Why is it that backpackers, especially Canadian and NZers
develop and express their 'national pride' when travelling?
Australians and British appear to have more confidence in
themselves than to have toidentify what country they are
from to eveyone who comes along.
I have to laugh everytime that I see a backpack with the
Canadian flag or the now obligatory New Zealand Rugby jumper
being worn with pride by some pre-pubescent first time out
of home adventurer. Please stop it's embarrassing for it and
me highlights yourselves as easy targets to be ripped off/
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Jon
Not too sure where you saw these wankers but try travelling
in India and Nepal and theres no shortage of them.
The Yanks are the only ones that dont use these flags but
can be picked out long before anyone else.
Cheers
Mike
The answer is simple
Canadians dont like to be mistaken for Yanks anymore than
Kiwis want to be mistaken for Aussies or Poms!
Are you ashamed of your nationality?
As Peter mentionned most Canadians don't want to be mistaken for Americans. When I was travelling through Australia I met an American couple with Canadian flags on their bags, they said it saved them some hassles. On a more personal note I was sitting at a bus stop in Japan one day and a Japanese woman wanting to practice her English came up to me and intoduced heself. After asking me where I was going, chatting about the route and traffic, and out of the blue she says, in a somewhat accusing tone that there were too many Americans in Japan. I was quite taken aback as this is quite atypical of Japanese people to be so straightforward, especially since it was completely unwarranted. I figured she mustn't have realised the comment was rude. Anyway I politely mentionned that I was actually from Canada, not the US, and she began to rant about how lovely a country Canada is. Bizarre, yes, I know. Anyway, it's not so much a loyalty thing as it is a way to differentiate ourselves. I suppose Aussies and the British just have a different way of letting their identities know.
Lori Ann
You think the Canadian or Kiwi flag patches are sad, check out all the Scandinavians who stick miniature flags in their backpacks. Then again they probably think I`m totally sad for wearing my England football top !
Fair point on the Canadians, but to me they act the same as
Yanks anyway.
True, everyone hates Yanks, no matter where one goes in the
world.
Kiwis are the most annoying, dirty, smelly cheap bastards I
have seen on the road. I have seen the haggle over a 2RMB
difference!!
If you don't like looking at Canadian patches on backpacks,
then don't look!
Canadians wear them because they are treated very well in
most countries. Americans aren't as well accepted so we
don't want to be mistaken for them. I figure Australians
are not very nicely greeted either (First nation party).
Camadians are proud of where there from (must be a crime)
and why not.
Thanks for your unintellegent and ridiculous post.
...ok I dont have a canadian flag attached to my backpack..is this a crime..i flamed someone on another post for stereotyping...jesus kids take a break. As a tremendously proud canuck, i dont wear the flag for 1 simple reason...it makes you stand out as a novice. People world wide usually enquire where a "foreigner" is from. then express your national identity. lifes far to short...there are dickheads in every culture such as jonathon above. as a resident of the best country in the world (UN rating 5 years in a row) i say kiss my ass if you dont like the flag...cheers..dj>
I can't think of many countries so lacking in appeal as Canada. The country is gradually being sold off to the Chinese to fund its bloated social programs for its unemployable masses. It's freezing cold. It is so devoid of culture that Canadians can only define themselves by crying "we're not American" while 90% of the popularion lives within 100 miles of the US border like leaches sucking for their lives. And the only half-decent part of the country wants to secede.
Pathetic.
Hey Kids,
At least it's not so bad as those miniature badges of
national park hills old timers nail to their walking sticks.
I too have noticed the flag phenomenon, including a Canadian
whose entire rucksack was a huge flag. But judge not, a hole
developed in my pack's webbing and I covered it with a tiny
Union Jack scout's patch (surely the world's classiest
flag, what?). Discreet and tongue-in-cheek, but nobody seems
to get the joke. Still my Euro 96 supporter's shirt is
really bad, but at least people buy me drinks.
Tossa.
flag on backpack geeky. dorky. "just graduated uni, got a
trip to europe from ma and pa"
he or she who tells the truth in posting #10 will soon die
because i am going to kill him or her.
I don't want to wear a flag on my back because I would
like to blend in as much as possible in the countries I
visit. Unfortunately the country next to mine continues to
bomb helpless citizens of poverty-sticken countries (ie.
Sudan, Afganistan, Iraq, Panama, Cambodia, Laos etc.)
claiming to be fighting terrorism or drugs or communism.
Congratulations. You've soiled your international
reputation to the point where travellers from other nations
have to take extra precautions when travelling. I don't
wish ill on America but I do feel sorry for those who
believe that the whole world loves them. How confused and
hurt they must feel when they travel and realize that people
don't like America.
Being from Canada I am always greeted with a sigh of
relief from foriegners worried that I was an American and
also worried that they would have to listen to me go on
about the "greatest" country in the world.
Being Canadian, I travel the world without fear or
guilt. I will wear my flag when I choose because terrorists
know that there is no glory in abducting a Canadian tourist.
Go easy, there, friends! Why do so many of you link
individual travelers with the policies of their governments?
I can certainly understand why many people would be
disappointed, alarmed, saddened, etc., at many actions of
the U.S. government, but surely you can't take it out on
some poor guy/girl trying to see the world. That person is
just as likely to be opposed to the same matters you are. In
fact, if you meet a Yank in some far flung corner of the
world, the chances are good (but not 100%) that you're not
meeting a TYPICAL Yank. A typical American, more worthy of
your scorn, would never have left his couch, television &
6-pack of watery beer to travel to such interesting places.
So, at least give a Yank on the road some credit for being
there at all. And, you may learn that he/she actually hates
the U.S. government more than YOU do!!! So, please, let's
save the jingoism for election day, the world cup & the
olympics, OK?
Is national pride such a bad thing? Having travelled to a
number of different countries in the world, I was always
impressed that New Zealanders and Canadians, and other
nationalities were proud to indicate where they came from.
In the current environment of where the individual is more
important than the whole, identification with one's country
provides a sense of belonging, particularly when you are
overseas. Most of of us who have lugged our backpacks
around the globe will always start that initial conversation
with 'so you are from Australia, New Zealand etc. - it can
often lead to good friendships.
As for Alec who made disparaging remarks about Kiwis, I'm
from Australia and we have a large proportion of New
Zealanders in this country. I have found the overwhelming
majority to gracious, warm and welcoming - and unfortunately
bloody good Rugby players. It is great to see that Alec is
so open minded that he allows one bad experience with a New
Zealander to obstruct his overall view of a nation of 'doers
and acheivers'.
hey, i don't wear the red and white yet, but when i get a decent pack, i'll stick one on there. (in the
meantime, i've settled for a pair of socks with a maple leaf.)
i happen to like the canadian flag; crisp colours, strong symbolism, easily recognizable.
i think i'll get a korean patch in memory of my time here, for the same reasons.
(hey! maybe if you would let your butt wiggle while you walked, what ever is stuck in there could get
loose...)
This thread lasted a whole 12 posts before it turned into
flame-the-Americans. I'm impressed...
To many of those who posted above,
I always thought that travelling made you more tolerant of other cultures but I guess that excludes North American cultures. As far as Canadians acting the same as Americans, yes some do. Just as some Scots act the same as Brits, just as some Koreans act the same as Japanese. Does this mean that they are the same? I can also understand your ignorance of the differences between Canadians and Americans because many Canadians themselves struggle with their national identity. I am somewhat surprised that you on one hand mock those "pre-pubescent first time out of home adventurer[s]" for wearing a flag on their rucksack but on the other hand make a sweeping uneducated comment that I would only expect of that same person.
