Our obsession with ice hockey and the overuse of the word ‘eh,’ while these may sound like the basics for a Canadian starter pack, they’re actually stereotypes that Canadians are growing tired of.
And in a world where stereotypes often persist, perpetuated by lack of understanding or communication, it's important to shed light on these generalizations to challenge and reshape our perceptions.
To explore the stereotypes surrounding Canadians, e-learning platform Preply, asked both Canadians and Americans which stereotypes are believed, embraced, and hated and their overall views regarding their neighbouring country.
Read on to find out what the key takeaways are.
Unpacking Stereotypes: What Canadians Are Tired of Hearing
So, what are the stereotypes that Canadians wish to dispel? Topping the list is the assumption that all Canadians incessantly utter "eh" and harbour an undying love for hockey. These stereotypes, while possibly rooted in some truth, have become tiresome for residents who yearn to move beyond these limiting caricatures.
Moreover, nearly 2 in 5 Canadians express frustration with the notion that every Canadian is fluent in French and has an unwavering devotion to Tim Hortons.
Embracing the Clichés: What Canadians Welcome
Surprisingly, not all Canadians shun these stereotypes. In fact, one of the most welcomed clichés is the perception that Canadians are excessively apologetic. This propensity for politeness might be why 9 in 10 Canadians view stereotypes about their country in a predominantly positive light.
However, it's not just Canadians who hold onto stereotypes. A striking 1 in 2 Canadians admit to believing stereotypes about residents of other countries, underscoring the need for a collective effort to foster cross-cultural understanding.
Perceived Differences Between the US and Canada
As the survey delved into perceptions of the differences between the US and Canada, it found respondents largely in agreement. Canada was often associated with better healthcare access, happier and healthier residents, higher educational values, and lower crime rates.
Conversely, the US was linked with more materialistic values, heightened passion for sports, greater patriotism, racism, and robust support for the military. The two nations found themselves in a friendly rivalry when it came to humour, each viewing themselves as funnier than the other.
Methodology
In this study, Preply surveyed residents in Canada and the US to determine which Canadian stereotypes are viewed as true and which Canadians disagree with. Residents of both countries were asked which stereotypes they had heard before. Then Preply asked Canadians which they are tired of hearing and asked Americans which stereotypes they believed to be true.
In addition to the stereotypes, Preply also asked residents of both countries to assign specific descriptions to one of the two countries they feel better represented each. Descriptions included: more LGBTQIA+ friendly, more religious, healthier, stricter laws, and more.
You can learn more about the survey and its findings here.
