Are we Canadian or provincialists?

[Bobblehead]

Canadian first and foremost.

I hate when Quebecors proclaim Quebec first and Canada second; it would be hypocritical for me to judge myself otherwise.

[soulchoice]

Being an Albertan or Calgarian means little to me. I am Canadian.

But in reality, I am not much of a provincialist or nationalist.

[maverickeastwood]

There are alot of Albertans here and thats cool...but where things get a bit stupid is when you have people that are not originally from here. It is Calgary.

Let's throw someone from Cape Breton and Prince Rupert in a pub and see what happens. This is the kind of thing that goes on, hence the post. The Caper is proud of where he came from like it was a country, The guy from Prince Rupert could give a about his. This could be an ugly scenario, yet happens frequently here. "I'm a Newfoundlander". No, your in Alberta now, which is in Canada...So your Canadian.

I witnessed a scenario same as this and I just shake my head. The easterner wanted to fight for his...province?? o_O

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

I know. But some people take it too far and expect the special treatment because they are Canadians. It's a shameful display of undue respect, IMO.

When you get heckled in Italy, France and Germany because you are mistaken as American, I dont think you worry too much about going too far to ensure this mistake isnt made.

I learned this after having a bottle thrown at me while at a bar in Rome. Once they realized I was Canadian, they were much nicer.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

When you get heckled in Italy, France and Germany because you are mistaken as American, I dont think you worry too much about going too far to ensure this mistake isnt made.

I learned this after having a bottle thrown at me while at a bar in Rome. Once they realized I was Canadian, they were much nicer.

I've been to Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and I have never had to display a Canadian flag to make my travels easier. Street smarts will do that for you, resorting to saying "I'm not American" is something I have never had to use.

I was dating a Fijian / Maori girl when I was in New Zealand, and alot of her family were anti-Western, and hated Caucasians. Never once did I have to say I was Canadian to save my ass.

I just see it as a cheap way to make people think good of you, and I've traveled ALOT.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

I've been to Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and I have never had to display a Canadian flag to make my travels easier. Street smarts will do that for you, resorting to saying "I'm not American" is something I have never had to use.

I was dating a Fijian / Maori girl when I was in New Zealand, and alot of her family were anti-Western, and hated Caucasians. Never once did I have to say I was Canadian to save my ass.

I just see it as a cheap way to make people think good of you, and I've traveled ALOT.

Im just stating my experiences. Sitting in a bar in Rome talking to a friend and getting a bottle lobbed at you followed by anti-American remarks for no reason isnt a breakdown in street smarts.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy

Im just stating my experiences. Sitting in a bar in Rome talking to a friend and getting a bottle lobbed at you followed by anti-American remarks for no reason isnt a breakdown in street smarts.

Well then I'm sure your experience is the exception to the rule, especially in a first-world country. 9 out of 10 times if someone lobs a bottle at you, it's because you're intruding on their personal space or disrespecting them somehow.

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Well then I'm sure your experience is the exception to the rule, especially in a first-world country. 9 out of 10 times if someone lobs a bottle at you, it's because you're intruding on their personal space or disrespecting them somehow.

I dont think I was... most of the time it wasnt an issue. Some people feel more secure when they display a Canadian flag on their backpack or whereever. To each their own.

[FlamesAddiction]

I remember reading somehwhere that Canada has one of the most mobile populations out of any country. I know for myself, I have lived in 4 different provinces, so it is hard to identify as being a "member" of just one of them.

I'm a proud Canadian, but it certainly doesn't define me.

[JohnnyB]

The more I travel the less Canadian I feel. I find myself identifying less and less with Canadian culture, though I still certainly think of myself as Canadian. My feelings of connection with the home province are weaker still.

[Hemi-Cuda]

well i moved here from BC, so i have no connection to this province other than it's where i live. i'm Canadian first and only, when i travel that's the only thing i say