TRIVIA Q: Who was it that bombed bin Laden's headquarters last week?
a) Jean Chretien
b) Bill Clinton
c) Pauline Hanson
If you picked b) you win the grand prize: a hand-woven, red and white Canadian flag that you may affix to your rucksack so that terrorists don't mistaken you for an American. Who knows, it might even save your life.
Extremist view? Possibly, but why take the chance. Global terrorism is increasing and the US is a prime target. The US government has vowed that they will avenge all losses of American life both in and out of the country. Hmm...If I wanted to piss them off what do you think I'd do? True, the individual traveller is not usually targeted but as much as I hate to say it we'll soon read about one in the papers. All I can say is that it won't be me. Since I'm sure that most hitmen aren't in the habit of approaching their targets with an "Excuse me sir, are you an American?" I'll make his job easy an put a "just graduated uni, got a trip to europe from ma and pa" Canadian flag on my bag.
To: Sam's not MY Uncle, I agree that most travelling Americans are not the typical one's that give them the bad rap, nor are they content with their governement. Unfortunately when we are travelling the many local (and travellers for that matter) only learn about a country through the media where politics takes center stage. How often have you heard someone say "I don't think the media gives Americans a fair chance. I'm going to read a book about the true American culture." In fact, does such a book even exist? But.. your point is well taken.
Finally I don't mean to imply that I don't wear my flag with a certain amount of pride. However if you knew anything about Canadians you'd know that we are not vocal about such things. What is it? Actions speak louder than words.
I spent two years in Montral and being from Germany
mentioning my native country always filled me with
shame for at least the first six month. Over the years
living in different places I got used to my coutry always
being associated with Nazi history (along with soccer and
beer) , but I still would not put a German flag on any of
my belongings. I think the Canadians are dammned lucky
that they do have the peace of mind to do so.
I thought this was a forum for travellers' tales & tips &
stuff? As no. 16's first sentence inferred, isn't travel
supposed to broaden the mind? Why are we all knocking each
other, especially the septics? I suggest that those with a
bug up their behinds about N. America travel there for a
while and experience some down home hospitality. None of us
would come on here and slag off those lovely smiling Thais
or whoever, so why is it OK to have a go at the Americans/
Aussies/Canadians etc?? I have plenty of opinions about
certain people but I wouldn't wish to generalise about a
whole nation (despite living here in Hong Kong!!!). As for
the flags- I don't know the answer to this one but we did
pick up a Danish hitch hiker once in New Zealand, don't know
if it was the sight of his rain sodden flag that made us
feel sorry for him or not....
I think you are mistaken. The red maple leaf is not a
Canadian flag, but a "Caution, contain maple syrup" warning.
What you are seeing are not Canadians, but pancake lovers...
i'm born fat and defined, however unintentionally, in the
minds' of others, as "fat". i'm born black and become full
of rage or black pride. i'm born japanese and koreans just
hates me. i'm born beautiful and get critized by women's
groups when i sell my beauty. i'm born jewish and i'm
incinerated. i'm born catholic and so i believe in god.
i'm born with large ears and a skin condition and have
trouble finding love. i got lucky: i was born in canada.
-
we can't help what we're born into, what we look like, who
our parents are. it's what we do after that that we are
responsible for. that's why i don't go for the flag on the
backpack. that's why i don't understand christianings.
that's why i don't understand racism.
-
but hey, i guess if you emigrate to a country because it's
a great place, and you want to advertise that, i guess i'm
wrong. so long as you're not showing off for something you
had no part in.
I've travelled around the globe 3 times, travelled close to
half of the worlds countries and at 42 still love to
travel. I will always have a Canadian flag on my rucksack,
because it's the best flag to have... and if anyone argues
this one then they're just jealous and they don't like
pancakes.
I wear the flag because so many Americans have gone
rudely before me. I've been in Asia long enough to know
I'm NEVER going to blend in (I just look to darn
different). I've also met too many Americans that have
trashed there own reps by demanding everyone speak English,
blowing cultural customs out the window, talking like
they're from the best nation in the world, complaining and
getting angry every time they have a problem, and assuming
that everyone's "out to get them" while they travel. Not
all Americans are like this, but many I have met fit the
stereotype -- rich, arrogant, loud and overbearing. I'm
happy to be Canadian, and travelling is easier if people
know that.
To all those Canadians who travel under the mistaken assumption that you are appreciated for being from the
World's Best Country/Not American/More Culturally Sensitive/Etc., it's time to get off your high horse and realise
that more often then not, wrapping yourself in your flag is appreciated only by others from your own flag-waving
brethren from English Canada who, culturally speaking, are almost no different from people from the Northern
United States. Others who profess admiration for your little backpack maple leaf are either trying to be polite, trying
to get something from you or taking the piss.
Don't believe me? Then try showing off your maple leaf in parts of East Africa and the Middle East, where people
still remember what your "special forces" did to that Somalian teenager a couple years back. Maybe then you'll
understand that Canada is not considered the utopia that all your misguided patriots make it out to be.
"...who, culturally speaking, are almost no different from
people from the northern united states..."
-
you see, it's people from the northern united states who,
culturally speaking, are almost no different from people
from canada.
-
i think it's just this sort of ethnocentricity that makes
many people not like americans.
-
but don't get me wrong, there are assholes everywhere...
everywhere.....everywhere..
‰
For what it's worth,
I'm from Northern California and have been travelling for years and have had a great time meeting people from all
over the world. Only once did someone get mad at me for being American: A Chinese guy on a train last year, after
hearing where I was from, criticzed the US government for rigging the Olympic committee to favor Sydney and not
Beijing for the 2000 Olympics.
Aside from that single encounter, everyone else who has bothered to ask where I am from (Canadians included)
has
been very friendly.
Anderson in CA
i was travelling on a plane in australia when the guy in the seat next to me, a native australian, thought it necessary to degrade my fellow americans. his rudeness continued for a while until he made the mistake of telling me he was very afraid of flying. of course, i took complete advantange of this and changed the topic to famous airliner disasters, and I continued until he was clearly nausiated. likewise, rude canadian (suburb of the usa) had some comments, to which i responded that if you look closely at the canadian flag, you can see two people facing each other, noses almost touching, yelling at one another (the white part). they were quite upset once I pointed this out, and exclaimed that they will never look at their flag in quite the same way.
You must have been staring at the flag a long time to see
that!!! get a life
My first taste of world travel came right after college, when I travelled solo extensively in SE Asia. And what an eye opener that was! It was not the SE Asians that possessed and communicated the strong anti-American sentiment, but rather the European travellers that I became friendly with. Again, again and again I listened to America's problems. Though the opinions were relatively informative and often valid, the irate presentations of them were not and grew quite tiresome. I thought about sewing a Canadian flag on my backpack, but opted not to, wanting to prove by example that not all Americans were loud, obnoxious and stupid ...
Now I live in Los Angeles and find when I travel up the coast to as close as San Francisco, I am again the wary recipient of stereotyping: Los Angelenos are all "flaky.." or "materialistic..." or or or... Seems there's no escaping it.
For what it's worth...
