We Don't All Love Donuts: Canadian Stereotypes Clarifed

One of the first things I had to ask Elizabeth was, "What kind of stereotypes do Americans have about Canadians?" Some of her answers surprised me. Some didn't. As I attempt to set the record straight with these stereotypes, please understand that I'm not speaking on behalf of all of Canada. I'm from Toronto; the most multicultural city in the country (next to Vancouver). Our world here is much different than that of say, Nova Scotia. So, I'm just here to represent Toronto. I'm sure my fellow Torontonian, Kathy, can back me up on this. Check out her post on Canadian Education (and stereotypes) here.

Now to clear things up!

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"You all like donuts."

False.

Andrew and Jerome immediately said that this was an untrue stereotype. Due to my love for Tim Hortons (Canada's famous coffee shop), I thought it could be somewhat true. But, then I thought about it and disagreed. I don't think I know anyone who has ever gone out their way to buy one. I'm going to go ahead and blame this stereotype on How I Met Your Mother.

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 "You say 'eh' all the time."

False.

It is only on rare occasions that I've ever heard anyone say "eh." I proceed to tease them when this happens; this actually happened in New York:

Andrew: "They really know what they're doing here, eh?"

Me: "Eh? What are you? Canadian or something?"

Seriously, it's very, very rare that we'll ever say eh.

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"Canadians are all really nice."

False.

Oh, how I wish this was true; and while I'd like to think it's true for the majority of us, it probably isn't for those in Toronto. I've been pushed, shoved and toppled over just by people trying to get a seat on the subway. Not everyone holds doors open, says thank you or apologises. We won't welcome you to the city with open arms and a box full of donuts. But, there are those of us who are nice and try to treat others the way they'd want to be treated (*cough* like me). I am completely guilty of apologising way too much though. Sorry.

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This man is insane.

"You're used to the cold."

False.

That's a dirty, filthy lie. I've lived here my whole life and I hate the cold. Hate it with a fierce passion. Whenever winter arrives, I bitch, moan and complain until it's finally spring again. I'd say this is true for almost everyone in this city.

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"You're all obsessed with hockey."

False.

I find hockey boring. Like, really boring. Why does it take so long to score a goal? Why is the game still not over? Let's not forget, hockey is on ice. Ice is cold. I don't like the cold. It should be noted though that a lot of people in Toronto take hockey very seriously and, although the Toronto Maple Leafs are terrible, Torontonians are very, very supportive of them. Despite being a terrible team, Maple Leaf tickets are the most expensive tickets in the NHL, averaging $368.60 a ticket. That said, not every Canadian loves hockey.

Can you think of any Canadian stereotypes not mentioned?

What stereotypes does your country have?

Side note: I'm embarrassed to say that while searching Google for GIFs and Memes to add to this post, I found multiple pictures of Justin Bieber. He does not represent Canada. America, you can have him.