Are National Stereotypes Just Myths? Examining Aggression Across Cultures

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the validity of national stereotypes, particularly focusing on aggression and behavior across different cultures, including Canadians and Americans. Participants examine various claims about cultural traits and challenge the findings of a specific study on this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that Canadians are not necessarily nicer or more submissive than Americans, citing a study that suggests Canadians may be slightly more aggressive.
  • Others argue that the study is flawed, with some attributing bias to the American perspective of the researchers.
  • A few participants share personal experiences with Canadians, noting positive interactions, while others express skepticism about the generalizations made.
  • There are humorous comments about stereotypes, including exaggerated claims about Canadians living in igloos and driving Zambonis.
  • Some participants suggest that stereotypes may hold some truth, influenced by social expectations and behaviors in different regions.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of political sentiments, particularly anti-American views attributed to Canadians.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of national stereotypes. Multiple competing views are presented, with some defending the stereotypes and others challenging their accuracy.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential bias of the study's methodology and the subjective nature of personal experiences shared by participants. The discussion reflects a range of opinions without resolving the complexities of cultural stereotypes.

BobG
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Evidently not. And Americans aren't hyper-aggressive, either.

It turns out Canadians aren't nicer or more submissive than Americans (in fact they're slightly more aggressive than Americans). Both nationalities are slightly more assertive than the global community as a whole.

Dashing even more of life's illusions, Italians aren't more passionate, Argentinians aren't more disagreeable, Germans aren't more industrious, Indians aren't more unconventional or more open to new experiences, and the French aren't ruder than the average person in the world.

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/oct2005/nia-06.htm

(Maybe not exactly Earth-shattering news, but something to consider for those still debating whether to move to Canada or endure 3 more years of Bush :biggrin: )
 
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All the Canadians I have *ever* met have been fantastic.
 
I work with Canadians regularly. I won't comment.
 
Canadians are nicer. The study is flawed.
 
Dooga Blackrazor said:
Canadians are nicer. The study is flawed.
True that.
 
Smurf said:
True that.
& Smurf's the exception that proves the rule :wink:
 
BobG,do you have a link to the actual results of the study ? It's not any place obvious in the NIA site.
 
BobG said:
It turns out Canadians aren't nicer or more submissive than Americans (in fact they're slightly more aggressive than Americans). Both nationalities are slightly more assertive than the global community as a whole.
The flaw in the study is probably as a result of the test being conducted by an American.

Considering that even Canadian Ministers call Bush a Moron, the tester probably misunderstood the response.
 
Art said:
& Smurf's the exception that proves the rule :wink:
the rule has no exceptions. It's absolute.
 
  • #10
My best Bud's a Canadian AND Iroquois. Growing up in South Texas I NEVER thought that would happen. Also, he speaks French, shhhhhh.
 
  • #11
How does a Canadian look like?
 
  • #12
Mercator said:
How does a Canadian look like?
Like this
http://www.arkworld.com/southpark/pics/greetings321.jpg
 
  • #13
Math Is Hard said:
Like this
http://www.arkworld.com/southpark/pics/greetings321.jpg
Thanks, they do look friendly. Who is Math by the way?
 
  • #14
BobG said:
(Maybe not exactly Earth-shattering news, but something to consider for those still debating whether to move to Canada or endure 3 more years of Bush :biggrin: )
It's not the three years of Bush, it's the fact that he could get re-elected - a very sad day in America - and also the lasting effects of his administration esp wrt the Supreme court. We all knew that two or three judges could go.
 
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  • #15
hAHAHahaha, ya, MIH, those're exactly what all Canadians look like. its amazing they didn't always know kyle's little brother was a canuck... always looked just like one!

and anyways, i think that some of the stereotypes are somewhat true. i know cause i live in a small town in new england, i always try to be really nice and friendly and quaint, especially around tourist season... cause its what's expected. i also know that people from the Mass come here and act like jerks cause that's expected. I'd assume other people sort of do that too. If i was a Canadian i'd probably be more friendly than otherwise, and if i was french i'd probably use that as an excuse to be rude, or if italian i'd be loud. eh
 
  • #16
You left out that African Americans don't have a lot of children out of wedlock and that Meixcans don't park old cars on their front lawn.

Wait, those are both true.

EDIT - I forgot to add that all Canadians live in igloos and drive Zamboni's.
 
  • #17
Hey Lisa !

what u doing here?

shakin in Your boots?

ho ho
 
  • #18
p.s.

we blame everything
on the Canadians.
.
.
 
  • #19
actualy a lot of the Canadians i know on-line are more anal then the average Canadian i know in person. the anti-american government sentiment is all over though

and what's blamed on Canada besides terrorists in the usa, mad cow and sars?
 
  • #20
devil-fire said:
the anti-american government sentiment is all over though.

We have that here too, It's the one thing all intelligent humans can agree on.