81 replies to this topic

[Mabird]

I get it too, being Canadian living in the US.
as soon as some people learn I'm Canadian they go into stupid mode.
Like you said it's bad stereotyping and lack of education on the matter.
I've met good and bad everywhere I've been.
Most Americans don't even know how the Union Jack came to be or what it represents.

I was asked to cover my Union Jack up with an American Flag for the 4th of July Parade 2 years ago. Needless to say I refused.

[Ethel]

Don't Yanks get at least as much stick over here? Even so, I can't imagine any ever taking kindly to being asked to cover up their Stars 'n Stripes.

[zinzan]

My 2 loonies:

As a Canadian member here, I don't really think it matters much. A North American sub-section might be a good option. I'm also a member at Classic Minis United (a US group), and there's about 3 posts a month there. I think there's a forum at the Vancouver Mini Club too but don't use it.

If there are any Canadians who are looking for importing info, PM me. I imported my Mini from the UK last year.

Edited by zinzan, 20 July 2012 - 04:11 PM.

[SomethingNew71]

Mike, I never experienced any" Redneck" type behaviour when I lived in Washington state. I still can't get my head round people who still use the N word publically, are homophobic would rather go hunting than earn a couple of weeks wages (when this persons house was shortly to be foreclosed on) and judge a persons worth according to how many times they go to church per week. But I suppose thats just me

You honestly would be surprised. As someone who lives in the south I can unfortunately confirm there are people who still use the N word regularly. A large sum of people who are very homophobic. Washington State is a great deal different than really rural portions of the southern united states.

[SomethingNew71]

I get it too, being Canadian living in the US.
as soon as some people learn I'm Canadian they go into stupid mode.
Like you said it's bad stereotyping and lack of education on the matter.
I've met good and bad everywhere I've been.
Most Americans don't even know how the Union Jack came to be or what it represents.

I was asked to cover my Union Jack up with an American Flag for the 4th of July Parade 2 years ago. Needless to say I refused.

That's unbelievable. I mean sure the USA was fighting for their independence back then but someone holding some sort of grudge against the British is about as reasonable as blaming white people for someones great great grandparents owning slaves. It doesn't make an ounce of sense.

Don't Yanks get at least as much stick over here? Even so, I can't imagine any ever taking kindly to being asked to cover up their Stars 'n Stripes.

I can think of a few people off hand who would react very negatively at that. Just ignorance and an unnecessary amount of "patriotism".

[SomethingNew71]

My 2 loonies:

As a Canadian member here, I don't really think it matters much. A North American sub-section might be a good option. I'm also a member at Classic Minis United (a US group), and there's about 3 posts a month there. I think there's a forum at the Vancouver Mini Club too but don't use it.

If there are any Canadians who are looking for importing info, PM me. I imported my Mini from the UK last year.

I am actually one of the chapter leaders in North Carolina and up until about a week ago I didn't even realize there was a club forum. I think the reason the presence on those forums is low due to many factors. Lack of knowledge about the site, general upkeep and maintenance of the site is important too. Without an active site admin helping to develop and grow the site it will become stagnant.

[zinzan]

My 2 loonies:

As a Canadian member here, I don't really think it matters much. A North American sub-section might be a good option. I'm also a member at Classic Minis United (a US group), and there's about 3 posts a month there. I think there's a forum at the Vancouver Mini Club too but don't use it.

If there are any Canadians who are looking for importing info, PM me. I imported my Mini from the UK last year.

I am actually one of the chapter leaders in North Carolina and up until about a week ago I didn't even realize there was a club forum. I think the reason the presence on those forums is low due to many factors. Lack of knowledge about the site, general upkeep and maintenance of the site is important too. Without an active site admin helping to develop and grow the site it will become stagnant.

I tried to make it for this year's Tail of the Dragon run! Couldn't work out time away from work however. Maybe next year's meet?

[zinzan]

Mike, I never experienced any" Redneck" type behaviour when I lived in Washington state. I still can't get my head round people who still use the N word publically, are homophobic would rather go hunting than earn a couple of weeks wages (when this persons house was shortly to be foreclosed on) and judge a persons worth according to how many times they go to church per week. But I suppose thats just me

You honestly would be surprised. As someone who lives in the south I can unfortunately confirm there are people who still use the N word regularly. A large sum of people who are very homophobic. Washington State is a great deal different than really rural portions of the southern united states.

We notice a huge difference just by crossing the border from Ontario to Minnesota and down into Wisconsin. Not the "southern redneck" thing, but just like it's a whole different world entirely. Hard to explain really, but just a different mindset about things. Canadians (NOTE: Sweeping generalization) can often be pretty "do whatever you want...it's not my business" about things (same-sex marriage, immigration, marijuana laws, etc.) and don't want to offend, so it's a very different experience south of the border with so much in-your-face nationalism and religious fervor.

