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It would be helpful to correctly interpret this article if you understood that this is my opinion. These are not of journalistic significance. I’ve made these observations in Ontario, Canada, for nine years. As such, they may not apply to everyone in the region. While Canada has a vast territory, I’ve only lived in one part of Ontario. Given the same circumstances elsewhere, my perspective may differ. Since these are ills, I also suggest that any hateful critic searching for the following truth-sayer to crucify should remember that I do not wish to imply that there are no good things in Canada or Toronto. I hope this is clear enough.
Let’s evaluate a Canadian by what’s in the heart.”
To avoid an unnecessary argument from the misinterpretation of a tiny-brained whiner, there are plenty of great things about Canada. I have lots to appreciate about Canada. However, this article is about the ills I’ve observed while living here. As one who seeks to become a Canadian, I think being one shouldn’t be about the hockey team you support, your hatred for Hiphop, or how one feels equal to celebrities after kissing the ass of a politician. For me, it’s not about what you look like or how you speak or behave.
Let’s evaluate a Canadian by what’s in the heart. While living here, I’ve felt that the weather has caused people to be unopen to making new friends. Maybe they don’t want to share their resources. There is also this judgemental atmosphere where many people complain about everything. A man’s heart is much more imperative than his or her appearance of self-righteousness. One can disguise their intentions but not run from their inner nature. I felt like there was very little respect for art and culture. Artists do not collaborate much, and everyone appears to operate within their small circle of associates. Let’s go:
1) Discriminating against Hiphop: I noticed an odd instance where many claims to know already. Hip Hop is more than just a music genre, yet they don’t legitimize its Kulture. The powers that be refuse to let the youth educate them on the essence of this Kulture. I fought against the discouragement of Hip Hop. Since Hip Hop is a youth culture, young people are ostracized from corporate success because of it. When you walk, talk, dress, or live Hip Hop and listen to lots of rap, regardless of whether you explain yourself or not, you’ll face discrimination or blackball. This discrimination appears to be entirely justified.
2) Young people are not in positions of power: I don’t know of any young millionaires who were formerly unfortunate but hustled to success. Or a non-political leader who’s followed citywide because he’s influential, charismatic, or esteemed. There is not even an activist that the entire nation reveres, male or female. Everyone I’ve seen in power in the places I’ve been in Canada has gray hair or a gray beard. No youngsters in control anywhere. It’s as if the politicians and local powers prevent the youths from achieving success even in their communities. You hear a few bigoted rants and say, “hey, wait a minute.”
3) Sometimes multiculturalism feels like uni-culturalism: People of all nationalities seem to merge in one “melting pot.” They may eat their traditional food or speak their language (privately). Still, they can’t live by their strict discipline without someone passing judgment on, criticizing, or, if lucky, teaching them to dispose of their essence. Many believe they still enjoy their culture when its essence is gone. Young persons soon despise marriage or religious rules that pertain to their culture. Legal technicalities leave fathers underpaid with reversed gender roles as dads while moms receive incentives to be single.
4) Unfriendly neighbors: I’ll put it this way, in 9 years of living in Canada, I can’t say I made friends with a neighbor. I’ve joined fraternities, strolled by the lake and the beach, and attended galas and fundraisers. I socialized in bars/clubs/patios, went to churches, and sat in parks. You name it. Nope. He’s not coming over to play video games. They will not be inviting you to watch the fight. Let’s catch a beer. I don’t see people kicking it with others outside their immediate circle. Everyone is in their world doing their thing with THEIR family and friends. You get snitched on or complained about by your next-door neighbor.
Well, if you’ve got money and they’re selling?
It’s almost as if you’re not as valuable to anyone as you may want to believe you are. Yep, you’re disturbing their peace with your music. 911! And the cops show up too. There was no wussup in the hallway or the elevator, not in the stores, not on the streets, or even in a waiting room—no waves when they came out their door. In the last year, I get random looks while driving out of the parking lot. The kind neighborly knock is greeted with suspicion. I’ve yet to see a street evangelist. I don’t see niggaz macking on chicks (I said macking), and I don’t see dudes hanging outside relaxed or just chilling as homeboys.
