Some people did take the article rather literally! I’m glad you were able to laugh about it, that’s what I intended. Her comment was even more funny considering I (the writer of the article) am from France and I actually can speak French!

No need to rage over a simple article…

I live just outside of Toronto and everyone I know plays, watches and loves Hockey. Everyone in my town is oot and aboot during wintertime — sledding, playing hockey in nearby parks, or just walking around. I will agree that most people don’t speak French or listen to the Tragically Hip, but you need to learn to laugh at our stereotypes a little. Frankly, you seem like an unhappy person who feels they need to down-talk an article on the internet just so you can feel better about yourself.

Learn to laugh.

I understand stereotypes can bother some people but this post was mostly for fun. Oh well, people are entitled to their opinion.

The Tragically Hip are dull and boring. Their lack of diversity speaks to their lack of imagination and creativity. I’d toss out their records in an instant. A lot of people dislike them and the majority of people ignore them. I hear more people praise Matthew Good Band, Sloan, Our Lady Peace, Billy Talent, 54–40, Skinny Puppy, Econoline Crush, Great Big Sea and others over them.

Well, your opinion. A lot of people dislike them… if you want. Majority of people ignore them.. again, your opinion.

As for hockey, I don’t know anyone who plays it, watches it or attends games. They get more people at the cheese and wine festival here than at hockey games (Kelowna, BC). I see people playing soccer, running, jogging, biking, playing baseball, football, etc.

Well, I know a lot of people who play hockey, games are sold out in Toronto and Montreal and close to in Ottawa and it’s a popular sport to watch. Sure, people practice other sports too… Again, your opinion, not mine.

Like these myths about everybody skiing and snowboarding. Those are rich man’s sports for people who like winter (not the majority) who have time to go out and do it (again, not the majority). It is warmer here in the winter but the streets are still dead. Every town/city I lived in (Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, BC, Manitoba) were dead as a doornail during the winter. NOBODY was out. So these ideas on being Canadian are out of touch. The only think I agree on is that the beer is good and people drink it.

Again, I disagree. There are a bunch of Winter Festivals in the East and people go out, and try to make the most of the winter. Sure, people bitch about it… but winter sports are still popular. I have never been skiing but ice skating for example is very popular in Ottawa. Nobody was out, in any of the cities you lived in? I don’t have the same experience… at all.

Take the obsession with a bilingualism that doesn’t exist. I ACTUALLY speak, write and read French fluently unlike the majority of the population. Quebec doesn’t speak proper French anyway. What has been legislated is the equivalent of Creole gutter slang. At least the Creoles lack the pretense to claim they are really French, unlike Quebecois. Don’t believe me? Spend a month in France and tell me it is the same as Quebec. None of my French relatives even care about Quebec and consider them to be Canadians. Of course, I have always though this was a rather weird, passive-aggressive country with little common sense and a preoccupation with a nonexistent identity, reinforced by negative commentary on Americans living in another country.

I could have done without the borderline racist comment but anyway… If you had read this blog, you would have learned I’m French, from French. I actually spent more than a month in France — 18 years exactly. And I teach French. Quebec French is different but not a slang and… well, again, different opinion here.

@Cori — Right, before my time in Canada! But thanks for telling me about them,

@Rayanne — I don’t think anybody can not know about the Hip in Kingston. Do they have their own museum, already?

@Gary — You are very welcome!

@Baoru — Gotta be Canadian for that

@Meg — I love Stuff White People Like (and yes, I ripped off the title!). Always makes me laugh!

@QuaChee — I don’t know actually… although I know a lot of movie are made in Vancouver. Or so I’ve been told.

Mostly every guy I knew growing up played hockey.

I went skiing 3x a week with my father and next door neighbour and we were hardly wealthy.

I’d say it’s pretty accurate.
.-= Breigh´s last blog ..Random Summer 2009 Tidbits =-.

As for hockey, I don’t know anyone who plays it, watches it or attends games. They get more people at the cheese and wine festival here than at hockey games (Kelowna, BC). I see people playing soccer, running, jogging, biking, playing baseball, football, etc.

Like these myths about everybody skiing and snowboarding. Those are rich man’s sports for people who like winter (not the majority) who have time to go out and do it (again, not the majority). It is warmer here in the winter but the streets are still dead. Every town/city I lived in (Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, BC, Manitoba) were dead as a doornail during the winter. NOBODY was out. So these ideas on being Canadian are out of touch. The only think I agree on is that the beer is good and people drink it.

Take the obsession with a bilingualism that doesn’t exist. I ACTUALLY speak, write and read French fluently unlike the majority of the population. Quebec doesn’t speak proper French anyway. What has been legislated is the equivalent of Creole gutter slang. At least the Creoles lack the pretense to claim they are really French, unlike Quebecois. Don’t believe me? Spend a month in France and tell me it is the same as Quebec. None of my French relatives even care about Quebec and consider them to be Canadians. Of course, I have always though this was a rather weird, passive-aggressive country with little common sense and a preoccupation with a nonexistent identity, reinforced by negative commentary on Americans living in another country.

though i do also know that hollywood shoot lots of movies there (to look like usa). i wonder why canada entertainment is not exported overseas much.

Check out Stuff White People Like for more giggles, it’s extra funny as an expat.

There’s a blog–Stuff White People Like. Have you heard of it?