Wrong maple leaf on Canadian currency

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the depiction of a Norway Maple leaf on the Canadian 20 CAD bill, which some participants claim is incorrect. The conversation touches on themes of national identity, invasive species, and cultural perceptions related to the representation of Canadian symbols.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the leaf depicted is a Norway Maple, while others emphasize the distinction between "Norwegian Maple" and "Norway Maple."
  • Concerns are raised about the ecological impact of Norway Maples as invasive species that threaten native trees like the Sugar Maple.
  • One participant humorously suggests that the inclusion of a Norway Maple could be a strategy to deter counterfeiters.
  • Discussions about multiculturalism in Canada arise, with some arguing that the origin of a species does not negate its Canadian identity.
  • There are humorous remarks about the potential for even more absurd representations, such as a palm tree.
  • Participants express skepticism about whether Canadians would accept non-indigenous species, questioning the political implications of such acceptance.
  • One post references a broader commentary on xenophobia, contrasting Canadian attitudes with those in the United States.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the appropriateness of the Norway Maple's representation on the currency, with multiple competing views on its ecological implications and cultural significance remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the acceptance of non-indigenous species in Canada, and the discussion includes various assumptions about cultural identity and ecological impact that are not fully explored.

SW VandeCarr
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Canada has apparently issued a 20 CAD bill with a Norwegian maple leaf on it's face side according to an expert . Tsk!TsK!

http://news.yahoo.com/canada-put-wrong-maple-leaf-canadian-dollar-20-195337455--business.html
 
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It's not a Norwegian Maple, it's a Norway Maple. They are an invasive species in the American continent. They are planted extensively by home developers because they are ornamental and grow quickly. On the downside, they inhibit undergrowth and crowd out other trees including the Sugar Maple, Canada's symbol. I had two on my yard, but one got infested with carpenter ants and I cut it down. The neighborhood was built about 90 years ago and is full of them.
 
Jimmy Snyder said:
It's not a Norwegian Maple, it's a Norway Maple.

That's even worse!
 
At least it wasn't a palm tree, or worse yet, a Norwegian palm tree.
 
Jimmy Snyder said:
At least it wasn't a palm tree, or worse yet, a Norwegian palm tree.

You know, even I can tell the difference between that sorry excuse for a maple leaf on the twenty dollar bill and the maple leaf on the Canadian flag, and perhaps more importantly, the insignia of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iXeBe-6H4g
 
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Canada is a nation of immigrants, a cultural mosaic of people from all over the globe. Unlike its neighbor to the South (who seems to have a major political party based in part on xenophobia), Canadians embrace the idea of multiculturalism. Just because an individual (or in this case a tree) comes from a different country, doesn't mean that it cannot be Canadian.
 
Ygggdrasil said:
Just because an individual (or in this case a tree) comes from a different country, doesn't mean that it cannot be Canadian.

I know the Norway Maple is a fait accompli as an invasive species, but are you sure Canadians would welcome other non-indigenous plant and animal species? I never thought of that as political.
 
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Xenophobia is a common trait that brings all people together. In fact, the United States has the best xenophobia in the world. There are a couple of states that have banned the Norway maple, whatever that means, but I don't think it was xenophobia that made them do it. If it threatens the Sugar maple, Canada may follow suit. Except, of course, in Quebec.
 
No doubt the inclusion of a Norway Maple was a preconceived feature of the new $20 to thwart counterfeiters who would most naturally think Canada and draw a Maple Leaf. Now that the secret is out ...
 
  • #10
O Canada! First, it was maple theft and now wrong maple leaf.

World is coming to an end!
 
  • #11
Omg. Its not even the real queen.
They have used the Queen of England.
Make haste Holmes. The game is afoot. We have work to do.
 

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