entirely. My better half is Canadian, and I love Canada. Majority of people are really friendly (BC only experience). Her dad does not agree with the "cowboy" ways of Bush. However, when I talk with him, he readily admits, that our two great country's (and they are both great, and don't bash because of silly political differences, we are not talking east/west), relationship would be better except for Cretien. He may not agree with all Bush's policies, but he readily agrees that Cretien has created tensions that do NOT need to exist.

Also, on some level, he understands our reasoning for war, especially, (lives on vancouver island) he hears the facts from someone outside of BC.

Please, DO NOT EVER, put down Canadians (West of Quebec, believe it or not, the rest of Canada cannot stand having french on one side of the breakfast cereal), unless you know some personally. If you do not, then do not put them down because of their goverment. My better half's brother would (in CAN military) and could, easily destroy terrorists. Canada is our greatest ally, so long as quebec shuts UP!

 

[softwaremama]

Canada is incredibly beautiful and so much of it is unspoiled. But I have to admit I've experienced anti-Americanism from Canadians. And not just in Quebec. Sorry but: they can't stand us, are you kidding?

The Canadians I know in the maritime provinces resent the size and power of the U.S. They come to the U.S. to shop and go to ball games and theaters, but criticize us for not being socialistic and "caring". They seem mired in the gov't taking care of them. People there are often on what they call "The Pokey" (welfare or unemployment of some kind, it would seem, available to those out of work?).

Canadians seem to take extended vacations--for weeks and weeks--very odd. I mean, what companies pay you to do that? Uh, nobody who wants to make money, that's for sure. Rank out and out competitive captialism and entrepreneurial thinking seem to upset them. They are incredulous that there are those who have two weeks' vacation.

It's a perplexing place, not like the U.S. Hey, Kathianne, if they're cousins, they're very distant ones who happen (most of them) to speak English. It's a beautiful, strange, and it's the Twilight Zone. That's been my experience.

 

[Doomer]

Canada is incredibly beautiful and so much of it is unspoiled. But I have to admit I've experienced anti-Americanism from Canadians. And not just in Quebec. Sorry but: they can't stand us, are you kidding?

The Canadians I know in the maritime provinces resent the size and power of the U.S. They come to the U.S. to shop and go to ball games and theaters, but criticize us for not being socialistic and "caring". They seem mired in the gov't taking care of them. People there are often on what they call "The Pokey" (welfare or unemployment of some kind, it would seem, available to those out of work?).

Canadians seem to take extended vacations--for weeks and weeks--very odd. I mean, what companies pay you to do that? Uh, nobody who wants to make money, that's for sure. Rank out and out competitive captialism and entrepreneurial thinking seem to upset them. They are incredulous that there are those who have two weeks' vacation.

It's a perplexing place, not like the U.S. Hey, Kathianne, if they're cousins, they're very distant ones who happen (most of them) to speak English. It's a beautiful, strange, and it's the Twilight Zone. That's been my experience.

Not the Pokey. Pogey. And to most of Canada, especially out west, easterners are considered "defeatists". Also I think some of you seem to forget that Canada, like America, has many different viewpoints. The east is different from Quebec, which is different from Ontario, which is different from the west. This is partly why the different regions of Canada tend to bicker a lot between each other. To really fully understand this, you need to understand our history and politics. But to make it simple. The farther west you go, the less anti-americanism there is.