theadvancedapes, sounds_sound, forwardslash, backslash -Anything missing from this list? I like the idea of asking questions at a party and putting them in a hat. Pretty cool, I'm going to borrow that. Also.... no mention of hockey???9. Canadians are not known for their nationalism. How grateful are you for that?
-Seems when traveling outside of the US, I see more Canadian flags on backpacks than I do US. I'm not sure this is due to nationalism on the canadian's part, maybe it's more to show that you are not from the US? More "what you are not" rather than "what you are."
I've definitely met some Canadians while travelling who have projected an aura of "hey, we're not Americans, aren't we great?" Generally, Canadians abroad are pretty cool, as are most people I've met and taken the time to talk to. Most people. As for Canadians at home, I have had a lot of interactions that reminded me of interactions I've had with citizens of other English speaking countries, who have expected to be familiar with some part of their foreign policy or political . . . stuff, not to mention pop-cultural stuff and when they understand that I am not familiar with whatever they are referencing, there's usually some mild surprise (sometimes shock) followed by a little, usually inaudible sigh, a slight eye-roll, etc. I don't know if that's a function of more U.S. culture being piped in to other countries via media or of a culture-wide lack of interest in all the stuff from other English speaking countries. Maybe both. Also, I believe that those little Canadian flag patches are available from Canadian consulates and embassies. I don't think that the U.S. consulates and embassies offer them. To be honest, I rarely inform the consulate or embassy that I'll be in a certain country.
Hi tng
Thanks for reading. Thanks for being you.
There are a few other Canadians - mostly friends of mine who lurk occasionally. The questions that work well at a party of random humans are here. Quite a few people I know print out the questions, cut them up, fold them, and bag 'em. Unlike the Canada Day questions, these ones are personal. People, including wrenauld have used the linked questions on a road trip and it really helped people get to know each other in new ways. I have used the linked questions (not the Canada Day questions) for impromptu public speaking exercises in classes. Since no one knows what question they will pick, there's always a think-on-your-feet component. As for hockey, some Canadians follow hockey. Upon finding out I'm Canadian, Americans often say to me, "I suppose you like hockey."
"No, not really." I say, to their amazement.
Should I feel guilty? Is that unCanadian of me? (I will ponder.) Canadians are more likely to like donut shops named after a hockey player. The seats are cheaper and they are easier to find.