3 ms·
Canadians do not refer to themselves as "American" in the same way that the Irish don't refer to themselves as "British" despite living in the "British Isles".
by mabbo 4y ago
Canadians do not refer to themselves as "American" in the same way that the Irish don't refer to themselves as "British" despite living in the "British Isles".
If you insist on calling a Canadian "American", you'll quickly find they stop inviting you to social events. Because we're polite, but a bit passive aggressive.
Edit: grammar fixes.
- CoastalCoder 4y agoI agree with your main point, but I'm not sure the analogy totally works. People sometimes confuse "British" with meaning from Great Britain or from the U.K. I would guess that plenty of Irishmen would take exception to having their island treated as a de facto part of the U.K.
- n4r9 4y agoIsn't that exactly why the analogy works? "British" means someone from the UK or an overseas territory/dependency. Therefore the Irish are not British and are rightfully miffed when called as such. Even though Ireland is in the (poorly named) British Isles. "American" means a citizen or national of the USA. Therefore Canadians are not American and are rightfully miffed when called as such. Even though Canada is in (slightly less poorly named) North America.
- dghlsakjg 4y agoWhen I lived in South America many people took exception to referring to US citizens as 'Americans'. For most of SA, 'American' can refer to something of the American continents. Even more interesting, the middle school geography that I took taught that there was only one American continent. So by that standard Canadians are 'American'. But yeah, as someone who now lives in Canada: don't ever think that Canada is the same as the US.
- hydrok9 4y agoThe difference in defining continents is where the confusion mainly arises. Canadians are "North Americans," unless you are in Europe, then they are just "Americans." So what are people who live in the USA? United Statesians? Americans-not-from-Canada-Mexico-or-anywhere-south-of-that?
- n4r9 4y agoHere in the UK, saying someone is "American" generally means they're from the USA. However, many of us have trouble distinguishing between Canadian and American accents (except of course French Canadian). That often leads to confusing Canadians with Americans.
- mabbo 4y agoThat's the point I'm making.
- CoastalCoder 4y agoSorry, maybe I'm misunderstanding. My point was that some Irishmen have an active, deep-seated animosity towards the U.K. because of a dispute about national sovereignty / independence. I saw that as different from the U.S. - Canadian issue, because I'm not aware of most(?) Canadians holding similar antipathy towards the U.S. It sounds like I'm clueless about some dynamic here. Would you mind elaborating?
- hydrok9 4y agoThere is in fact a lot of antipathy about Canadians being "indistinguishable" from our boorish southern neighbours
- CoastalCoder 4y agoIndistinguishable, my shiny metal a**. Your general politeness is a dead giveaway.
- hydrok9 4y agoThank you so very much, I really appreciate that! Have a good one!!!
- 908B64B197 4y ago> If you insist on calling a Canadian "American", you'll quickly find they stop inviting you to social events. Because we're polite, but a bit passive aggressive. Yet there has been a record number of Canadians moving to the US and getting American Citizenship, despite the last administration. So a lot wish they were called "American".