Why do Canadians dislike sarcasm?

Answer 1

Not all Canadians hate sarcasm. Unless it is about Canada. But, my friend loves sarcasm and she is from Canada. It is okay too an extent.

My add-on:

Canadians take most provocative, metaphorical and ironic statements literally. They can take a simple statement the wrong way. They overanalyze people's behavior and make issues out of any behavior they feel they have the right to approve or disapprove of. I find dinners with Canadians awkward as I cannot be myself and prefer Europeans, the British, Australians and Americans over them. One has to constantly monitor one's language. They are incapable of seeing past their own viewpoints. They make erroneous assumptions that all people must be like them.

And there is an obsession with class that doesn't interest me. My whole life I've heard about the (nonexistent) European class system. Europe is far ahead technologically, gave up on organized religion a long time ago, more accepting of women, more accepting of gays, wealthier and more liberal. They have the best social programs and quality of life. They also know better than to send militaries into Afghanistan and Iraq. Truth is, Europe is looking pretty good in comparison to Canada. And it is much more multicultural without all the protectionist legislation and political correctness about other cultures and Immigration in Canada.

People here have a real fear of free speech, intellect, art, etc. I really feel awkward about my natural abilities in the arts, namely painting, poetry and literature. They dislike it because they see it as haughtiness and can't identify with it, even though there is a high rate of literacy here. Makes no sense. And a lot of drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, property damage, garbage, graffiti, sexual assault, theft, etc. here but is still seen as a bastion of positivity and perfection.

My point is that what you are seeing in Canada is the reality that is denied. They can't handle the truth. Try offering advice, constructive criticism, suggestions, opinions and they will be up in arms though believe me, they are the first to gossip, harass, insult, discriminate and make issues out of people. It is the 'Canadian way': to bother people because they are different and then act too good for the same treatment you brough on yourself (though I refuse to lower myself to that level). Many immigrants have told me how they dislike Canada and want to leave. And I don't blame them, really. They'd make more money elsewhere.

Another Add-on

I don't know what social and professional circles my predecessor here frequents, but it's rather hypocritical to paint all Canadians with such a broad stroke. The majority of Canadians I know are nothing like that poster described.

For one thing, our two best TV shows in my opinion would each be less than 5 minutes long if it weren't for sarcasm. I'd say their success indicates a love of sarcasm, wouldn't you?

Comparing multiculturalism here to that in Europe is reckless. We probably had enough "cultures" of our own by 1950 to create an autonomous multicultural community. How many riots have occurred in Canada because of multiculturalism. I don't mean demonstration outside embassies or consulates. I mean violent, destructive riots like those that have occurred in many European countries. How about bombings?

When my son was very young we lived in a big city and it was easy to pick him out in the schoolyard. He was THE kid with the light blond hair. We moved to a town far outside the city and I panicked that first day of school. I had rounded the corner of the building to encounter a sea of light blond heads! I'd never find him again!

Comparing one country to another or one people to another is always a foolish endeavor. Especially when you're talking about a country that spans over 3,000 miles. Toronto, ON is as foreign to someone from Witless Bay, NL as Quebec City is to someone from Regina. You wouldn't be able to say these people are exactly the same, so why say "Canadians don't like this " and "Canadians always do that." It's just not right to generalize. It's not fair either.