Americans have changed a bit since they declared independance from us a few centuries ago, but there remain enough similarities that they are sometimes mistaken for Canadians (and vice versa). Because they have also made a few enemies in that time, we find it useful to avoid confusion by wearing our own flag.
By the way (regarding #8 above), we Quebecois do NOT want to secede from Canada, as TWO votes forced upon us by our separatist government have shown. We voted both times to remain, and we will again next time. Vive le Canada!
A true story from London
Me and a few mates went down to the local one night two
years ago for a few pints and observed an odd thing. A group
of loud-mouthed gits wearing baseball caps and sweatshirts
with greek letters or hockey logos on them came in through
the front door. They were Canadians, o course, uni students
in London for watver reason. God knows why they came to this
pub in darkest Clapham, but they were there. Immediately
wound up a few customers at the bar with an idiotic request
for pints of some brand of North American piss, one of the
lads at the bar told 'em to piss off, this wasn't fucking
Toronto. The help stepped in before any trouble started, but
it was tense from there.
So the canadians go off to a corner and every other customer
goes back to their own conversations. It looks fine for
awahile, until the Canadians decide to take over the
"jukebox." Bloddy hell! Who else would play fucking Brian
Adams and Bruce Springsteen? Yanks or Canadians. Once would
not have been a problem, but these wankers had to
continuously play these same songs over and over again, and
even sing along at parts. Eventually one of the lads at
the bar goes over and tells them to kill this pap, but gets
a smart answer in reply from one of them. This Canadian is
told in no uncertain terms to piss off unless he wants to
get hurt, at which point one of his mates threatens to ring
the "bobbies."
Boom! Head-butted, the Canadian drops his glass, holding his
nose, and then it's madness. Full fledged brawl, people
getting hit with chairs, blood, everything. Some of The
Canadian college boys try to put up a fight, but then its
useless 'coz every one in the bar is sick of this lot and
wants them out.
I shouldn't imagine that this group will be back to Clapham
in the future.
Bez
Thanks for demonstrating that there are idiots of every nationality. I believe we've already conceded that point. Anything worthwhile to say?
What the hell was that about? First of all, if trying to
impress anyone here, it's not working. Second, you only
demonstrated your own country's inhospitality towards North
Americans. If you don't like what they drink, don't look.
If you don't like the music, don't listen. If you want to
play something else, grab your money and go to the jukebox.
The unspoken rule is...whoever puts money in the jukebox
gets to pick the song THEY want to hear. Don't be so cheap!
Furthermore, no one should be telling them what they can and
cannot play. Communists, are you?
I still can't decipher what the fight was all about, just a
bunch of drunk assholes looking for a brawl. I'm glad the
foreigners made the night more interesting for you and gave
you a tale to make tall for all your jolly friends.
You know the only reason all of the non-Americans hate us
is because you are JEALOUS, no one fucks with us, everyone
wants to come to our country, our currency is accepted in
every country on this fucking planet, you guys have a puny
population and amount of power and are jealous, we all have
basically the same culture, but you are jealous as fuck
that your ancestors caught the wrong boat, think about it,
you fucking wankers! If the U.S wanted to we could destroy
your entire populations in one day.
I cannot figure out why you English colonials are
always at each others' throats. You really all look
the same to us anyway. We see a wide variety of your
countries' people, and I have to say that none of you
stands out as thoroughly good or thoroughly bad. Why
do you all insist you are loved so much and the other
groups are hated? You are all paying tourists and we
don't particularly care which country you are from.
I think you've just pretty much explained why we love Americans so much!
Whilst in the Philippines I asked another traveler where he
was from.He hemmed and hawed and said New Zealand.When I
asked what passport he was carrying he said Australian but
admitted he didn't like the policies of Australia but told
everyone he was from New Zealand.What an asshole!I was away
from home for five years and could never understand the
prejudice some nationalities have with other ones.Is it
possible that some Americans are easy going individuals?I
mean we are talking about 260 million people.It has always
been trendy to have a go at Americans.How childish!Has the
American government taken some stupid stands?Of course.Grow
up and stop blaming all the American people.Every country
has its sad chapters-even the politically correct Swiss had
to admit they helped the Nazis out.Let's look at people for
what they are and stop all the sterotypes.
Hey, I'm not gonna apologize for being American because America is a great country, full of great people and I'll even go the extra mile and say "USA #1!",
God Bless America!
Bobby has too many cocks in his mouth to speak sense.
America is a poor country with a big economy. Divided,
empty, uneducated in the main, and rightfully disrespected
by the world. Unethical and moralistic- the land of fat.
In truth many other people in western countries could
emmigrate to America with ease- we don't because while you
have a false sense of national pride, we have the good life.
Learn a language other than english if you don't like
people assuming your a stinky American dick licker.
fat. Wanna know why? Because we're r-i-c-h. So plunge that up your cans, stick boys.
I am a Canadian but have been on the road for the past 3
years, I am proud of my country but keep my feelings inside
and have never had a flag on my pack. I apologize to
everyone for all the infantile remarks made on this site by
my fellow countrymen. There are idiots everywhere, this is
a fact of life. One reason that may explain this sudden
burst of Canadian nationalism is the Governments plan to
increase national pride to thwart off Quebec`s seperation
attempts. You can`t turn on the TV without having some
Canadian flag blowing in the wind. I think a vast majority
of Canadians are soft spoken, but there are always a few
loud dimwits in every population. I haven`t run in to to
many loudmouth and obnoxious travelers in Asia, but they
were everywhere in Europe. C`mon people let`s keep this
discussion mature and leave out the caca pou-pou insults.
The Canadian tourism board has print and Television ads with
the line, "The world needs more Canada" Has anyone seen
these? What is this all about?
There is some practical logic in not wanting to be confused for an American whilst traveling. As has been spouted many times before, Americans don't often have as great a reputation overseas. That's pretty simple. While I spent my time on the road, I got rides and jobs because I was Canadian, that was told to me specificily. It doesn't mean that Canada is considered the best place on earth, or has the best people, but it was a conversation peice, that helped me out. Though many of us put in on our pack, very few Canadians would be considered "Flag Waivers". For those who seem to have such great problems with this display, who cares?? Does it hurt you? Sorry the rest of the world is devoid of your accute knowledge of all things, but lighten up. You travel your way, and I'll travel mine. If you don't see the need or understand the reasoning, just maybe there are aspects that, since you are not from North America, you will not understand, so let it go.
So when has it become such a transgression to be proud of
your nationality? The original poster is annoyed at this. I
find it inviting. I'm an American who happens to love
Canada- it's a fantastic country. When I see these flags I
know I can meet that person and share experiences, which is
always welcome on the road.
What I find so troubling is the eagerness to broadly
disparage all Yanks, or Canucks, or Kiwis, or etc... If you
are on this site it should be because you have a different
outlook than most citizens of the world, in that you have a
desire to see new places and to meet new people, but above
all a readiness to discover that no two places or people
are alike. The closed-mindedness of some of these posts is
completely at odds with these ideals.
Are some Americans assholes? Of course!!! But I know a damn
lot of us Yanks who would happily give you our last cent
and the shirt off our backs to help you out. Those are the
ones you need to meet (I know, there don't seem to be many
on the road, do there?). Some of our government
policies/actions have been detrimental certainly, but also
recognize the good that we do. And please also be willing
to recognize that when we flex our military muscles it is
quite often because we are the only ones who can, and that
our friends and neighbors are quite pleased to let us bear
the burden and the retribution for actions that benefit
them as well.
