| User | Comment |
|---|
romkey  | | posted 26-Sep-2000 12:50pm |
I think it's a joke. |
Enheduanna  | | posted 26-Sep-2000 1:20pm |
No, I don't think it is anti-American, although I think it has something to do with the United States; but I don't think it's particularly cute either. |
| Jemmy | | posted 26-Sep-2000 1:56pm |
I love that ad, I have it on a CD that my friend burned for me. It's not anti-american, it's just pro-canadian. |
| cpierson | | posted 26-Sep-2000 3:15pm |
Man, this is a blast from the past. Is the ad even airing any more?
Myself, I prefer the other Molson commercial, with the guy ragging a Canadian coworker, and getting his suit jacket pulled over his head, NHL-style. |
| Andyroo | | posted 26-Sep-2000 4:27pm |
It's harmless and funny and a very effective ad in my opinion. Who cares if it's anti american?? It might be just a little bit, but it's about time that Canada shows a little pride and individualism! And frankly it's not as if Americans have never had anti Canadian things. Basically it's not made to be discriminatory toward americans. It's made to promote some sense of national pride in Canadians who seem to be seriously lacking patriotism right now. I wish it was broadcast on US television, because then maybe all the stereotypes and misconceptions about Canada would finally be eliminated. Personally I love this commmercial. No matter how many times I see it, it's always great and it always give me a sense of what it means to be Canadian. |
| Andyroo | | (reply to cpierson) posted 26-Sep-2000 4:29pm |
I love that commercial! Isn't that hilarious?! Have you seen the continuation to that one when they're in the bar after the fight?! You gotta see that one if you haven't yet! |
| kaleb777 | | posted 26-Sep-2000 4:31pm |
I think it's about national pride and identity, but especially about showing how sick Canadians are of the stereotypes. As an Australian I get the same type of stereotypes from many Americans. No I don't live in the desert, or have pet kangaroos, wear a hat with corks around it or have to check my shoes for snakes et al. The reference to Canadians not speaking American simply shows that they want it known that they use some different words from American English. It's not anti-American. (we say ZED too, not ZEE) The flag reference highlights the American over-zealousness when it comes to their flag, but that's fact. The assimilation/diversity line talks about how anyone who goes to live in the US tends to be enveloped in that culture, and quickly assimilates. It is a very strong culture that even affects people who have never been to the US. The best part of Nth America is just a pride thing. I'm sure Americans think the same way about their country. I don't think it's anti anything. |
| cpierson | | (reply to Andyroo) posted 26-Sep-2000 4:50pm |
Yeah, I've seen that one. A nice coda. On the whole, a great demonstration of the Canadian martial art. :) |
| mandy | | posted 26-Sep-2000 7:52pm |
It was a great ad! |
| cody | | posted 26-Sep-2000 7:54pm |
I think it is anti-anti-canadian. However, I do think that the writers of it do not realize that its not just a joke, americans REALLY DONT LIKE canadians. |
| anonymous | | posted 26-Sep-2000 8:13pm |
Its not in any way anti-American, though I think it would be even funnier if it was. |
| BlueberryMuffin | | (reply to cody) posted 26-Sep-2000 8:14pm |
Speak for yourself cody. I love Canadians! |
| cody |
Im happy to hear that BM, whats that have to do with my statement though? I like them jsut fine, too.. as much as I like anyone else, I suppose. However, there is obvious negative emotion between americans and canadians that arises continuously in american popular culture, in EVERY american subculture, and in EVERY internet based discussion format I have ever used. It is not a question of IF the AMericans VS. Canadians war will erupt in a discussion, but who will come out on top. |
| Andyroo | | (reply to cpierson) posted 26-Sep-2000 8:58pm |
lol |
Frostbrand  | | posted 26-Sep-2000 11:24pm |
It's Zed where you are, but here's it's Zee. Deal with it! Other than that a great ad.  |
Strider  | | posted 27-Sep-2000 1:13am |
Hey Evry One It's an Ad for MOLSON CANADIAN (a beer) and is just ment to sell that not Canada. |
| BlueberryMuffin | | (reply to cody) posted 27-Sep-2000 4:01am |
I apologize if I in any way misunderstood your statement, however, I have never found that to be true myself. Perhaps its because I grew up in Michigan where, I've heard it said, "our friends to the north, east, and south" visited so often that flying the Canadian flag with the American flag was a popular tradition in many areas. I was raised thinking of Canadians as friendly neighbours, not enemies. I have never found negative emotion in either cultures except for in very small, isolated groups of fools. And the only reason I've seen for even these negative emotions was insecurity regarding cultural contamination and unhealthy status competitions. This is ridiculous. We have nothing to fear from each other. We are brothers, neither one better or worse than the other, wonderfully unique in our differences, separate and distinct but united in friendship. |
Kristal_Rose  | | posted 27-Sep-2000 4:06am |
out of work, lonely
Not About
Not Diversity
Sexism
Toke a Chesterfield
Couch - ZZZ
It's called 'Imparting a positive message' in the vernacular.
