One difference I've noticed between Canada and the USA

[yvr girl]

Is that Canada mourns together.

4 RCMP officers were shot last week. In a few minutes, the National Memorial service will start. It's going to be televised by both public (CBC) and commercial (network) broadcasters. The Prime Minister, Governor General and most of the Premiers will be in attendance.

Every November 11th our national Remembrance Day services are televised nationally.

Canada is often accused of not being very patriotic. We don't wave the flag a lot. We only get really loud at a hockey game. But we do seem to draw together in a tragedy.

It's not that the US doesn't do it - it just seems to take a much larger event.

I guess, Canada still has a small-town quality.

[Maple]

1. Canada is

a family.

[FreedomAngel82]

2. Beautiful

If Bush was any type of leader he'd have a day to remember those who we've lost so far as well. Of course he knows this is all illegal so he can't show anything. Bastard.

[sui generis]

3. Americans sometimes glorify in false sentimentality

but I think more than saying it's "Americans" or "Canadians", it's the difference in our media.

American media is so cynical - if there is any opportunity whatsoever to scandalize you, outrage you, titillate you or make you shed some crocodile tears, they will take it, and shamelessly, and keep beating you over the head with it until you are emotionally numb.

[yvr girl]

4. The media does play an element

I just checked - the service is being broadcast on 7 channels in Vancouver. I can't imagine NBC, ABC or CBS giving up the commercial time. They hardly covered the conventions last summer.

I also think it's a cultural difference. Canadians expect this from our media. The CRTC demands Canadian content. The airwaves belong to the people. That's why we have a public broadcaster.

Our leaders also show up. It would be unthinkable for the PM to miss this service.

When we lost someone in a submarine accident a few months ago, the PM greeted the body along with the family.

I know we're lucky not to have as many deaths in our police and military as the US does. Of course if Bush showed up to greet all the fallen soldiers it would be hard to ignore the vast amount of them.

[goju]

5. Population perhaps?

I think the population of Canada is only about 31 million (?) Thats less than the population of one state, out of the 50 US states. Might have some effect on cohesion, and other things.

[yvr girl]

6. That's true

But we're also really spread out. And we have very distinct cultural differences within the country.

[glarius]

7. This is a beautiful memorial ceremony.

I've never agreed with the silliness that we are not as patriotic as Americans or others....I don't think there is only one way or a correct way to show patriotism....The people in the U.S.A wave flags and hold their hands over their hearts for their National Anthem....This is their way and perfectly fine....Our way is not always so evident, but just let anyone attack us, even verbally and watch out!.....And we are very slow to take up the citizenship of another country. I believe we always remain Canadian at heart even if living and working abroad for many years.....I know, when I've been out of the country and return home, there is a feeling of peace that comes over me when I cross the border again....When I see the Maple leaf flying I just know I'm home.

[yvr girl]

8. This is a lovely service

All the speakers have been very moving, and the eulogies...well they hit home.

[CHIMO]

11. A River of Red

Memorial honours Mounties 'who have given everything'




As many as 10,000 police officers from across the country and the United States are attending the memorial, which is being broadcast nationally.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/03/10/rcmp-memorial050310.html

[LynnTheDem]

21. Canadians know the difference between "patriotism" and "nationalism"

Americans are as patriotic as any other nation...but America is the most nationalisitc nation I know of, and it's not a good thing.

[Jesus Saves]

9. What are other differences between Canada and the US?

[annabanana]

10. Welcome to DU..

That is one ticked off looking Jesus you have there.

[northamericancitizen]

13. Makes me incorfortable to see a big picture of Jesus.

Is it because I am Canadian?

[Canadiana]

14. There are so many...

Many are indescribable. As a Canadian and American citizen with families in both countries, I can tell you they are very different places. I think the most blazing difference is the absolute consumerism that has taken over America. You CONSUME!!!! Food, money, property..STUFF!! You want more!! More food on your plate, more uses for that product, more car, more everything.

Canada does exhibit this as well...but not to the same extent I don't believe. Plus, Canadians are just so ridiculously apologetic...it's actually annoying.

[SidDithers]

16. Oh...

"Plus, Canadians are just so ridiculously apologetic...it's actually annoying. "

Sorry 'bout that.

Sid

[yvr girl]

17. A friend was visiting from the States

He saw a bus that was out of service. He noticed that the display said, "Sorry, not in service." He laughed, and added that you'd never see the 'sorry' part on a bus in the States.

I'm always amazed when I go to the States how much more instant food they have.

[Canadiana]

20. I know!

We say sorry for everything. ie someone opens the door before me at the gym...like we kind of meet as we are walking through. She says 'sorry'. I notice that Canadians do this all the time...not that it's sooo horrible or anything.

And I forgot to add...the POT! You can smoke pot on the corner around here and no one cares. Its not a big problem though or anything. Most people don't really do it.

[yvr girl]

12. We're not completely pagan here

There has been a fair bit bible quoting and prayers during the memorial service.

During our service for the Tsunami victims they had representatives from almost every religion imaginable. We are more pluralistic.

An aboriginal singer just did an Amazing Grace/Chant combo.

[Minstrel Boy]

15. The Canadian sailor who died in the submarine fire

a few months ago also received a state funeral, attended by the Governor General, and it was broadcast live on CBC.

I'm glad such deaths are rare enough for us that we can honour them in this way.

[LynnTheDem]

18. 2 years and 1513 dead uniformed men, women and teenagers later...

And not one single National Memorial service.

Who's really the patriotic nation?

[retread]

19. Anyone who doubts Canadian superiority should watch a few episodes

of Corner Gas!!