We are not all loud, rude, chest-thumpers.
The safest way to travel around the world is to wear an
England football shirt. Nobody even attempts to mess with
you!! Long live the good old English Hooligan-certainly
makes my travelling safer!!
P.S Fuck the rest of you.
Who cares what's on your pack...the fact is your
travelling! For those comments that you have a flag on
your pack which doesn't allow you to blend in with the
culture and you're an open target for theft...get a ife.
The fact that you have a pack on is a sign for an open
target or theft and has no relation to a flag or even
carrying a guide book. As for culture, ,you'll never be
part of it, unless you settle down and live in the country
of travel for a few years anyways... All of you view the
physical appearance of travel, which has no relation to the
actual long term moral/value which travel instills to ones
inner self....
Having lived in many countries and traveled all over the
world it becomes apparant that travelers from some countries
are looked upon by locals differently.
The Canadian flag represent a group of people who are
educated, young, free and semi-wealthy.
The American flag- well what can I say...
The Aust. Flag represents a bunch of drunk dumb okkers.
Scandinavian flags represent cheap, spoilt pretty boys who
even if you rob them you still will not get any thing from
them!
Yeah, there are some really inconsiderate Americans out there, but every country has their bad seeds. I love Enlgland and their people, but the riots in Marsaille this summer during the World Cup of SOCCER were unnessesary. I do admire the team spirit though.
Go easy on us. I guarentee everyone of you that has written a negative post on Americans has met more than one that you liked, and even more, I'll bet you have all had a great experience travelling in the states, or at least aspire to travel there someday.
As for the Canadians I have this to say:
The ones I've met overseas all seem too radical. They have something driving them to show their pride. They complain about how the Americans don't ever acknowledge them. They are right. We don't care about them too much. America has much more to offer. Don't deny that. Also, how many Canadians know the President of the US? How many Americans know the Canadian Prime Minister? Maybe 100% and 1% respectively. Where is Disneyland? Where was Coca-Cola first made? Who has the NFL, Baseball? We'll give you Hockey. My point is that we don't need to care about your country because we have everything we need. And it's not just you, we could do without N and S Dakota, Idaho, New Jersey and a few others.
Don't hate because of where we are from. Hate us because you want to be us
To all those who are embarrassed about wearing their own
country's flag, then feel free to wear ours...your more
than welcome.
I've had a few problems traveling because I'm American.
In France I've had French people of Arab descent give me problems 3 times, once by insult, once wave a knife in my face, and once I choked a guy and slamed his head against the wall for grabbing my arm and getting in my face.
I've had ethnic French be rude to me quite a few times also, I'm pretty sure because I'm American. I've been to France two times for six months each time. In Thailand a hotel gave me a room without air con when I paid for one with it and being extremely polite I asked for a different room, the lady at the desk went off on how she hates Americans and gave me a room with air con that did'nt work, I just excepted it. That really shocked me because of Thai's reputation. I've talked to europeans in my travels who I could tell did'nt like Americans, one time they expressed this to me. So I don't blame Canadians at all for wearing their flag, it's understandable. All Americans can do is to be polite as possible, try to make as few cutural mistakes as they can, try not to be overbearing, and be generous. Even with this you will still make mistakes, so don't take things personally. If you stick with it you'll learn to get around any country and do o.k.. For example, I went to France for a third time and loved it more than ever. And S.E. Asia is alway's great, but I've got to admit I would'nt mind being a Canadian, or a brit when I leave the U.S.
To post 47. You have it wrong.... We don't hate you of
where your from and we definintly do not hate you because
we want to be you.... we hate you because you percieve that
we want to be you.... and we don't. Canada respects the US
only because we economically have to (as most other
nations). As long as the USA lives within itself then
you'll always continue to get the flack you deserve and be
the brunt of endless, crappy jokes. To relate back to the
topic of wearing flags, I'm sure your sewing your stars and
stripes on your pack for your next trip. Because that's
all you Yanks really have left... "The FLAG"... kinda sad
you can't take it any farther then North America...isn't it.
Sorry to Poster #50. We don't need to take the flag outside
North America because so many people come here to see it.
If they could, half the world would live here, for whatever
their individual reasons. If you doubt that, you are being
insincere. I think Canada is a wonderful place. But come
on, how many Canadians can afford a home mortgage? Why is
your dollar worth so much less now than it was just a
couple of years ago? How many Canadians cross the border to
escape the onerous tax system imposed by a government that
can't get enough? Despite your vaunted health care system,
which any honest Canadian would admit is bankrupt, who has
the best doctors and hospitals in the world (and by the
way, despite the rhetoric, the poor have access to free
healthcare at any hospital)? Where but the US is it easier
to start with nothing and become a millionaire? Who has the
most productive workforce in the world?
The US has problems like anywhere else. We arguably have
some of the worst aspects of society here, but we also have
the best. Fact is, despite all of our faults, despite the
undeniable fact that there are a lot of great, beautiful
nations out there (especially our neighbor to the north),
it is the USA that those who have nothing left but hope,
aspire to reach. It is the American flag and the Statue of
Liberty that those poor folks in Tiannenman Square were
rallying around, not the Maple Leaf, Trois Colours, Hammer
and Sicle, or anything else. It is our Declaration of
Independence and our Constitution that inspire freedom
loving societies all over the world. Rightly or wrongly,
when the shit hits the fan, it is America that the world
looks to for help. Does that give us an attitude? Yeah I
guess so. If that comes through too often in the form of
asshole-ness, that's something we need to be cognizant of.
But don't rip all Americans. We are proud of who we are,
and Canadians should be damn proud to be Canadian, and so
on for every country. If you are not proud of where you
live, then move. And if you hate all Americans based on the
behavior of some, you are shallow and live in darkness.
Point made and well taken. however, you're avoiding the
prime aspect of the debate...wearing your flag. Be brave
and proud, set a new trend and wear the Stars and Stripes
when travelling. As per your posts, everyone loves you.
Being born a Canadian, yet living 34 of my 35 years in the
States has made for some enjoyable personality changes
within many travelers I've met throughout my 43 country
experiences. I don't carry a canadian flag and nor do I
believe in it. As I've read and agree, it's mostly seen
within the virgin travel community. When one travels the
more remote third worlds the flags are gone.
Anyways, this whole thing about the canadians and the
americans. I have hooked-up with many travelers that, as
far as they know, I'm American. I sound American, tell them
I'm from Seattle, and talk highly of home. But,WOW, what a
story I get when they see my Canadian passport. I hear the
"You canadians are so much nicer then the americans", "I
knew there was something that separated you from the other
yanks", etc... I am no different then any other american.
Yet that passport seems to make a world of difference. Why
is this? When I travel the nicest, cleanest, none smoking,
respectful travelers, in my experience, has been the
americans. I favor them over all others even my passport
brothers the canadians.
Next time your on the road hook-up with one and you'll see.
I hope to God I never have the misfortune of running into
anyone on this thread when travelling.
i cannot even believe this. ok so canadians like to wear
their flag on their backpacks to be easily distinguishable
from yanks. fair enough, yanks tend to be outspoken when
travelling os. why not? most of them suffer from
superiority complexes and who can blame them it's always the
good old US of A that saves the world. kiwis wear flags to
distinguish themselves from aussies. as an aussie i find
that mildly offensive but when some mates of mine were in
munich for the oktoberfest they stole a tram and generally
behaved very badly. canadians and kiwis are in general very
nice people, so are yanks, as long as you meet them in
america. aussies don't wear flags cos we don't have much
national pride. we're only 200 which is pretty young for a
country and most citizens don't even know the words to our
national anthem (advance australia fair). if people want to
display their national flag i say go for it. my backpack
has a flag from every country i've visited on it, including
australia, nz, canada and the states.
