What do Canadians think of Americans in general?
916282
I think that most people have an open mind on issues between Canada and the United States. I live on the east coast of Canada and many of our citizens have sought travel, work and schooling to the United States in our modern times. You have to judge a person by their respect for each other not their culture or origin.\n\nAs a Junior High School student in Canada(60's), my geography class had to learn the name of each State, their capitals and a product of each region. \n\nMy wife and I just returned from a visit to CT and RI where we stayed with friends that she made while working for Collette Vacations, a US based Travel Company.\n\nThe First Nation People from Quebec,Canada and Upper New York, former fisherman from the Canadian Maritime Region especially Newfoundland worked in the high steel industry helping to build the "Empire State Building" in New York, New York. They were referred to with great respect as "The Indian Crew" and "The Fish Crew", many of the relatives of these original steel workers assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts during 9-11.
447155
Eh?  (Sorry about the stereotype!)  You guys are great!  All the Canadians I've run across are indistinguishable from any other north American and I think most people feel the same way.  You may run into friendly joking if you pronounce your 'O' vowels in the famous Canadian way.\n\nIf you were to move to the east coast, people may kid you about the bad weather always blowing "down from Canada".\n\nCome on down!
784788
Well, when I think of "Canada", it tends to be "one great big place with lots of trees, and it's COLD up there!"\n\nBut the average Canadian?  Not an average American here....\n\n....but I still remember with gratitude the fact that Canadian nationals at your embassy in Iran protected fleeing US embassy personnel, at considerable risk when our hostages were taken, during Carter's administration....\n\n...and the fact that many Canadians offered extensive hospitality and comfort to a lot of "involuntary drop-in visitors" in the aftermath of 9/11, when US airspace closed down, and planes had to land at any airport that would accept them.\n\nWe haven't forgotten those things....
1139879
Generally I think Americans are ambivalent about Canadians.\n\nWe like their beer (Molson), probably eat their beef (Alberta), can appreciate their hockey (Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs), adopt their artists (Alanis Morrissette, William Shatner, Jim Carrey, John Candy, and so on), and film in their country (Vancouver).\n\nWhile I've nothing against Canadians, and indeed respect them, as a FIB I'm more passionate about my beloved Cheese-Head neighbors to the north and happy Hoosiers to the east. All in all, I'd say that Iowans (my western neighbors) are most like Canadians.\n\nRegarding Manifest Destiny: here are some sections from Wikipedia related to its definition and how it affected our relations with Canda, Texas and Mexico. Please visit the link for the complete write-up.\n\n"Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States had a mission to expand, spreading its form of democracy and freedom. Sometimes advocates said there was divine sanction (but atheists were often just as supportive). Advocates of Manifest Destiny believed that expansion was not only good, but that it was obvious ("manifest") and inevitable ("destiny"). Originally a political catch phrase of the 19th century, Manifest Destiny eventually became a standard historical term, often used as a synonym for the territorial expansion of the United States across North America towards the Pacific Ocean.\n\n"(It) has always been a general notion rather than a specific policy. \n\n"The phrase ... was first used primarily by Jackson Democrats in the 1840s to promote the annexation of much of what is now the Western United States (the Oregon Territory, the Texas Annexation, and the Mexican Cession). \n\n"British North America\nAlthough Manifest Destiny was primarily directed at territory inhabited by Mexicans and American Indians, the concept played a role in U.S. relations with British North America (later Canada) to the north. From the time of the American Revolution, the United States had expressed an interest in expelling the British Empire from North America. Failing to do that in both the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, Americans came to accept the British presence on their northern border, but fears of possible British expansion elsewhere in North America was a recurrent theme of Manifest Destiny."
611959
I think Americans are good people for the most part just like in the majority of other countries but as a society in whole we tend to group people in big categories together and say they are one way or another.  Unfortunately things will never change that way.  People are people... some are good and others are not.  Every country has them all.  I guess it depends on the politics that rule the countries nation that makes Countries look bad or look good.  Right now I think the American government is making them look bad in some aspects but I respect the fact that they are a very proud nation. I have been to the USA and love it there.  I would hope that people realize the amount of propoganda out there that causes people to think a certain way and that we must know we are not getting the full story when it comes to the war in Iraq and many decisions that are made by the president and government.\nSad but true
1162484
I live here in America and have been an American all my life. If they were willing to flee to Canada just because of a certain president being elected then I wonder about their loyalty to America and whether they are true Americans or people who live in America and only like it when things go their way. I would call that a fair weather American. Wouldn't you? Sure hope they don't join the military or run for a government position themselves. I 'd hate for them to turn tail and run just because things were  not going there way. Right ?