I’ve seen friends exchange visits, but I don’t see the new guy getting love. Hey, maybe it’s me. They were judging and ostracizing for most of these nine years. It’s scary for an ex-pat or immigrant. With such bad weather, you live far away from your family in this country. Best believe these same neighbors know what’s happening in your house. They know who came over, what you ate, what you drive, if you’re gay or straight, everything. But they aren’t kicking it with you. No way, no, sir. Well, if you’ve got money and they’re selling? Well. That might be an exception, but for the most part, your barbecue is too smokey.
5) Racism gets a pass: One can refuse to hire someone because they live in Hiphop (meaning he behaves like a black person in public). They can prevent the youth from climbing the ladder of success. Stop a good man from assuming his role as head of his household. But… if someone dares to be homophobic, they’re done for it. I found that very strange, not because I want discrimination against people from the LGBTQ community, far from that. I’m happy that they have the freedom I want. It is mesmerizing to me that such a liberal community would let a bigot or racist escape retribution. Someone has something.
6) Unforgiveness: Ask Vince Carter how long Raptor fans took to stop booing him. I’ve seen strong-hearted people in other countries. Trust me, I’ve seen all kinds of evil. I’m not saying Canada is close to that. Yet, if you offend someone out here. I don’t think there’s a prayer that will overturn their malice and grudge in a river of hatred. The slightest disagreement can cause two good friends to become lifetime enemies. You can do a thousand good deeds and not even get noticed. One misstep, and it’s off to the executioner. Is it so difficult to forgive and say, yo, my bad, man, didn’t mean for this to happen?
7) Government is God?: The government owns all the banks, son. Your money is their money. They can touch your stash. A government official once said, “Canadian citizenship is not a privilege.” Or some shit implying that a citizen who happens to be a government official that doesn’t agree with your choices can revoke your citizenship. No one rioted. The people sat listening to a man threatening their citizenship and did nothing. I think it’s ironic since they expect the average citizen to be a snitch. She should also understand that someone could take her citizenship away. Where do they expect ex-citizen to go?
Since the government pulls the purse strings, the people have become their puppets. Though prices are unnecessarily exorbitant, Canadians cannot buy from cheaper vendors in other countries. I observed they allow people to have. This excessive control has created suspicion and bickering. Some devise schemes to get ahead. Many people are disgruntled with Americans who have an abundance of what they want. However, they too would have those same things had the government not barred them from quickly going to get them. I think the government even regulates the Canadian dream, but it’s my opinion.
8) When you treat women nicely, they think you want to sleep with them: Maybe it’s me again. Maybe I’m so far removed from reality. I’ve got it all wrong. All I know is that when you befriend a female in Canada (who’s not drunk), she acts as if you’re flirting. Maybe they have whiny boyfriends who are woman-beaters. Perhaps they don’t know how to take a compliment. If he’s a talented person, a politician, or he has a great job, he may get a girlfriend. She may ditch him after she gets pregnant. You may be that lucky guy who meets the traditional God-fearing, religion-oriented woman that adores you.
You could be a handsome stud who sleeps with every woman you meet. That’s why she thinks you’re hitting on her. I don’t know. All I’m sure of is the Canadian women I’ve met seem to believe they should pick men rather than be scooped by one. As I’ve stated over and over again, these are my opinions based on my observations. I’m a little lucky not to have a problem finding a date. There have been a few uncomfortable situations from my being friendly to women. I didn’t get it. Sometimes, a guy may not be trying to get laid. He may be a friend who wants no benefits. No? Is he going to whip it out? OK.
In conclusion, Canada is an amazing country. I’ve enjoyed ninety percent of my nine years here. However, it seems difficult to befriend a young Canadian lady without her assuming that you want sex. Or you’re interested in a relationship or anything more than just the friend you want to be. Granted, as I mentioned earlier, it is generally difficult to make friends. I say this because people go as far as flirting in other countries just for shits and giggles. If you are married, you’re cursed for life in Canada. It seems people can’t separate marital status from social life… Hideaway! Always come alone when it’s cold and lonely. *
