I personally don't have anything against Americans. I grew up in South West Ontario that spanned a bridge to Michigan. I had cousins who lived over there, and in the late 80s and early 90s, we spent a great deal shopping there.
Today I know quite a few Canadians who don't like the USA. I feel its more that Canadians (who have severe identity crises because we let immigrants call the shots here) hate that the rest of the world lumps them in with USA stereotypes. Canadians strive to make themselves "Un-American", but when it comes down to it, we do share a lot of simialrities, much like cousins.
I know Americans who have come to Canada and have admitted there's a different attitude, but in general, a Canadian city isn't that far off from any city in the States.
We're used to Americans making fun of us, and just the same, our comedians poke fun at Americans. However, I do feel that there is a certain line that should not be crossed. I think making light of something like the military, where lives are risked and occassionally lost, is in bad taste. I can guarantee that if Canadians made fun of something so personal and close to home like the 116 lost in the mission, I'm sure the US would wage war on us (I kid, but you guys would be pissed).
Every time we lose a soldier over seas, the bodies are brought back and processioned to the coroner's office in Toronto. It is a very big deal. I have seen people waiting along overpasses with Canadian flags, waiting for the hearses to pass by, and it is a very emotional and touching thing to see. That is why we find it so awful. Joking about it just makes it seem like Americans find no value in what we do.
Make fun of our accents, our love for hockey and maple syrup, our national animal because its a beaver, our slightly gay looking currency, our over-apologetic nature and humble attitude, or the fact that we're America JR, The 51st State, or America's hat, but please don't mock our dead who gave their lives so that people around the world can have the same freedoms as us, and our militiary who risk their lives everyday.
