Should Americans know more about Canada?
355330
Americans seem to be less educated than those from other developed countries in the world.\n\nI could go on and on but frankly, Americans can stand to learn a lot more about everything, including Canada.
574992
That is an excellent question, and one that I complain about on a daily basis. It is especially ironic considering the sheer size of the country, and the fact that most current residents of the country came originally from somwhere else.\n\nPart of the reason why Americans (as a whole) remain so geographically ignorant is due to the education system or lack thereof. "More important" topics are being taught or are given a stronger emphasis than "mere" geography. That is the reason why the National Geographical Society was formed, to enhance the spread of knowledge on all things to do with mapping and geography. \n\nAnother reason is, when you are taught only one language (English) and also taught that "America is the only country worth learning about", why should you bother learning about other people's places? And this is despite the fact that this country is so big and important to the WHOLE WORLD, and this country's policies affect the lives of people worldwide, one would think that they would take the time to know more about the cultures and geography of other countries, as well as ensure that they take care when dealing with them, since, as they say, what goes around always comes around. Americans often accuse Britons of being from an "insular" island nation, but based solely on the geographical knowledge that the average American (and their leaders!) exhibit, I think that the shoe is on the other foot now. The only difference is, the American "island" is huge compared to the British Isles.\n\nA third reason is, the more interested you are about something, the more likely it is that you will learn about it. Have you noticed how often it is, that kids can learn all the words to the latest song on the radio, but ask them what they learned in school today, and they will look at you like you asked them to do brain surgery or something?\n\nA fourth reason: parents aren't taking the time to instill in their children a love of learning, and they are not supervising their education. They don't follow up on to make sure that they're doing their homework, and they don't attend Parent-Teacher Conferences. There's a reason why they call the language you speak best your "mother" tongue -- it's because your mother is the one who probably taught it to you in the first place. Any fool can have kids, that's a biological thing, but it takes a special person to be a parent. Parents have to care for all aspects of their children's well-being and development, and that includes their education about the world in which they live.\n\nThose are a few reasons.
765982
As an American, I have always considered Canada to be our sister country and dear & precious neighbors. As far as what America has that Canada does not have.... Every country has something different to offer than other countries. America and Canada have different cultures, landscapes, styles of government, and both are wonderful and have much to offer to each other. We are both children of England and have many good ties to each other, as we also have with our Australian brothers & sisters.
265879
Well, im american, and we have a lot of debate always going on about immigration policy here too. I know little of canadian immigration matters, however, if it helps, most{not all} immigrants to usa dont contribute much but cheap labor, however, there children usually assimilate very quickly, and that generation becomes contributing tax paying citizens. So, if your an optimist,  it can be looked at as an investment in the future.
776020
No, but I learn more about USA!!!!!
277081
and you'd be surprised at the number of americans who think there is a language called 'canadian' as well!\n\nthe two (american and what you call 'proper' english) are related enough that it may be better to classify one or the other as more of a written 'dialect' than a whole different language.  i realize that 'dialect' is usually reserved for the spoken word, but it's a good fit in this case, do you think?\n\none comment, you DO convey an air of 'superiority', intentional or not, when you distinguish between american and proper english... do you wish to imply that american english is improper?  there are always a few who will take great exception... but i'm not one of them.\n\nregards, 'over here'.
119764
No. Only USA but Canada has an active immigration program and most people with some work experience and decent education qualify for immigration
576546
I'm a Canadian and I think the Americans, except for the government, are a bunch of suckers. Unfortunately most Americans are not by choice. The president has got you people so hyped up on the idea AMERICA IS THE GREATEST YAAAAAAAA that you American people are completely oblivious of all the scandals and awful things that your government is doing. I have to say that President Bush and all the other presidents have to be as messed up as Bin Laden himself. Its not entirely the fault of the American people that you're in shit up to your necks but you people are just like f&*cken puppets on a string and it takes a third person (Canada and the rest of the world) to identify it. America, sadly, is a first class country going down curropt rd. in the express lane. Yes I agree GOD Bless America and  I prey to god, let the American people see the reality so they have at least a fighting chance to change thier future.\nThies are just my thoughts to your comment about your American government. I like the American people your  Canadas favourite friend but you guys got to wake up and smell the corruption.
1184770
Yes, I like y'all pretty well.  Americans find it almost impossible to think of Canada as a foreign country. . . we even have some of your money circulating around down here and people spend it just like ours.  We think the same thing about Australia and New Zealand and Britain, though.  Just family members who happen to live in different houses.
437238
yes, i am a Canadian. We are better than Americans. but we dont gloat about it.
786829
I've done travelling throughout Europe and North America and today I would think that Canadians are the friendliest towards tourists and immigrants.  In general, the Brit's tend to be more conservative and yet are open and curious about other cultures.  A couple of years ago I would have said that Australians would win this little contest but there seems to be a growing climate of rascism which is frightening. Many people from the U.S. tend to be unaware of global cultures and politics and yet can still come across as arrogant.  One of the biggest differences between Canada and the U.S. is that the U.S. considers itself a "melting pot" of different cultures while Canada sees itself as a mosiac, where cultures can co-exist independantly.  I think there's a lot of factors to consider before this could really be answered. ie: people in large urban areas tend to be far more accepting of different nationalities than those in rural areas, people who have directly experienced acts of terror tend to be a little less likely to be open with strangers (to put it mildly), etc.  Interesting question.
