American Think Canadians are sort of Stupid

You know, I think we all take a great deal of pride in where we came from. Whether or not we are Americans, Canadians or otherise, we like to "tag" things with our own customized patriotic touch.

Yes Americans have been sterotyped into being aggressive braggarts, but then, if we take pride in own country, Canada, the best country on the planet, you will see that we too can do it.

I deal with several clients in Sacramento and they have been nothing but wonderful. Is it because they are in California and not really part of the US? HA! No, its because they are humble human beings who know what they are all about. I enjoy dealing with them and look forward to a long relationship with them.

All we can do is promote our country with a level of humility and pride all mixed into one and trust that it will rub off on our American counterparts.

John [:)]

And Candians think Americans are sort of violent.

Vic.

Not really ... I work with a lot of Americans everyday, and most of them are wonderful and respectful people. I don't agree with their politics and many of their international policies, but there are a good number of Americans that are decent people.

Rastin

----------------
On 10/2/2005 1:11:44 PM, keensoftware wrote:

I was talking to a customer in USA and get the feeling that many USA customers think Canadians are sort of stupid people.


It is bit too much some times- how to handle such situation politely.


Your thoughts.
----------------

Of course they are [:)] I was just reciprocating one stereotype for another (as a Canadian, my pride was struck a bit by this comment).

Vic.

I know the ignorant bunch live in every society. Some have higher percentage of it. Americans are no exempt. Nothing is ever perfect, is it?


Rastin

----------------
On 10/2/2005 3:20:44 PM, victorsk wrote:

Of course they are [:)] I was just reciprocating one stereotype for another (as a Canadian, my pride was struck a bit by this comment).

Vic.
----------------

I am not making a value judgement here. As a professional, I need to get along with people. I was looking for explicit tact that may be useful.


One of the things that I have learnt is that

Theraupeutic Communication- Knowing what to say When- by Paul welch, It is a psychotherapy book; I found the book to be useful in dealing with difficult customer.

Americans are kind
compassionate
intelligent

cocky
arrogant
belligerent

Americans are social
friendly
easy going

crafty
shrewd
outgoing

Americans are PERFECT!

Oh, did I mention HUMBLE?

Americans are humble.


-M.

BTW: We don't THINK Canadians are stupid [;)]

BTW: We don't THINK Canadians are stupid

Sounds familiar! It is easier to just "know" than to "THINK" isn't it? [;)]

Hey Keen,

I think over all the best approach is pretty much going to be creating the relationship with the customer over time. There really isn't much you can do about the "your a blubber eating, igloo living, dog sled lover" mentality that SOME Americans have. Through presonal experience dealing with clients form the states, it can be rough in the initial contact with them, they tend to have strong opinions of us, and as we do of them, and they really stick true to that. Eventually though, over time and the building of the relationship with them, you'll notice them slowly start coming around. Of course there are people who will never change their opinions, but it also helps to show that we have a great sense of humor about ourselves. Especially when calling people from in the southern warmer areas, you generally get a good laugh if you say for example "Hows the weather? I'm having a hard time getting my snowmobile over the snow drifts this morning myself" or "Took forever to dig my door out to get to my car this morning". It doesn't help get rid of the stereotype, but most people will realize your poking fun at yourself and tend to lighten up, and when they say "Really?!" you can correct the stereotype saying "No its 96 degrees F here right now". Just alittle something that worked for me in the past.

Past that I think the only other way to dispell any current opinions about what you can do for them, actions speak louder then words. Just keep working at it, show them what you can do, and they'll eventually come around. As well going above what is expected is a quick way to turn them around.

[img]http://members.fortunecity.com/robscoasters/gif/homer_canada.gif[/img]