British pride
 

I read on this forum that Canadians only like Brits if they put their country down. I know a few Canadians and they're fascinated by British culture. I always considered Canada to be a tollerant and intelligent place.

There is zero British pride in Britain. I'm very proud of my nation but wish to live elsewhere. Canada offers geographical advantages we can't have in Britain, but by leaving a country shouldn't make you embarrassed about your identity and the good things about your culture.

What's your opinion? Would it be a mistake to come to Canada and think well of my country?

Thanks for your opinions -

Paul

Re: British pride
 

Nope, not true ... I really didn't like what Tony Blair was doing to the country and wanted a fresh start, but that doesn't stop me being proud of my heritage.

Nope ... what upsets them is making "we do that much better in the UK" comparisons.

Nothing wrong with pride in your background ... one guy up the road has a huge St Andrews flag painted on his garage ... you see plenty of union jack front plates around.

Re: British pride
 

I agree with Glaswegian. It doesn't matter where you come from, if you move to Canada - or elsewhere for that matter - and start on about how much better things are in England and keep griping about how they do things in Canada that are not the same as England - then its going to get up people's noses.

Re: British pride
 

I read a lot about pride and what people think of other nations.
You describe a guy painting the cross of St george on his garage put that is a footie develpment of the last decade. The devolved governments of Wales and Scotland have led the English to suddenly wonder who they are apart from British. It has been fun to get behind the Rugby and fooball teams (so long as you're English :D ) but it does little for my pride.
I am proud of a load of my heritage and Britain is a wonderful place in so many ways so I can say I'm a Brit with pride.
However there are a lot of the British attributes that I hate to have an assocition with but I believe I will find is what most Canadians also dislike.
Some examples are : binge drinking, Blair's inability to say no to Bush and to let Britain be sucked into Iraq and many of our historical colonial exploits. I hope to live in the territory of the Acadian expulsion where the Brits were a disgrace so when I go into a French speaking shop I shall use my crap French and show some dignity.
Pride is within and not a red cross painted on everything. The country I want to embrace will want me to wave the maple leaf and my British pride should be understated.
I want Canadians to like me for the person I am and not for the baggage label that says "British", "English", "Handsome" etc :D :D

Sorry guys, no heavy rant intended but an opinion was invited!
Think well or ill of your country but what are you to Canada should be your question.

Re: British pride
 

I didn't indicate that this would happen. It incenses me when foreigners do this in Britain, and that everyone is so paranoid about saying or doing anything about it for fear of being branded a racist

Re: British pride
 

Shouldn't be too hard to put yourselves in the shoes of a Canadian in the same position?

Re: British pride
 

You're certainly right behind use of flags mainly for sporting support and celebrations. To be honest flying the flag is not something I would do outside of such celebrations, without wishing to attach any detriment to my country.

I am very tired of what my country has become and the political squeekier than ever appearance. I deplore the morons who care more about what happens on The Street or in Walford than what is actually happening around them. Nobody does or cares about anything other than following the crowd and spending unrepayable credit on brands they can ill afford. Oh, also the lack of responsibility through being drunk attitude. Now you got me ranting!

However I see that dissatisfaction is not a good reason to leave a country for another, and you have to have a good reason for it to be Country A (or should that be C?). For me it's quality of life, admiration of the people/culture, love of unspoilt nature, affordability, education, diverse climate and national security. This is a picture I have built of Canada and I don't think the reality will disappoint.

Re: British pride
 

Glas, I do apologise. I did misquote you as my brain was thinking about a garage near me with the St George flag! Big oooooops! :o :o :o

Did you pull your post because it disappeared whilst I was eating chicken?

Re: British pride
 

Yup ... after a rant nowadays I feel like I've just farted in an elevator ... fortunately a rant can be undone ...

Re: British pride
 

However I think we will find a lot of canadian flags outside houses on most days.
I like the idea but mainly becuase I like what it stands for certainly in comparison to the British flag!

Re: British pride
 

To some noses a fart can smell sweet :D
It read fine to me but saying that I've forgotten what you said :)
Should have left it and repaired the damage later (did I repair mine?)

Re: British pride
 

It wasn't anything of great importance :D

Re: British pride
 

I don't think there's anything wrong with being proud of where you come from.
Just don't ram it down others throats.

Act how you'd like the immigrants to the UK should act.

Re: British pride
 

Speaking as a Canadian (albeit in Australia) I had lots of friends from different countries and I can't remember one of them slagging it. They were all proud to have a sort of "dual heritage" one from the country they were proud to have been born in, and the other from the country they (or thier parents) chose to live in.

I agree with Lilwiz.. just don't start bitching and moaning about how Canada sucks and Britain is SO much better. That will get up people noses really fast!

Siren

Re: British pride
 

I agree with Glas and Liz. Nothing wrong with being proud of your roots, but constant negative comparisons with the motherland will get a terse "well go back there then if its so good" in some quarters.

Iain

Proud to fly both flags from my deck...although the UK one is falling apart at the seams...I kid you not! Metaphore anyone:D