Essay On Stereotypes Of Canada

Canada is a nation that has been created through the unity of several nations and different cultures and is being recognized around the world through its appreciation of diversity and multiculturalism, unity, freedom and independence. In fact, although Canada is Internationally popular socially, economically, environmentally, politically, and geographically, people outside this country still have misunderstandings towards this nation. Therefore, despite the inaccuracy of Canada’s identity due to some people’s bias and lack of specific knowledge among social and environmental issues, the general global perception of Canada is fair and accurate as discussed by leaders and common people.

Foremost, Canada’s economy is correctly comprehended by the world for its one of the

most wealthiest nations in the world. According to World Bank’s 2014 data on gross domestic product, Canada is ranked 11th. Also, Canada is the United States’ largest trading partner, it possesses 2nd largest oil reserve after Saudi Arabia, and the outstanding natural resource let Canada become world leading producer of Uranium, Zinc, Gold, Nickel, Diamond, and Lead. Canada is the member of G8, a group of eight most powerful economies, and OECD, which is short for the organization for economic co-operation and development.
Moreover, Canada is famous for the remarkable environment and the typical North American physical geography. The aurora in Yellowknife, the Niagara Falls in Toronto, and the Great Lakes in Ontario are some of the most symbolic sceneries of Canada. Eugene Lee, a past president of the Korean Association of Canadian Studies and professor of political science at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea declares that “in Korea, Canada is known for its pristine nature, and, perhaps, cold weather. If Koreans plan a short-term trip to Canada, they would have in mind Jasper, Banff, the Rockies, Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands, etc.”
Additionally, scholars worldwide are studying our political system. Lihua Yang, a teacher of political science at Shandong University, China, indicates that “it [becomes] obvious that national interest is a top priority for Canada's foreign policy strategy. It was not surprising that when Prime Minister Stephen Harper made his second visit to China in 2012, he signed a number of economic agreements with China's government, despite previous criticisms made by the Canadian government on China's human rights issues.” Indeed, Canadians expect their government to be a leader in the human rights field by reflecting and promoting Canadian values on the international stage.

On the other hand, some people have stereotypes of Canada and Canadians.

Their opinions are not fair and accurate since they have the prejudice against Canada and do not acquaint Canada like Canadians do. Indeed, according to the video “What Americans Think of Canadians” and “How the World Sees Canada” on YouTube, when they think of Canada, the stereotypes of Canada are maple syrup, hockey, the well-mannered Canadians and the funny way of how Canadians say “Ay” after every sentence. Although these seem correct, some stereotypes are exaggerated, for example, Canadians ride moose and the vivid image of Canadians as lumberjacks with red and black stripes shirt. Eugene Lee expresses his idea of “Canadians are regarded as genteel, decent and generous people, unlike the Americans who are often perceived as self-righteous and obnoxious. Koreans are not aware that Canadians are big beer drinkers and turn into maniacs during the hockey season.” The statement is fairly true, however, few cases of fierce reaction to hockey do not mean it is how all thirty-five million Canadians react. Most people who have the bias against Canada are in a situation of overgeneralization and draw an inaccurate

conclusion.

Consequently, the general global perception of Canada is fair and accurate. As a nation, people are united as one. Canada is a strong, fit, and vigorous country. Even though it has many stereotypes, and people outside North America misunderstand Canada in some ways, Canada is still seen Internationally by the sense of security, the sense of unity this nation brings, and Canadians have distinct senses of national identity. Therefore, Canada will always be the country where Canadians are proud of,