I have never heard such rubbish. For people who have
supposedly travelled, you have not learnt very much.
Beleive it or not, people from the same country can have
different personalities. And your posts prove that there
are narrow-minded dickheads no matter where you're from or
where you go. You cannot label an entire country.
Obviously 'Johnathon' is an Australian of English descent!
Sorry americans, but your populations reputation goes before
you. Of course we are all depressed at not being born in
such a great country, but trying to impose your 'culture'
when abroad doesn't make us feel any better.
So now people can be judged by if they wear a flag or not.
Perhaps we should also categorize people who wear red
shirts, or those whose eyes are close together. Those who
categorize nationalities/flag wearers should take their
brains with them time they travel.
I was going to be cool about this people i really was, I'm
a traveller always have been and always will be, I don't
give a shit what flag you've got sown to your pack it's
your pack do what the fuck you want with it. I don't tend
to judge people either, I've generalsed about races, places
and people in the past and a lot of the time I'm pretty
wrong. However the fuck up who wrote 33 is a complete cunt
and if your ever in blighty matey I'll kick your arse,
PRICK! The US is a good curerency to travel with for sure,
you can shift it on the black market easier, you can forge
it easier you can wipe your arse with it if you want but
to, say that you'll kick the worlds arse is a pretty good
way of shooting yourself in the foot with the kind of
statement which in turn has made so many people generalise
about your country. Let me put you straight on a few
historical facts.......you have never and i mean never in
your entire history ( and we have barns in our village
older than the United Fucking States ( and it is a state!)
of America)
Every war you have ever put your big foot in you have
succeeed to fuck up. Without fail I won't list them all
theres to many.I'm not saying the poms are any better,
we've fucked alot of the place up, Turkey for the Aussies
to say the least, but take your head out of your arse mate,
Saving Private Ryan didn't win the war.
I could go on forever you have got me really going man,
wouldn't it be a better to statement to say if America
wanted we could wipe out famine in Africa work harder for
world peace and try and make the world a better place???
Blow the place up?? What the fuck are you on mate, it's
pricks like you who fuck it up for a great many decent
Americans. Fuck you idiot, wake up.
I apologise for my strong language and aggressive nature in
this note readers I'm pretty chilled most of the time, but
heh?!?!?!
Dave.....................Happy travels!
It has just occured to me that while away we all try and be
so free, so none caring about careers and systems that suck
us in in our countries and here we are argueing amongst
travelling folks and we are all travellers of some sort
about who puts flags on our packs and who's an arsehole for
doing it. I'm starting to Laugh now!! Tony Wheeler are you
reading this shit???? Whats going on?? Poms, Aussies,Kiwi's
French, South African, Spanish Jesus I'm not going through
all of you, but how many times have you been tucked away in
some remote place with half a dozen people you don't know
and thought they were pricks because a couple of them had
patches on there packs??? They were probably the ones that
passed you that spliff!! I bet they werem't so bad then
??Come on people and editors lets have something to talk
about that means something heh??
Remember why we do it??Think about why we're away, it
occurs to me that the purity of our thoughts when we're
away seem to get left at airport customs upon arrival
home!!!!
In anticipation of a worth while conversation
topic...........Dave.
As a scotsman who has lived in Canada for a while, I am
proud to travel with both flags on my backpack. As Spirit of
the West say "the thistle and the maple leaf are emblems of
the free!" Never mind your Star Spangled Banner or even
Union Jack for that matter. We're proud of who we are,
and always get respect, appreciation and interest wherever
we travel! Its not about which country is better than
another, rather an inherent pride in being the minority.
Having had to put up with larger neighbours, we survive
because we know we live in the better place! Where are you
going to find greater mountains than in Scotland or Canada?
Dave (#61 and #62) you are right on target bro. I try to
make a case for America, and what we get are the butt-heads
like you mentioned who think America is great because we
could kick anyone's ass. It is that dude, with that
attitude, who gets everyone else pissed at Americans. If
those are the only Yanks you all meet while travelling, I
guess I understand why you think we are dicks.
Sorry, I am Dutch and have many kinds of blood in me, but not anglosaxon. After reading all this stuff, I only can say: is this site not about travelling? Flags and prejudices are somewhere else to find. Enjoy traveling and meeting different kind of people!
i'm afraid of the world
i'm afraid i can't help it....
does anyone recognize this?
a david bowie song, anyway
i am posting because i am an
american, who is afraid of the
way my country opperates but
ironically i am not afraid to be
seen as american in other
countries and of course not my
own because i feel that my
behavior may be worth the
good example it set when i
travel and that is why i want
people to see the small
american flag i have pinned on
my pack....not all americans
are bad.
what is bad is the stereotypes
you posters above have eagerly
enjoyed enforcing.
GO PREJUDICE, YA!
LETS MAKE THE WORLD ALL HATE
ONE ANOTHER.
you see what i mean?
Why can't we all just get along?
Hi- I am American, a "yank". I often tell people I am
Canadian while I am travelling. This is not for the reason
non-Americans think Americans tell people they are Canadian.
I have been to 30(thirty) countries and HAVE NEVER had to
deal with anti-American hostility. Instead, I tell people I
am Canadian since it never elicits the excited response that
telling people I am American does. If I say "American" to
the ubiqitous question of "what country" or "where from?",
there are three fairly commonly responses that I have to
contend with:
1."Mike Tyson!"
2. "Michael Jordan!"
3. "Michael Jackson!"
And some form of pantimime mimicking the activities of these
three people. If I say I am Canadian, people walk away,
uninterested. go figure ;-)
How can you generalise like this. I've travelled to loads of places, and I recently went to USA - with trepidation, I must admit. I met loads of really sound people and felt sad that I'd generalised for so long. People anywhere are the same, so why is it an issue if someone wants to wear a flag, rugby top, etc. If it bothers you that much who is the sad one?
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO MAKE TO CLEAR THAT AFTER SPENDING 10
MONTHS TRAVELLING AROUND EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST, THE
AMERICAN TRAVELLERS I HAD THE MISSFORTUNE TO MEET WOULD HAVE
HAD TO BE THE RUDEST OF ALL TRAVELLERS I ENCOUNTERED. TO
HAVE PRIDE IN YOUR COUNTRY IS ONE THING, BUT TO CONSTANTLY
HAVE TO TELL ALL YOU MEET HOW GREAT AMERICAN SOIL IS, IS
ANOTHER.
ONE THING I DID LEARN FROM THE AMERICAN'S I MEET WAS:
"OH YEAH, WE HAVE THAT AT HOME, BUT OURS IS BIGGER"
BY THE SOUNDS OF THINGS EVERYTHING IN AMERICA MUST BE 10
TIMES BIGGER AND BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD!
Yo all you dudes who are dissin us just because we are from
the U.S.
Chill and realise that we are so proud of our country, 'THE
LAND OF THE FREE' because it is one of the strongest,
richest countries in da world. I'm sorry if we offend you
dudes from the other countries out there, but we love our
land and wan't to let you dudes to love it to. Come here
and you won't want to leave. Trust me, it is da land to live
in.
