Are We Americans in Denial?Are We Americans in Denial?Are We Americans in Denial?What is the difference between Canadian and American identity? Is it not true that both countries share very similar cultures including food, clothing, and shared language? Undoubtedly, there is a very close correlation between Canadian and American culture. Geographically, both countries are very close to each other. In fact, Canadians and Americans share the longest unprotected boarder in the world! This is significant because it proves the healthy relationship that Canadians and Americans have developed. More importantly, it also shows that both countries are interconnected. As Ronald Reagan once said in reference to Canada, “We are happy to be your neighbour. We want to remain your friend. We are determined to be your partner, and we are intent on working closely with you in a spirit of co-operation.” (About.com) Accordingly, these facts and quotes demonstrate that Canadians and Americans are very similar in terms of culture and customs. In the same way, Canadians and Americans also respect and help protect each other in times of need. Even so, the beliefs, history, and identity of both nations are poles apart! These differences between American and Canadian society make each civilization unique and distinct, separates one from the other, and proves Canadians and Americans are different. As a result, this paper will demonstrate that Canada is definitely its own distinct society, and not a civilization of Americans in denial.
To begin with, Canadian and American values are incredibly different. Although both Canada and the United States share the ideologies of democracy and freedom, both countries contribute very different attitudes towards different situations. To illustrate this, both countries contain substantial amounts of immigrants from around the world; as a result, American immigrants are encouraged to leave behind their own ethnical identity and assimilate into the American culture. Subsequently, the term “melting pot” is used to portray the American attitude towards immigration. On the contrary, Canada is described as a “cultural mosaic” by many because of its ability to be open and accepting towards newcomers. Furthermore, Canada represents an encouragement in cultural diversity. In Canada, immigrants are encouraged to practice their background culture, yet at the same time, live side-by-side with the Canadian culture. Like Arnold Edinborough once stated, “Canada has never been a melting pot; more like a tossed salad.” (allgreatquotes.com) Accordingly, it is very clear, after reading the above, that American and Canadian beliefs differ significantly on the topic of immigration.
Similarly, Canadian and American beliefs also demonstrate contrast on the issues of tax structure and health care programs. In Canada, a mass majority of Canadians support the universal healthcare system. For this reason, free healthcare is accessible to everyone in the country (whether one is rich or poor, black or white, Buddhist or Christian). Conversely, healthcare is privatized in the US. As a result, one must pay with his/her own income in order to enjoy the benefits of healthcare. Opposite from the above, healthcare in Canada is paid by the federal government; in fact, the Canadian government spends as much as $121 billion per year on healthcare! (CBC) Stating the above, Canada has an overall better healthcare system compared to the US. Nevertheless, with rights come responsibilities. As a result, Canadians also pay more income tax and sales tax to subsidize public healthcare. To sum up, Canadian values also differ from the States in terms of wealth. Canadians take on a conventional point of view, meaning they believe that access to healthcare is a must. Hence, they generally do not mind paying more taxes in order to subsidize these important programs. Americans, on the other hand, take on a conservative point of view. This means they prefer to keep more money to themselves rather than supporting government programs.
Finally, Canadian and American values vary in terms of militarism. Even though both countries share a common goal to maintain peace around the world, Americans also strive for a goal which Canadians do not. In addition to peacekeeping, Americans also strive to prove a point, or get an idea across to other nations. In fact, Americans spend 20% of taxpayers money on military alone! (Yahoo Finance) For this reason, Americans are much more “aggressive” than Canadians. This is due to their role in the world as a superpower. Hence, they must stand up to nations that oppose the practices and ideologies for which it stands for. On the other hand, Canada sets out only to maintain peace or mediate international conflicts. As Bill Clinton once stated, “In a world darkened by ethnic conflicts that tear nations apart, Canada
\“America can stand up and lead, and is as clear as a flag, for peace, peace, peace!. This will never change when the powers of a nation are placed in competition with the decisions of the countries involved. And we all know that, because the United States is one of the greatest powers that developed the world, we all want to see great powers from distant countries put aside their divisions and work for common common interests.
This book is an attempt to build upon years of the book by Professor David Smith, “American Values and Canadian values. It introduces us to the political, economic, and international systems of the two country nations, as well as a book from University-Honourable Andrew Laffé. While we all know that Canada is a powerful country, with its military, economy, and politics, there are many things we can do to ensure that our government supports the goals of our people, and do not side with a country where people are fighting to survive. We are strong as a people, as much as Canada (I find that Canada has the resources and resources that our own have). We stand for values that are the heart and soul of Canada.
The book gives insights, and a picture in words which can be understood by those who want to understand our current situation. With that, we can easily make connections, which will aid in our understanding at a deeper level. These connections will allow us to gain a better understanding of what our government should act toward us and their nation. In doing so, we gain in our understanding how other nations, and particularly those of America and Canada, have been trying to keep us up and running, and can help us reach our goals. As a nation, we are not just going to maintain and expand our military to ensure peace, but to keep our people safe from potential threats, and to protect ourselves from threats. We are as strong as any country to protect citizens, whether they be from terror and corruption, or from the tyranny of fear and violence. We are confident in our safety and will always be strong in our support and defense of the world. If a country has something that is right, it is our sovereignty. This nation is a people.
This book was produced without any funding or marketing expenditures by any of the books or organizations mentioned herein.
This book has no affiliation with or endorsement by any of the authors or any of the brands mentioned herein.
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