856776
Canada is a pretty big place.  Might be helpful if you can give people a city or at least a province....
621003
Well it is nice to see Americans saying nice things about us.\n\nTo be honest, the last war between Canada and the US was fought in 1812.  Most Americans do not remember this war, but for us it is very important.\n\nYou need to remember that this was only 40 years after the Americans revolted against England.  Loyalists were persecuted and fled the US for their lives and had to resettle in a colder harsher climate.  Canada was still an English colony, and a large number of Americans were immigrating to get free land in the west.\n\nAt the time, Napolean was have a great time in Europe conquering countries and England was fighting for its life.  They were halting shipping and trade with France to try and put them at a disadvantage and losing sailors to desertion and death.  Americans still had a British accent and some Americans were pressed into British Naval service because they were "perceived" as deserters...\n\nRemember too that the US was not the superpower as it is now.  It was a backwater little country of no importance to countries like Germany, France and England.\n\nBecause the US had no navy or troops to speak of back then, rather than taking the fight to England which would be suicide, they felt that Canada would be an easy target.  They're cut off from England, 1/10 the population, most of them were Americans anyway.  So in democratic fashion, they elected officers, each state voted whether to participate or not, and off to war they went.\n\nThey were surprised.  First we had Sir General Isaac Brock who prepped the south western part of Ontario for an attack and the Americans found Canadians waiting.  Second we had Tecumseh and his army.  They were pushed out the US and found a home here in Canada.  They helped big time with support and scouting and raiding American territory.\n\nThirdly, we just didn't want to become Americans.  Colonist volunteers swelled the ranks of the British regulars as well as providing food and support.\n\nThe Americans were stunned as they did not expect to meet this kind of resistance.  British and Canadians occupied Detroit for the duration of the war, plus occupied some islands and settlements in New York and Vermont.\n\nThe Americans burned York (now Toronto) to the ground, British and Canadians set fire to Washington.\n\nCanadians and Americans were bitter enemies for almost 70 years after the war.\n\nTo answer your last question, Canada was never occupied by any foreign power.  We simply gave back what we took.\n\nWe've managed up until WWI to say out of Americna power abuse because we were members of the British Commonwealth.  After WWII we work together with the Americans in joint defence.  They recognize that we are an independant sovereign country and respect this.
853515
Actually, no.  Being an American myself, I can tell you at least from my experience that the people I know think of Canada as our neighbors to the north.  Canada is just like America, only you guys got it right, while we continue to spiral down into a pit of despair.  A friend of mine recently moved to Canada and I'm actually quite jealous of the things that are better in Canada.  Being an American, he sees and doesn't take for granted what you guys have up there.
498272
Over all I think you have it wrong.  I am Canadian, however, I have a son-in-law and granddaughter living in Texas and relatives scattered throughout both countries.  However, who do you class as Americans.  As I see it the North American continent consist of Canada, USA, and Mexico.  With this in mind, who is American?  If there is a dislike from nation to another, it is a personal agenda of the thinker.  But, if you really want to know the deep thoughts of why people of USA have any conflict with Canadians? You will have to take some history lessons; In the past like around early 1700 - 1800 there has been conflicts between Canada and USA and Canada is the only country in the world that has burnt the Whitehouse and not only once but, twice.  Plus the name Enterprise used by USA on ships was first a Canadian ship built in the late 1700 in Nova Scotia.  In conflict between Canada and USA the HMS Enterprise is responsible for seizing and sinking of 156 USA ships before it was finally cornered in a bay by seven USA ships, all hands lost.  The name Enterprise is a USA trophy.  But, I prefer to love thy neighbor, it makes for good rumors.
1071473
I must tell you that I had no idea that Canadians had a different religious culture. Now, I'm a bit confused: which country assigns a higher importance to religion? America or Canada? And what do you mean by "force"?
269127
If you ask most Americans to tell you something about Canada 9 out of 10 times it will be "it's cold up there".  Often the butt of many jokes, Canadians happen to be very loyal and conservative people who not only love their country but will also go to the extreme for their environment.  Not only is their healthcare of the utmost importance to their government but it is also a blessing to people to which take such criticism due to lack of knowledge.  Considering the close proximity of the two countries one would think their education systems would have a more detailed history corriculum of their neighboring country.\n\nHome of Hockey, SCTV comedy in London, Ont has hosted some of the best comedians to ever make it big, the CN Tower in Toronto is one of the largest standing structures in the world (if not the tallest), Yonge Street is the longest road travelling through Canada.  The Flag is red and white and consists of two white stripes and a maple leaf in the center.  The two main languages spoken in Canada but not limited to are French and English.  And a majority of Playboy and Penthouse models...they are Canadian born and raised.  And then there is the trillium...