1170079
I love Canadians.  When I was in Australia i met more Canadians than when i lived in Banff ( i shared a house with 13 Australians, Yikes mate, Yikes!)\n\nI love Canada, I love that the streets are so clean in Toronto that when i dropped my hot dog on the ground i didn't even think twice about picking it up. Yummy! ;) \n\nI love that you have universal healthcare, (cause i know you hate it when we say Americans, cause you're from the Americas too) I'm a Yankee, and man what i wouldn't give to get some insurance . Even if i had to pay a bunch more taxes.  it's totally worth it.\n\nI am basically very envious of your "little" peace lovin country up there. But seriously, stop sending illegal immigrants! they are sucking up our resources! (tongue in cheek) \n\nfavorite province:Nunuvet (just cause it's really fun to say. or is it a territory? oops, ignorant yank right here in Michigan)
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.
528408
Well it not required to have to like anything to be an American.\nWe like Immigrants just not illegal immigrants\nNot sure where your looking or if it just to hard for you to look but there are a lot of hard working Americans other wise we would not be the world strongest most powerful Nation.\nAs for other Countries we like Canada but As for Countries like France that we liberated and have bailed out have time after time betrayed America Place's like Russia we Bailed out and they never back the US Then there is China We let them sell everything we send jobs there knowing they are sweat shops but big business is making so much off them we do not stop it but the rest of America can see it.\n\nThe American people do not like being taken advantage of\nor countries asking for help from the Big nice generous USA\nBut when the USA ask for their help they turn their Backs.\n\nBut let the U.S. try to secure the Borders we're Racist.\nTell a Country to treat their people humanly we are told to keep out.Now there is a Country that all out hate the U.S.A and wants a nuclear bomb what would happen if they ever were able to get a hold of one god help the World.
868995
Because American citizens are rude and demanding.  If European people can tell the difference between a Canadian and a American by talking to them, the there is a problem.  They don't want you to stop existing, just to shut-up.
714061
Because some, not all, think that they actually run the world (see the Project for the New American Century for specifics).  I find most Americans to be wonderful people but some, mostly those in powerful positions, speak to the world in a condescending manner which sadly reflects badly on all Americans.  \nBTW, I am Canadian myself and although I understand your sarcasm vis a vis the tax and policing the world, it really wasn't a very good analogy.  \n\nCheers to Cute Fuzzy Kitty
590706
I don't think its Americans.  Its our government. I'd say the majority of Americans want to take care of our own.  But our government seems to have other ideas.  Should we say they are un-American?  I feel ya.
398989
Several people at my church in Michigan are Canadians, including the 2 ministers. From my long and thoughtful conversations with Canadians I have found that Canadians are a very diverse group of people, yet are unified by a strong desire to remain separate from the US both politically and personally. As one Canadian put it " being a Canadian is like living in an apartment above a noisy drunk, an incredibly well armed drunk."
626744
Do you still wear mullets, acid washed jeans and member's only jackets?\nThat stuff stuck around for a long time after it was gone from the US.  I always got a kick out of that.\n\nNo, seriously, I think more Canadians hate Americans.  They somehow think of themselves as "european", "enlightened" and "progressive".   That's especially true of the (fake) french ones in Quebec.  \n\nActually, I think Canada would make a really nice 51st state!\n\nAdded:\nAs far as the health care: Great.  You Cannucks have to wait  3 months for a simple mamogram.  My brother-in-laws father is dying there because the health system sucks!\n\nCleaner - Less crime: Yes, Always true of a homogeneous people.  Much harder when you take in all refuse from every country.\n\nLarger!?!?  If you count Ice as land, then yes.\n\nKeep going the socialist route, and you'll become just like us (minus the innovation and wealth and charity)
738241
I echo Blaken's comments.\n\nI'm Canadian, and I have lived in the US for a number of years.  As a general rule (but not always the case), neo-cons and war mongerers dislike Canada because it believes in peace, order and good government.  On the other end, middle of the road Americans and those Americans who have issues with the current foreign policy of pre-emptive action tend to admire Canada.
408979
i am canadian and have worked in busy tourist towns off and on for several years. let me tell you, that some americans are the most ignorant people i have ever met. they are the only country that will come into the store and ask "is that in american dollars?" .....you're in CANADA. it's in CANADIAN dollars! and that is just the tip of the iceberg on dumb questions. from my experience with americans, they have the attitude that the world revolves around them. sorry, it doesn't.\n\n***Just to clarify, this isn't every american! many of them are very nice and smart and not ignorant at all!***
806244
I'm American, but I'd rather be Canadian. That is because Canada has better foriegn policies and there is free health care for all. Canadians do not have Bush and I hate the "American" stereotype. I'd love to move to another country.