Canada is considered one of the greatest countries in the world because of our peacekeeping strategies and our overall pleasant demeanor. Canada is world-renowned for being a peaceful country; we can travel to places relatively easily and expect our encounters to be fairly trouble-free and uncomplicated. When I was in France a couple years ago, we went on a bus tour with a group of adults from all across Europe. Though we made small talk along the way, it wasn’t until we mentioned we were Canadians that their expressions changed and they started chatting up a storm. One woman even said she thought we were Americans because we were “so white”; she then apologized for being cold and explained how she was reluctant to speak to us because she did not ever want to make friends with an American. I was shocked but thankful I come from a country that has such a great reputation in the world. Please don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Americans, but I experienced an overwhelming sense of relief and comfort in a country halfway around the world from mine. I felt as if I were treated in a more friendly manner simply because people associated me with their idealistic view of Canadians.
So, this brings me to my question for all of you…why? We are still considered a fairly new country compared to those in Europe and have made a remarkable impression in the past 150 years, but what has Canada done to achieve such a humbling status? Who has helped form this view? Service workers? Volunteers? Diplomats? Prime ministers?
I am fairly new to politics and will be researching this topic on my own, but I am curious to know your opinions as to why Canada has such a strong reputation in the world. Or maybe you don't think we do...either way, let me know!
Erin
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Since I have lived most of my life in Europe I can safely say that American politics, especially foreign ones have not made a great impression in those parts of the world, and I'm sure they have made even worse impressions in the middle east. After WW2 it seems Europe has had enough of war and is desperate to keep the peace. As we can see though the ever growing political and economical alliances. That is why "we"(I have multiple passports) the Europeans don't like the Americans much. Getting back to the Canadian aspect. One would think that it is relatively simple to differentiate between Americans and Canadians, but sadly in these days of the fight against terrorism American tourists have been advised to conceal themselves as Canadians(by the U.S. gov). I have seen it happen! I was sitting in a pub one day in Florence, Italy, and saw some Canadians, so I thought I would strike up a conversation. Despite roots backpack with a fat Canadian flag on the back, it turns out that they were from Texas.
It is only natural that once locals discover that one is in fact a Canadian and not a "war mongering" American, they be more open. And even more so once they find out that Canadians hate being though of as the U.S. of the north.
so first think you should do when traveling is: Insist you are not American, and flash your Canadian Passport with pride.
Erik Bohn
In response to your question, what makes Canada so great... heres what i think? Canada is known for it many cultures and acceptance of all people. Unlike the US we welcome and acknowledge different cultures, race and beliefs. We live in a free country we don't have to worry about a war breaking out of terrorist attacks. GO CANADA WHOO!
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