The media is not what you think.
Observe carefully. |
| North79 | | (reply to cody) posted 27-Sep-2000 9:11am |
If anything, I'd say Canadians are more hostile towards Yanks than the other way around. The average American, I have found, knnows nothing about Canada except its "up north", and could not care any less about it.
By the way, I think you're going a bit over the top with your claims of "EVERY". It might be prevalent, but I'd hardly classify it as being a salient feature of American popular culture. |
| Maarten | | posted 27-Sep-2000 12:51pm |
No. As a Dutchman I get the same type of stereotypes from many Americans. No, I don't live in a mill, or wear wooden shoes, yes we have electricity and no, we do not want to be like Americans. |
| Jemmy | | (reply to cody) posted 27-Sep-2000 3:18pm |
I don't think that the americans don't like canadians. Most of them just seem to be completely clueless to what Canada is like, and they seem to like us, they just don't seem to care about us. Well, most of the ones I have encountered anyway. I don't want to be stereotypical. |
| moo_cow83 | | posted 27-Sep-2000 3:20pm |
any american that knows anything about the relationship between canada and the US will find this harmless. all of them are just jealous anyway. |
| cody | | (reply to North79) posted 27-Sep-2000 5:26pm |
Well, of course north, "in my experience I have found" is implied whenever anyone says anything. |
| Zang |
Well said! Nice sentiment. |
| BlueberryMuffin | | (reply to Zang) posted 28-Sep-2000 12:59am |
Thank you! |
| Andyroo | | (reply to cody) posted 29-Sep-2000 11:08pm |
I think you should speak for yourself when you make a statement like that. I know TONS of Americans who think that Canadians are great! |
| iMorpheus | | (reply to cody) posted 1-Oct-2000 6:45am |
I have very negative feelings toward Canadians. I try to avoid the AIR they breathe.
Now, you may or may not be asking yourself, 'why'. Well, I will tell you, if you want to hear it or not.
A) As soon as I say I am from America, the attack begins.
It is usually a barrage of very broad stereotypes.
You Americans always.... Why do you/you Americans always......?
B) Disagree with whatever I say because, 'You are an American and Americans are insular'. Therefore, anything you have to say is invalid and not relevant to the conversation. Which means not a soul will read this.
You get the basic idea. Now, what really irks me is, I am on the darker end of the color spectrum (which means I have to deal with a whole different set of issues on top of the general 'you are an evil American') and do not consider myself a part of Main Stream America! I am guilty by association!
14 years of this has left me weary of people in general. Whenever I can, I avoid telling people where I am from until they get to know ME! Even then, I try to skirt the subject.
On occasion, I have been mistaken for a Brit! Is that good or bad?
Thank you and have a nice day.
btw, I have nothing against the ad. |
| Jeanne | | posted 1-Oct-2000 10:51am |
This is not anti-American...I do, however, think it is very political and does not speak for the average Canadian, only the company. |
bill  |
Years later, after the devastation of the US/Canada war has been wrought, historians will point to this ad as one of the causes. |
| anonymous | | (reply to romkey) posted 1-Oct-2000 2:44pm |
he he he
|
| RaveDevil |
I think it's anti-American but pro-Canadian if anything...we would have done the same thing in our country (USA) anyway... |
| schultzie |
he just loves canada and shows it |
| anonymous | | posted 4-Oct-2000 10:44am |
I also voted it's anti-American but harmless. However i think its kinda pathetic that Canada can only define itself in terms of not being American. If that's patriotism, then i sure as heck ain't a patriot. |
| anonymous | | (reply to iMorpheus) posted 4-Oct-2000 10:45am |
As for your comments about hating Canadians, I think its a bit hypocritical of you to hate all Canadians since some tend to classify you as an average ignorant American.. Basically you generalize Canadians as generalizing Americans, so thus you hate them all.. I'm sorry but that's a bit whacked. Not ALL Canadians believe ALL Americans are insular and what they believe is irrelevant.. |
| anonymous |