In responce to #46 above, "Don't Shoot I'm Canadian" You
obviously have no brain inside that thick head of yours.
Such generalised comments have been made throughout the
subsequent posts above, however; yours would have to take
the cake for the most immature and idiotic comment of all.
Comments such as Australians are "a bunch of dumb okkers"
and Scandinavian's represent a "race of cheap spoilt pretty
boys" Does nothing but make you look like a racist pig. Some
advice for you, with such a pathetic outlook on other
nationalities I suggest you never leave the little nest you
have made for your self in Canada, because with statements
like yours you will be cut down in no time. As for you
title: "Don't shoot I'm Canadian" all I can say in responce
that is "any last request?....FIRE"
I'm from australia and and going on my first solo trip in a
few weeks to the Middle East. I'm not going to where a flag
on my pack simply because if people want to know where I am
from they can ask-
As for the idiot who posted #46 we Australian's are not all
a bunch of beer drinking okkers, come here enjoy what our
people and country have to offer and I'm sure you will
change your tune.
Please disregard the dickhead in #73. As an american I can
say that all of the anti-american shit posted here doesn't
piss me off as much as the things my own dickhead
countrymen say. As far as the flag thing goes I'm with
those of you who wear all of the flags from the places
you've visited. To me travel is not about `hey look where
I'm from' it should be `hey look where I've been and all
that I've experienced and learned.' That's why I where all
of my flags. Peace.
yes this is my real name for all of those yellow bellied
scabs, posting this issue under cute pen names.
So it seems everyone has something bad to say about everyone
else. Wow. Lets see who is the most traveled and can dig
up the worst tale about some "yank" or some "kiwi". Please
this flag thing is crap. Lets talk guns. Now who packs
heat on the road. Americans. Now I have to go because I
left my Ford F-250 idling outside and it uses more "petrol"
in one week than some SE Asian countries use in a year.
Long live the US of A.
Me and my girfriend are travelling to Australia on november
25th for three months of adventure. I am proud to be
Canadian, i want people to know that I'm proud. If you
have a problem with pride, stop me when I'm there, i'll be
more than happy to sort it out for you. I'm also sorry
that some of you don't have enough to be proud of that you
would wear it in the open where everyone can see, other
than nike or adidas.
The opinionated views expressed by most of the people here
are so sad and so pathetic. I laugh when I hear about
people joining together to fight global problems because it
will never happen. People everywhere are prejudiced,
selfish and greedy, including me. I try to be an eternal
optimist but its hard. So come on all you utopianists out
there - prove me wrong, where is the hope for the world ??
On average I find U.S. travellers in Asia no worse than my
fellow countrymen. We both have our drawbacks.
Unfortunately, Canadians have way too much of an inferiority
complex when it comes to the U.S. Most Americans I've met
while in Asia were fine (as opposed to the ones on their
first backpacking trip through Europe). What I can't believe
is with all the nationality bashing going on here, nobody
has mentioned Israelis. Israelis are the rudest travellers
I've ever encountered. I can't believe any of the other
nationalities abused here can even come close to these
dicks. My apologies to the 0.5% of Israelis I met who were
not rude and arrogant.
Yes, I can understand No. 77's comment - i just got back
from 2 months in China and Burma, and the most difficult
travellers i met in that entire time, in both countries,
were Israeli's. I don't think most of them are deliberately
rude though - they just have different concepts of whats
polite and whats not, but then you could say that about
anyone I suppose!
We spent about a week with two Israeli girls, as we were
heading in the same direction and it was convenient for us
to share accommodation, transport etc. - we actually
discussed the issue of how Israeli's come across as so rude
and their explanation was that in Israel they have to be
assertive, and also that for them it was a sign of
friendship that they didn't bother saying "please" or
"thankyou", or "could you..." instead of "do this..."
Perhaps some other israeli person will want to completely
disagree with that, but all i can add is that it didn't make
some of their behaviour any easier to accept!
Further to the previous topic of conversation (the flags), I
agree with whoever it was that pointed out that pretty much
wherever in the world you go you're likely to stick out as a
tourist, and if you're a different ethnic group/colour to
the local population then you haven't got a hope in hell of
blending in - so wear your flag with pride, ... or don't -
it's really no
Further to the Israeli experience from no's 77 and
78, when I spent a few days in Bangkok the natives
were usually less than courteous, due to the fact
I was obviously a tourist and a bit clueless as to
what was happening. The taxi drivers were the worst,
forever trying to rip you off, and please/thank you
etc. was a rarity.
But to look at it another way, if I was a Thai
trying to make a living and some western guy comes
along then i might try to rip him off or develop
a bit of an anti - west attitude. I can kind of
understand their behaviour and some of the people
I met were great.
This is endless, all your comments above. I thought my
fellow travellers were similar to me...open minded and
versatile to all cultures, wherever in the host country or
to fellow travellers. Isn't that one of the main reason why
we travel...to meet other fascinating people? Everyone stop
complaining about each other! Happy travelling.
I have sewn a patch of planet earth on my rucksack to
ensure that the extra-terrestrials travelling the world
don't confuse me as being one of them.
canada sucks because their country was built on the mass
murder and betrayal of the Native Indians (used them to set
up their fur industry, dumped them so they could use their
land)
The flag sucks because it has a maple leaf. The maple
grows in a small area of Canada. If you see a Canadian
with a flag on the packback, ask him/her if he/she has ever
SEEN a maple tree. No not a picture of one, a real one.
Most Canadians never think about this because they are
brainwashed by their reverse-nationalism.
Actually, I can't believe I'm sitting through all this....
Everyone where a planet earth patch and end this outrageous
debate.please!
To poster #82 -- there is not such thing as "reverse"
nationalism. Canadian nationalism = nationalism =
nationalism. It is all the same evil.
*
By the way, it is comical to hear leaf-toting Canadians
dismiss U.S. citizens as nationalistic. Comical, sad, and
annoying.
Or at least we should until they prove otherwise. I am
Canadian, proud to be so, but not so much so that I think I
am any better than anyone else just because! I have been
travelling for 20 years now and have met people from almost
every country, what I find is that the larger the group the
more ignorant and rude they get, it doesn't matter where
they are from. Also, I found that, in general, the older
they get the more demanding they are and insist that things
be as they are at home. lets all watch ourselves as we get
older and if we cannot take things being different when we
travel, learn to stay home.
I feel for the Americans sometimes, we all critize them for
bombing this or that etc, yet who does the world turn to
when we think something should be done, America. They are
cirtized for not going in when they don't and for going in
when they do. It must be hard to be the one who has to make
the decision all the time.
I love to trabel and love to meet people from everywhere, if
I decided before I met them that because they were this or
that I would have missed out on many pleasant encounters and
friendships. We all have a lot to share, lets share the
good stuff and keep prejudice out of it. Eh!!
I'm a Canadian and yes, I've seen a REAL MAPLE LEAF and
REAL MAPLE TREES. We all have...duh!!!! They grow pretty
much all over Canada! Duh!!!! By the way, had Canadians
"murdered" the Native Canadians (not Indians--from India,
duh), then there would not be such a large population of
Native Canadians living in Canada now. Furthermore, they
are and have always been paid monthly stipends by the
Canadian government for encroaching on what was formerly
their land and theirs alone. A pact was signed between
immigrants and natives in 1867 that still remains valid to
this day.
