Are We Americans in Denial?

Are We Americans in Denial?

What is the difference between Canadian and American identity? Is it not true that both countries share very similar cultures including food, clothing, and shared language? Undoubtedly, there is a very close correlation between Canadian and American culture. Geographically, both countries are very close to each other. In fact, Canadians and Americans share the longest unprotected boarder in the world! This is significant because it proves the healthy relationship that Canadians and Americans have developed. More importantly, it also shows that both countries are interconnected. As Ronald Reagan once said in reference to Canada, "We are happy to be your neighbour. We want to remain your friend. We are determined to be your partner, and we are intent on working closely with you in a spirit of co-operation." (About.com) Accordingly, these facts and quotes demonstrate that Canadians and Americans are very similar in terms of culture and customs. In the same way, Canadians and Americans also respect and help protect each other in times of need. Even so, the beliefs, history, and identity of both nations are poles apart! These differences between American and Canadian society make each civilization unique and distinct, separates one from the other, and proves Canadians and Americans are different. As a result, this paper will demonstrate that Canada is definitely its own distinct society, and not a civilization of Americans in denial.

To begin with, Canadian and American values are incredibly different. Although both Canada and the United States share the ideologies of democracy and freedom, both countries contribute very different attitudes towards different situations. To illustrate this, both countries contain substantial amounts of immigrants from around the world; as a result, American immigrants are encouraged to leave behind their own ethnical identity and assimilate into the American culture. Subsequently, the term "melting pot" is used to portray the American attitude towards immigration. On the contrary, Canada is described as a "cultural mosaic" by many because of its ability to be open and accepting towards newcomers. Furthermore, Canada represents an encouragement in cultural diversity. In Canada, immigrants are encouraged to practice their background culture, yet at the same time, live side-by-side with the Canadian culture. Like Arnold Edinborough once stated, "Canada has never been a melting pot; more like a tossed salad." (allgreatquotes.com) Accordingly, it is very clear, after reading the above, that American and Canadian beliefs differ significantly on the topic of immigration.

Similarly, Canadian and American beliefs also demonstrate contrast on the issues of tax structure and health care programs. In Canada, a mass majority of Canadians support the universal healthcare system. For this reason, free healthcare is accessible to everyone in the country (whether one is rich or poor, black or white, Buddhist or Christian). Conversely, healthcare is privatized in the US. As a result, one must pay with his/her own income in order to enjoy the benefits of healthcare. Opposite from the above, healthcare in Canada is paid by the federal government; in fact, the Canadian government spends as much as $121 billion per year on healthcare! (CBC) Stating the above, Canada has an overall better healthcare system compared to the US. Nevertheless, with rights come responsibilities. As a result, Canadians also pay more income tax and sales tax to subsidize public healthcare. To sum up, Canadian values also differ from the States in terms of wealth. Canadians take on a conventional point of view, meaning they believe that access to healthcare is a must. Hence, they generally do not mind paying more taxes in order to subsidize these important programs. Americans, on the other hand, take on a conservative point of view. This means they prefer to keep more money to themselves rather than supporting government programs.

Finally, Canadian and American values vary in terms of militarism. Even though both countries share a common goal to maintain peace around the world, Americans also strive for a goal which Canadians do not. In addition to peacekeeping, Americans also strive to prove a point, or get an idea across to other nations. In fact, Americans spend 20% of taxpayer's money on military alone! (Yahoo Finance) For this reason, Americans are much more "aggressive" than Canadians. This is due to their role in the world as a superpower. Hence, they must stand up to nations that oppose the practices and ideologies for which it stands for. On the other hand, Canada sets out only to maintain peace or mediate international conflicts. As Bill Clinton once stated, "In a world darkened by ethnic conflicts that tear nations apart, Canada