We have an commercial similar to that of the Canadians here in Australia . I don't have a kangaroo for a pet . I don't wrestle with crocodiles And I don't wear a cork hat . I fight wars but never start wars, I would rather make peace . I can wear my country's flag with pride . I am a rock ,I am the ocean I am the island continent . My brothers are the Smiths , the Wilsons , The Santarellis, the DeCosties , the Wongs and the Jagamarras . I play football without a helmet . I like beetroot on my hamburger . I ride in the front seat of a taxi . I believe it's a prawn not a shrimp . I believe the world is upside down and Down Under is on top . And I believe Australia is the best address on earth . Does include references to the American lifestyle ? Damn right it does , the same as the Canadian version . Anti-American ? oh please ,get off your highhorses. It has everything to do with national pride . Perhaps if the Americans stopped being so anal and lightened up for a while they would see why so many countries like to take the piss out of them . It's all about being able to laugh at yourselves ,you never know , you may just enjoy it .  |
| autumnlight | | posted 6-Oct-2000 10:09am |
My initial thought was that it wasn't anti American but when you look at the message behind it I believe it is. I have a Canadian history teacher and when he introduced himself to us in the first lecture the first thing he said was "I'm Canadian, not American, I won't have you call me american" I've not actually spoke to an american about their feelings for Canadians but it seems to me that it's the Canadians who are so desperate to let people know that they aren't american and you can understand that because it must be frustrating for people to always mistake you, but I don't understand the anger behind it at all! Personally I love both! I know some great Canadians and some great Americans and no one is better than anyone else!! |
| Jameseroo | | (reply to anonymous) posted 7-Oct-2000 4:07pm |
That was probably the most intelligent comment I have read all day. It is too bad that it was anonymous. |
| Jameseroo | | (reply to cody) posted 7-Oct-2000 4:10pm |
The air you breath is the air that pollutes Canadian air. I am sure they are so greatful to your polluted air. I am sure they would much rather prefer to avoid the AIR you breath as well cody. |
| cody | | (reply to Jameseroo) posted 7-Oct-2000 8:18pm |
Hmm, I think you meant to reply to someone else. |
| Jameseroo | | (reply to cody) posted 7-Oct-2000 9:08pm |
My Mistake. sorry. |
| Jameseroo | | (reply to iMorpheus) posted 7-Oct-2000 9:08pm |
The air you breath is the air that pollutes Canadian air. I am sure they are so greatful to your polluted air. I am sure they would much rather prefer to avoid the AIR you breath as well |
| supplicant | | (reply to anonymous) posted 9-Oct-2000 11:43am |
#5: The term for the Australian version (for a different beer brand of course for those who've not seen it [that'd be nearly all of you I assume]) is "unoriginal piece of scummy plagiarism" in my opinion |
| Housesitter |
It is not anti-American. It is a slam against the unfair stereotypes American's have had of Canadians for years. |
| timk98 |
I think the sentiment is less about being anti-American and more about being pro-Canada. |
| canyoubelieveit |
Sad but true |
| North79 | | posted 10-Oct-2000 1:59pm |
Ethnic/tribal/lingustic nationalism IS a bane, my friend...civic, inclusive nationalism is not! Nous vaincrons! |
| Violet | | posted 10-Oct-2000 6:22pm |
As a Canadian and American (thanks to dual citizenship), I recognize that the ad has anti-American overtones, but that's a result of the Canadian need to establish an identity apart from the U.S. What Canadians don't realize is that most Americans couldn't care less about Canada, and don't even know where or what "Canada" is, let alone perceive any rivalry.
Bottom line: It's harmless and funny. |
| SightSeer | | (reply to North79) posted 10-Oct-2000 7:03pm |
Nationalism has been the cause of many a wars my friend. It is a completely stupid waste of human output. People should realize that basically, we're all the same, and start trying to find 'similarities' rather than 'differences'. In the case of Canada & the US this is very easy..
Nationalism might be a wonderful tool for governments to have nice little defined borders and control over their populations, but other than that, it's really what distinguishes the herds of sheep-like-followers from people who can think for themselves. |
| North79 | | (reply to SightSeer) posted 10-Oct-2000 10:05pm |
I politely disagree. Nationalism is a construct of people, its true, but it is only a form of identity that people develop - and it is not only manifested in nationalism, but in all forms of identity - sex, race, people will similar interests, backgrounds, the list is endless.
Nationalism only becomes dangerous when it becomes exclusive and aggressive. Otherwise it is generally a positive thing.
|
| SightSeer | | (reply to North79) posted 11-Oct-2000 9:37pm |
You can have your own opinion, I think that's the beauty of living in a democratic society.