If you don't know what the FUCK you are talking about,
American shithead, shut the FUCK UP!!!!!
DUH!!!!!!!
how many letters are there in the canadian alphabet?
answer-52:a,eh? b,eh? c,eh? d,eh?....
No real biggie, but, FYI: A lot of us Americans south of
the Mason-Dixon ain't called Yankees.
Those people are insecure. As for English speaking
Canadians, they have an inferiority complex because their
culture is treading water in the sea of American culture.
It is often indistinguishable. The French Canadiens act
similarly toward their English Canadian countrymens
potientially overwhelming English culture.‰
Yeah, that pretty much sounds like some of those insecure
freaks who berate the States. Especially the part where
"you" assumed that I am an American. For a second there I
thought you were serious. Ha-ha! Keep up the good work.
I don't care where you're from. The point has been made
that you don't have a clue what you're talking about. The
ignorance about Canada in your post was so obvious, I could
not help responding. It was worth it to give my fellow
Canadians a laugh at your expense. Thanks for playing...
Yes, apparently you do not care where I am from, but you
none the less refered to me as an American. Not a Briton,
not a Frenchwoman. Not a Serb, not a Somalian. How does
Spanish Fisherman Assholes sound?
Few people would assume that the writer of post #82 was
American, with the possible exception of Canadians. Why?
Because Canadians are always comparing themselves to
Americans, bursting with PRIDE whenever they do something
better than them. Which often isn't saying much:
"We're nicer than Americans."
"Well, who isn't?"
"Ummm..."
Only comparing themselves to Americans, therefore Americans
are always "the other". Do you know what the Canadian
Football League calls Canadian players? NON-IMPORTS!
Because that is how Canadians view themselves;
they are a nation of non-Americans. Ted Reeve must be
turning in his grave (in case you don't know, PC, Ted Reeve
was one of the great Toronto Argonaut coaches, who fielded
all-Canadian teams in the early part of this century)
But don't worry, Proud Canadian, you still live in one of
the best countries in the world. Even if Amnesty
International criticizes Canada's treatment of Native
People, even if there were millions more of them 300 years
ago than there are today. And fewer of them commiting
suicide and stuffed in jails.
And please don't call me an asshole.
Since you keep bringing up Native Canadians (whom you'd
erroneously referred to as "Indians" in a previous post,
thereby showing your ignorance of the situation), I will
help to put your mind at ease. There are no more Native
Canadians being mistreated than any other ethnic group of
Canadians. In fact, Native people are given monthly checks
to live off for their entire lives and don't have to work,
unlike the rest of us who, incidentally, have no control
over what our ancestors did. Should they choose to go to
university, the government pays the total cost of tuition,
books, accommodations, and meals in addition to their
monthly spending money. If they have a child, the
government will pay for daycare or a nanny to watch the
child while the parent or parents attend school or work.
Speaking of work, those Native people who do choose to work
(and there aren't many) have their choice of any job because
there is a minority quota. This means they will be chosen
over other ethnicities for almost any position regardless of
qualifications. The government will even create jobs for
them and pay them ridiculous amounts of money to do next to
nothing. I've seen my Native friends fall into these
"lucky" positions time and again. Those Natives who wind up
in jail are usually drunk and causing a disturbance since
most of them don't work and have lots of money, they are
bored and have nothing to do but drink all the time. Of
course, not all Natives fall into this pattern but you'd be
surprised how many do. Suicides are high among Natives,
this is true. However, I speculate that it's also due to
the low motivational factor, but let's not forget that many
non-Natives become suicidal as well. Who is to blame for
their suicides?
I'm not sure what your allusion to Canadian sports has to do
with anything. It just shows that you are looking for any
reason at all to justify your previous statements.
And don't berate me for calling you an asshole. Did you
actually read your first post? You came off sounding like a
hate-mongerer towards a country that treats people better
than most. Then you made up bullshit about the country,
total fallacies, I assume in an attempt to make others feel
as you do. You just never expected anyone to call you on
it, and now your are upset because someone actually KNOWS
what you said is bullshit.
Here's something you should remember before shooting your
mouth off: You give no respect, you get no respect.
Quick note to " Ltrain " ( b'cos I know you won't
comprehend an in depth dissertation on the pitfalls of
American culture ; an oxymoron admittedly )
1./ O.J Simpson Trial
2./ Rodney King Trial
3./ The death of James Byrd in Jasper , Texas - for those
who aren't familiar - he was a handicapped Negro who
was chained by the legs and dragged behind a pick-up
truck causing his head was ripped off.
4./ Jeffrey Dahmer
5./ Ted Bundy
6./ Theodore Kascynski (?) a.k.a "The Unabomber"
7./ Watergate , Zippergate - the cigar fiasco !
8./ David Koresh - Waco , Texas - Government sanctioned
Religious persecution/Annihilation.
9./ Well I'll stop here ...... it's just too easy !!
- and as for your remark about being able to " destroy
entire populations in a day " , I have only 2 words for you
" Iraq " and " Vietnam ". I believe you guys came 2nd
in both of these. So " L-TRAIN " , have fun in your idea
of Utopia ( get a grown-up to explain that to you ) -
just do the rest of the world a favour and stay there you
retarded redneck MORON !!!
And as for you Alec ( post # 5 ) - what's YOUR
nationality ??? I'm a Kiwi and proud of it , so if
you've got the balls , lets debate the relative merits of
each other's countries - juvenile admittedly , but I'm up
for it if you are ?? Unless of course you're American - in
which case - just get some-one to read the above to you !
Just for the record :- I absolutely loved America and
most of the people I met there - genuinely friendly and for
the most part not overly jingoistic - but alas we all have
our crosses to bear and a lot of the Fuckheads on this site
seem to be Yanks !! And we can't let the crap above go
unanswered can we ?!
If you have read all the way down to here, you have far to much time on your hands and are probably an over-educated under-employed Canadian wishing you could make the big yankee bucks to pay off that damn student loan because the job down at Starbucks just isn't cutting it anymore.
Here's a thought, since we seem to be on the track of comparing countries; why is it that the President gets a blow-job and he is called to task by the Government and the American people while the Prime Minister treats the 'independent' police force of the RCMP like his own personal Police State Special Forces (and that, by the way, is how these countries earn that title, through the Governmental control of the police) to protect the ego of a visiting dictator, and no one can figure out how to make him answer for his actions. Sure the American version was a farce, but atleast they had a forum to question his actions. America is the Cradle of the Best and the Worst....Leonard Cohen.
Now if they could just lighten the hell up on that whole pot smoking thing...
and also...can't anyone spell anymore?
Well done " doctari " - well written apart from an appalling
start - it should have read " ...... far TOO much time "
( emphasis added ). Somewhat pedantic perhaps , but people
in glass houses ...... Don't know what you're on about with
your canuck buddies , but it sounds pretty boring , and
doesn't address any of the central issues. You really must
pay more attention to the agenda at hand or you could find
yourself failing this course.
Thank you very much !
The Americans may be a little thick and the Canadians may be
a little dull, but they should all give thanks to the Lord
that they're not Belgian.
Two items worth mentioning:
1.) An american co-worker who has spent 9 years in England,
married an Londoner and has settled there permanently, once
complained to me of this thing he called the ALC-Anglo
Losers Club= Canadians, Brits, Aussies, New Zealanders, who
drink all day, underachieve, get on the dole, and spend the
rest of the day bitching about Americans. As this thread
has shown, they bitch all day on the net also.
