http://olympics.thestar.com/2010/article/773211--canucks-show-sense-of-humour-at-games-closing
This is an article that discusses some of the characteristics of the closing ceremonies in Vancouver a couple of days ago.
"There were marching Mounties in miniskirts. Tabletop hockey players. The iconic "Hockey Night in Canada" theme. Dancing canoes, red-clad lumberjacks and giant inflatable beavers.
This is an article that discusses some of the characteristics of the closing ceremonies in Vancouver a couple of days ago.
"There were marching Mounties in miniskirts. Tabletop hockey players. The iconic "Hockey Night in Canada" theme. Dancing canoes, red-clad lumberjacks and giant inflatable beavers.
Michael Buble -- never opposed to poking fun at himself -- even rode atop a massive motorized Mountie's hat while performing The Maple Leaf Forever."
These are all common stereotypes of Canada.....It is kind of cool how Canada is embracing /poking fun at some of the stereotypes about their country, but how do you think this would fly with some other cultures? Is it because these stereotypes are not considered at all negative that this is more accepted than what it could be? Do you think this would offend any Canadians that do not particularly identify with these cultural stereotypes?
I think it is pretty cool that Canada is embracing these stereotypes because that takes some of the "power" of the stereotype away on a certain level. It shows that they are aware of it, and they are facing it. But yes, some of these stereotypes aren't too negative compared to others. I also think that some Canadians could be offended by this, if their end goal is to change that stereotype and make people realize there is more to their country.
I did watch some of the Olympics, and I did see one of the newscasters dressed as a Mountie. I was a little surprised by this (it also seemed like he was acting weird, but I can't remember exactly what he was talking about). I think that when a country hosts the Olympics, they are also getting an opportunity to share their culture with others, and on a certain level, dispel stereotypes and show the world what their country is all about. So, I was a little surprised that they really showed these stereotypes so pointedly. I don't think this would fly in other cultures as well.
What are some other cultures where this wouldn't work out so well? I guess it is up to the individual country in how they handle issues of this nature, but I would want to attempt to dispel the stereotype as much as I could. Having the world focused on your country through the Olympics seems to be a good vehicle to do attempt to do this, considering all the media coverage happening at that time.