USA vs. Canada Cultural Differences and Similarities

The Royal Commission on National Development in the Arts, Letters, and Sciences issued the Massey Report in 1951, warning that years of "American invasion by film, radio, and periodical" had left Canadian culture invisible and nearly identical to that of the surrounding United States. The government stated that from this point forward, Canadian mass media, including novels, television series, journals, and other domestically produced cultural items, must promote Canadian content. The policy has, by most accounts, been quite successful; nonetheless, individual, rather than federal, efforts have been chiefly responsible for this accomplishment.

In the fullest definition

Canadian culture is a fusion of American, British, and French influences that coexist and occasionally clash in all aspects of cultural life, from writing and filmmaking to gastronomy and athletics. This blend has been strengthened by the distinct contributions of others. For example, the numerous restaurants (mostly South Asian) that line Toronto's Yonge Street attest to the country's large immigrant population; Vancouver's Chinese community has contributed to the city's folk opera and puppetry traditions, which rival those of China; Italian is a common tongue in Montreal's coffee shops; and Canada's Indigenous peoples are increasingly given a platform through a diverse array of fine and folk arts. In 1971, twenty years after the Massey Report was published, multiculturalism was officially adopted as Canadian national policy. Today, the federal government supports various ethnic groups and gives assistance to individuals so that they can completely integrate into Canadian society.

Economic growth since the middle of the twentieth century has provided Canadians with more resources to participate in and appreciate the arts. The majority of provincial governments financially support cultural organizations and the arts, and many have arts-specific financing and advisory bodies. The Canada Council for the Arts was established in 1957 and is the national body, with its headquarters in Ottawa. It is sponsored by bequests, gifts, and an annual federal grant, as well as an endowment. The Governor General's Literary honors are Canada's most prestigious literary honors, presented annually to one book in both French and English in the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry, children's literature (text), and translation.

Social norms and daily activities

Social norms and daily activities

The neighboring United States' melting-pot notion is translated into Canada as something like to a stew, with flavors derived from the hundreds of influences that comprise the larger Canadian culture. This is due to Canada's historical and ethnic diversity, which prevents the formation of a single national culture. Even while both French and English are recognized as official languages, a region's unique cultural customs often reflect the language that is most widely used; as a result, French influences are most prevalent in Quebec and New Brunswick. Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly those residing in the North, continue to practice their own distinct cultures, and immigrants have managed to integrate into Canadian society while preserving characteristics of their former homes. Nonetheless, the nation comes together on July 1st to celebrate Canada Day, which commemorates the country's establishment in 1867.

British and American culture have had a strong influence on Canada's English-speaking areas. The most visible manifestations of Quebec's French culture are arguably its distinct music, cuisine, and architecture. Poutine (french fries dipped in gravy and topped with cheese) and meat pies such as tourtières and paté à la rapure (with beef, chicken, or mussels) are popular in French-speaking regions but are uncommon in other parts of Canada. However, a French tourtière has many of the same ingredients as a hearty English roast and potatoes dinner, and french fries dipped in gravy or malt vinegar are a popular snack wherever they are served. Canadians who speak English or French prefer pizza, tandoori, or Chinese cuisine. Furthermore, Quebec is one of the world's leading producers of maple syrup, and the entire country regularly enjoys sweets laced with it.

Despite their long-standing marginalization

Despite their long-standing marginalization

After being reviled by the government and experiencing severe drug and alcohol misuse on many reserves, Canada's Indigenous peoples have recently launched an effort to reclaim their traditional heritage. Carving, basketry, and stone and bone sculptures are among the most popular types of Indigenous art. The bulk of the best handicrafts and artwork have distinguishing characteristics that identify their area of origin. There are several First Nations festivities and festivals, and increased social activity has resulted in political gains.

Canadian arts

Many of the later writings that were influenced by the writings of explorers, missionaries, and immigrants were inspired by the first really Canadian literary works, which were written in French. Marc Lescarbot's Histoire de la Nouvelle France (1609) was a well-known literary work. Thomas Haliburton of Nova Scotia made the first notable English contribution with his work The Clockmaker; or, The Sayings and Doings of Samuel Slick of Slickville (1836). The next years were also distinguished by classic works of literature: Sara Jeannette Duncan's The Imperialist (1904), Robert W. Service's Trail of '98 (1910), William Kirby's Golden Dog (1877), Stephen Leacock's funny writings, and Mazo de la Roche's lengthy Jalna novel series. New France's colonial literature was written in France between the middle of the 16th and the middle of the 18th century, mostly for European audiences. Only in the 1830s did French books start to be published in Canada. The subsequent writing was heavily influenced by the Quebec movement, which was predominantly Roman Catholic.