2.) A French friend of mine once complained how as an
American I was a product of this strange Anglo-Saxon culture
where people love drinking hard, insulting everyone, and
generally acting like buffoons (Think English soccer
hooligans, American frat boys, Canadian hockey players,
Australians & Kiwis after a rugby game).
After reading the previous 97 posts I realized THEY ARE BOTH
RIGHT!!! All the American slamming here (in grammatically
perfect English I might add) only proved the theory of the
Anglo Losers Club, and the general incivility of all the
English speakers here proved my French friends' point.
As for the flags issue, I love America (it is my home), I
love the Canadians (yes, they are more civil than
Americans), and yes having a North American accent means
risking your life in certain parts of the world-thus the
need for a Canadian flag. And yes, I'll admit it, Americans
abroad are uncouth. But hey, healthcare & education isn't
free here, and (unlike a lot of nationalities) we have to
work for a living, so we don't get out much....
And on the evidence shown by your posting - you shouldn't
be allowed out at all - at least not without the funny
jacket with the sleeves that do up at the back !!!
Good luck with the treatment !
so i couldnt be arsed to read everything thats been written
about this particluar topic, but: does it really matter???
why does it get on your tits soooooo much????? and why do
you feel the urge to send this message to every section of
the thorn tree site?????
so i couldnt be arsed to read everything thats been written
about this particluar topic, but: does it really matter???
why does it get on your tits soooooo much????? and why do
you feel the urge to send this message to every section of
the thorn tree site?????
I feel compelled to refer many of you to the wonderful
SOCCLM Award competition! Details can be found in the
"AFGHANISTAN" post of Sun. Feb. 28...
We've extended the deadline, and more than one individual is
eligible to to win! DON'T DELAY! And, as always... thank you
for making the TT such an enjoyable, informative, and
cordial place to be. Mankind truly is enriched by your
collective existence!! Good luck with the Award!
Sincerely,
The Chairman
Princeton, Harvard, Yale, MIT, ... the list goes on.
America has most of the best and brightest - either home
grown or attracted here. The smartest people want to come
to the US. If you don't, that just shows you're stupid.
And Oxford. And Cambridge, LSE. And Sorbonne...
people think of American universities. I guess those other
schools have some good opportunities for Europeans, but...
Yank from #51, just to clarify something you said. I was a
Bejing Univ. student in Tiananman Sq. in 1989. It
definitely was not the American flags we were hovering
around - we held flags of our universities and departments.
That statue destroyed by the tanks was not called "Statue
of Liberty", it's called "Godess of Democracy", even though
I personally really didn't like the design. We students
thought a more democratic society would be good, and we are
still working towards that, but not as you might think that
we are trying to subortage and split the country. And we
definitely don't want to have you bankcrupt China just as
you did to Russia. We appreciate any helpful hands, but we
do not worship the America.
99.9% of the students who were involved in Tiananman Sq.
didn't do that because they love America so much, but
because they loved China so much that they can take all the
risk for it. They were all about making China stronger.
USA is a powerful country, but you Americans can make it
have better reputation by being
1. more modest. there are plenty that you don't have and
plenty that you don't know.
2. more responsible to the world. Stop bombing around and
sending troops around. Export and share technology with the
world. Send more technical experts to the world to help
development of civil projects, instead of shipping missles
everywhere.
If Americans can do that, I bet people around the world
would love you guys a lot better and many more people will
contribute to make USA a more respected country.
Before that happens, USA will remain a country that
everyone fears and everyone hates, befriending or exploting
it because of pure economical reasons. That for sure would
not make a good American feel right.
By the way, not intending to insult you, your feeling good
about not knowing other countries' affairs is actually
pretty strange.
By for now.
OK, I'm British, and I have done my fair share of taking
the piss out of Americans. Thing is, I only do this
because of how I perceive them from naff sitcoms and chat
shows, ie brash, ignorant, illogical, unintelligent, over-
nationalistic and lacking an ability to see the irony in
things. But deep down I know that the TV representation of
America can't be telling the whole story. It's like the
Brits being judged by some of the crap that spurts forth on
British TV (not that Brit TV isn't among the best in the
world). I choose to reserve my judgement until I'm able to
judge the US nation as a whole, which I'll never be able to
do, as I'll never get to meet them all. I have to say that
the Americans I've met on my travels have been among the
wittiest, the most intelligent, and the best able to cope
with difficult situations, as well being prepared to take
the piss out of themselves as a nation and the way they are
governed. So let's all stop slagging each other off. I'm
astonished that so many people who travel should turn out
to be so prejudiced.
OK, I'm British, and I have done my fair share of taking
the piss out of Americans. Thing is, I only do this
because of how I perceive them from naff sitcoms and chat
shows, ie brash, ignorant, illogical, unintelligent, over-
nationalistic and lacking an ability to see the irony in
things. But deep down I know that the TV representation of
America can't be telling the whole story. It's like the
Brits being judged by some of the crap that spurts forth on
British TV (not that Brit TV isn't among the best in the
world). I choose to reserve my judgement until I'm able to
judge the US nation as a whole, which I'll never be able to
do, as I'll never get to meet them all. I have to say that
the Americans I've met on my travels have been among the
wittiest, the most intelligent, and the best able to cope
with difficult situations, as well being prepared to take
the piss out of themselves as a nation and the way they are
governed. So let's all stop slagging each other off. I'm
astonished that so many people who travel should turn out
to be so prejudiced.
Rachel, just want to ask for clarification of some British
(maybe) idioms and terms that come up frequently in posts
submitted from English people. I want to understand the
following (and not trying to make fun of you or your fellow
nationals), could you or others explain:
1)"taking the piss out of" (is this to be taken positively
or negatively?)
2)"Naff"
3) "slagging each other off"
4)"Wanker"- I read this alot on other Brits' posts but
would be obliged if you could explain.
Hey the TT can be very good for learning each others
cultures.
Thanks in advance!
taking the piss out of = making fun of
Naff = uncool, square
slagging each other off = ridiculing, calling names, being
abusive, "dissing" each other
Wanker = someone who gets his sexual gratification alone ;-)
Thank you very much for taking the time to give me (and
maybe some others) a short lesson on those current terms.
#93 (PC) is the worst of our country. We're not all like
him.
Okay, I haven't taken the time to read all these posts
but I think I get the gist: America sucks, Canadians
just want to be understood... I am Canadian and American,
and we all suck. Although I really consider myself to
be Canadian and not the evil other, I would never wear the
flag. It is downright humiliating to watch tourists
behave in their typical loud, noisy and in-the-way fashion
- we all do it sometimes - and realise that everyone knows
they are from my country BECAUSE OF THE GODDAM FLAG ON THEIR
KNAPSACK. It's also waaayyyy complacent for us Canadians to think
we're the saving grace of the developed world just because
we're not Americans. Last time I checked, Canadian students
had been tear gassed while peacefully protesting a dictator
from Asia... our environmental record and treatment of our
Natives are lousy... and Nike logos and other American
cultural icons produced under exploitative 3rd world
conditions are everywhere.
People should be proud of their own efforts in the world,
not their country's reputation. And, fellow Canadians,
if you're going to act like obnoxious fools, please don't
wear the flag!