That's probably 4 or 5 loonies' worth now...

Edited by zinzan, 20 July 2012 - 10:37 PM.

[TA2DMAC]

Hey ZinZan, when you look across the lake can you see the Sleeping Giant or is that closer to Wawa? I haven't been up your way in years.

It was quite a shock when I first moved here, a little crowded and busy but I quickly learned there just good ole people just like us. Not really a lot of differences once you get to know people. Sure we do things a lil different, but that what makes it interesting. You'll even find that from one end of the country to the other.
I've lived in every province, both Territories (before the split), have been to the North Pole and have been to around 20 of the states and several of the Islands in the Carribeans including Haiti, Jamaica, Caymans and Mexico and to see it all just makes you realize we are all not that much different, just different circumstances.

[Mabird]

I suffered a great culture shock when I moved here in 2000. Coming from a live and let live part of the world, I was totally "Gobsmacked" when I was lambasted on an internet forum (Koi) for having the audacity to smoke in my own back yard and was called nothing more than a child abuser. The verbal was further carried on when people found out my younger son is Gay (I have no reason to hide this). The fact that I am an athiest has caused me a lot of trouble from the religious zealots
Having said that I have made some wonderful friends here, but I do tend to keep myself to myself then I don;t offend anyone, driving my Mini Cooper gives me a great deal of pleasure

[TA2DMAC]

If you come to the Dragon next year let me know. I'll save a jar of Apple Pie for ya.

[SomethingNew71]

I suffered a great culture shock when I moved here in 2000. Coming from a live and let live part of the world, I was totally "Gobsmacked" when I was lambasted on an internet forum (Koi) for having the audacity to smoke in my own back yard and was called nothing more than a child abuser. The verbal was further carried on when people found out my younger son is Gay (I have no reason to hide this). The fact that I am an athiest has caused me a lot of trouble from the religious zealots
Having said that I have made some wonderful friends here, but I do tend to keep myself to myself then I don;t offend anyone, driving my Mini Cooper gives me a great deal of pleasure

You sound like my kind of people. It's a shame you aren't closer by I wouldn't mind meeting you. I got a couple other people here in the local mini club I think you would get along with really well.

[zinzan]

Hey ZinZan, when you look across the lake can you see the Sleeping Giant or is that closer to Wawa? I haven't been up your way in years.

It was quite a shock when I first moved here, a little crowded and busy but I quickly learned there just good ole people just like us. Not really a lot of differences once you get to know people. Sure we do things a lil different, but that what makes it interesting. You'll even find that from one end of the country to the other.
I've lived in every province, both Territories (before the split), have been to the North Pole and have been to around 20 of the states and several of the Islands in the Carribeans including Haiti, Jamaica, Caymans and Mexico and to see it all just makes you realize we are all not that much different, just different circumstances.

The Sleeping Giant is right across the bay from me! Can see it from anywhere in town, pretty much.

[Mabird]

Thankyou. I have spent many happy times in North Carolina from 2001 to 2009 visiting a lady I met playing cards on Pogo. My friend passed away in 2009 and I have't been back since.

Maybe you and your friends could consider driving over here next year, Mini Meet West 2013 is in my stamping ground, 30 miles away in Bend. I too would love to meet my kind of people and there is always a warm welcome at my home.

I'm getting my Cooper ready for The Columbia River Concourse d'elegance on august 5th. It's a juried event and Mr. Bridger has been accepted to be shown in The Founders Class, they ask entrants to dress in the era of their vehicle, nothing springs to mind for 1998, so I am going to dress as Queen Elizabeth being as this is her Diamond Jubilee Year.

Looks like we have our USA section going already lol lol lol.

[SomethingNew71]

Thankyou. I have spent many happy times in North Carolina from 2001 to 2009 visiting a lady I met playing cards on Pogo. My friend passed away in 2009 and I have't been back since.

Maybe you and your friends could consider driving over here next year, Mini Meet West 2013 is in my stamping ground, 30 miles away in Bend. I too would love to meet my kind of people and there is always a warm welcome at my home.

I'm getting my Cooper ready for The Columbia River Concourse d'elegance on august 5th. It's a juried event and Mr. Bridger has been accepted to be shown in The Founders Class, they ask entrants to dress in the era of their vehicle, nothing springs to mind for 1998, so I am going to dress as Queen Elizabeth being as this is her Diamond Jubilee Year.

Looks like we have our USA section going already lol lol lol.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend I know its really awful to lose someone close to you. That sounds like an awesome idea!! I think I can figure something out for my 1960. I did search 1998 and this was the result so obviously you have to dress like this