However to try to explain my point of view further. The way I see it, looking at this planet as infinitesimal as it is. This tiny little rock in this tiny little solar system in this unimaginably large universe, it's really rather silly for us to be attaching ourselves to plots of lands defined by meaningless little borders.
This is especially true when looking at Canada & the US. Our cultures, philosophies, and language (for the most part; they have their Spanish, we have our French) are indistinguishably the same.
The border, well it was all decided by the British & American governments, based on some sketchy surveying 200+ years ago. Nothing but a dirt in the line so as to make it clear to both sides that 'this is yours' and 'this is mine'.
Really when it comes down to it, if some ant 2000 years ago was stepped on, which ended up affecting a series of events leading up to a different line in the dirt as we know it today, you could have ended up being born in the US instead of Canada. But would you be some completely different person? Unlikely.. it's more probable you'd be the exact same person, and instead of chanting 'go Canada' while waving your maple leaf, you'd chant 'go USA' while you wave your red, white, & blue. |
| anonymous | | posted 15-Oct-2000 8:19pm |
three things, and it is simple!
1. the ad is very funny
2. its very pro-canadian designed to make US feel like we are not a American and are Canadian, and should be proud
3. it pokes fun at the long time held american beleifs that we live in igloo's ski in the summmer and other such silly jokes about americans in the past or still present that they don't know anything about canada, and we canadians under far more about the US
|
| Kristal_Rose | | (reply to anonymous) posted 16-Oct-2000 2:45am |
"we canadians under far more about the US." Well, OK, if you say so. |
| SightSeer |
I think he was trying to say "Canadians know more about the US, than Americans know about Canada."
..and I'd agree with that, but to expect Americans to know as much about Canada as Canadians know about America, is about the same as expecting people from New York City, NY to know as much about Truxton, NY as people from there know about NYC. |
| Kristal_Rose | | (reply to SightSeer) posted 16-Oct-2000 7:50pm |
I "understand" what he was trying to say. I also agree with your point. It is a shame though how little americans, at least californians do know about the country. It's like a vacant forest, and countries on the far side of the planet get much more study. |
| Analog |
It is? If a tree falls in Canada, does it make a sound? ...or is it not like a vacant forest in that way? |
| Kristal_Rose | | (reply to Analog) posted 16-Oct-2000 11:47pm |
Oh, you're fun. I've driven through canada a few times by various routes on my way to and from alsaka. My ex has several relatives dispersed there. I loved the Cassiar Hwy when it was all dirt. There was a river gorge with railroad tracks on each side that I was fond of too. I wish I knew which highway that was. It was west of the continetal divide and ran N/S. |
| tragedy429 | | posted 26-Oct-2000 11:35am |
This ad may be a little bitter towards America, but come on, i think they have the right to be. Americans pick on Canada all the time so i think they have the right to run a harmless little ad about a guy proud to be a Canadian. It's not like they are saying "All Americans Should Die! Buy Molson Beer." It's just a harmless retaliation for all the times we've poked fun at them. So give em a break. Of course, i don't see what it has to do with the beer, so as far as that goes, i don't think it is an effective ad at all. |
| rln | | posted 30-Nov-2000 1:27am |
I think the people who wrote this commercial had a few too many as the ad does not seem to have anything to do with beer, as for it being anti-American I think it is more pro-Canadian and since it aired in Canada and I don't think Americans should take offense. Accept it for what it is, a beer commercial. |
| mireillens | | posted 19-Dec-2000 6:16pm |
The funny thing is that it is full of inaccuracies.
(I live in the US & have never heard anyone pronounce it "A BOOT", I speak four languages - the average AM I know speaks 2 languages, I have seen many things made of our flag & have even purchased a few...just to comment on a few of the stereotypes).
I feel it is still an effective ad for the demographics it is played in.
It is just as bad as some of the ads played in the USA concerning other countries.
It is just harmless, poking fun. |
| mireillens | | (reply to Violet) posted 19-Dec-2000 6:28pm |
I agree with your comment Violet.
|
| mireillens | | (reply to Violet) posted 19-Dec-2000 6:31pm |
Every contry makes fun of other countries in some ad for some kind of product. Some countries can even poke fun at themselves. What I find reall hilarious is that I wouldn't have even known about this particular ad if not for this survey...my point, only those who live in said country see said ads. The only Americans who'd come across this ad are the ones who are visiting. They don't air this in the US. Although, I'd giggle my ass off if they did! |
| Frostbrand |
Some countries can even poke fun at themselves.
I don't know about you, but those kind are my favorites. |
| mireillens |
YEP!   |
