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Many people say jokingly
that a large percentage of Canadian culture rests in the efforts
of Canadians to distinguish themselves from their neighbour, the
United States. However, while the two countries share certain traits
and a common cultural heritage, there is definitely a separately
identifiable "Canadian culture." This is highlighted by
factors such as a greater integration of Native American cultures
than in other American states; the maintenance of traditions descended
from those of the French settlers; and a discernable infusion of
Celtic settlers in later stages of Canadian history.
One bone of contention in the effort
to understand Canadian culture revolves around the fact that Canada
is bilingual; there is little reason to question the distinct identity
of the English- and French-speaking peoples of Canada.
Canadian Culture - Art:
Canada has enjoyed some prominence in
international art circles over the years and has celebrated the
works of artists such as:
- Robert Bateman, 1930-, painter
- Emily
Carr, 1871-1945, painter
- Alex Colville, 1920-, painter
- Ken Danby, 1940-, painter
- Charles Daudelin, 1920-2001, sculptor
and painter
to name but a few.
Canadian Culture - Literature:
Over the years, Canada has also enjoyed
some remarkable acheivements in literary expression. Here is a modest
list of Canadian literary figures, including poets, novelists, children's
writers, essayists, and scholars:
- Milton Acorn (1923-1986) poet, has
published 18 volumes of poetry
- Margaret
Atwood (born 1939)
The Handmaid's Tale (1985), Alias Grace, Surfacing
- Phillipe-Ignace Francois Aubert du
Gaspe (1814-1841), author of the first French Canadian novel.
- Leonard
Cohen, (1934- ),
poet and singer
- Douglas
Coupland, (born 1961), Generation X, Girlfriend in a Coma
- Joy Fielding (1945- ), novelist
- Robert Goldsmith (1794-1861), first
English-language Canadian poet
- Grey Owl (1888-1938), conservationist
- James McIntyre, (1827-1906), the
"Cheese Poet," known as the worst poet in Canadian history
- Marshall
McLuhan, (1911-1980), English professor and media studies
author
- Michael
Ondaatje, (1943- ) wrote The English Patient (1993)
- Michel Tremblay (born 1942)
- Jane Urquhart (born 1949), novelist
Canadian Culture - Theatre
Canada is very active in the stage theatre
scene, specifically in Southern Ontario. Theatre festivals attract
a great many tourists in the summer months, especially the Stratford
Shakespeare Festival in Stratford Ontario, and the Shaw Festival
in Niagara On The Lake, Ontario. The Famous People Players are also
one of a number of touring theatrical companies that have developed
a favorable international reputation.
A good number of Canadian pioneers in
the early Hollywood days contributed significantly to the establishment
of the movie industry in the early days of the 20th century. Over
the years, many Canadians have made enormous contributions to the
American entertainment industry, although they are most often not
recognised as Canadians. Here is a short list of a few famous Canadians
in the film industry:
- Pamela
Anderson (born
1967), model, actress
- Dan
Aykroyd (born 1952), actor/comedian
- Robert Beatty (1909 - 1992), actor
- Neve
Campbell (born 1973), actress (Scream series, Party of Five)
- John
Candy (1950-1994), actor/comedian
- Jim
Carrey (born 1962), actor/comedian
- Michael
J. Fox (born 1961),
actor/comedian
- Tom
Green (born 1971), actor/comedian
- Lorne
Greene (1915-1987), actor ('Pa Cartwright on Bonanza), TV
news anchor
- Louis B. Mayer, co-founder MGM
- Rick
Moranis, actor (Honey, I Shrunk the Kids)
- Colin
Mochrie (born 1957), comedian
- Mike
Myers (born 1963), actor (Austin Powers series, Saturday Night
Live)
- Leslie
Nielsen (born 1926), actor
- Christopher
Plummer (born 1927), actor
- Keanu
Reeves (born 1964), actor
Canadian Culture - Stereotypes
According to Nationmaster.com,
"Canadians are stereotyped by other nationalities as being
nice, but rather dull-'decaffeinated Americans' being one description,
while the definition of a Canadian as 'an American with healthcare
and no gun' is another. One joke goes 'How do you get Canadians
out of a swimming pool? You ask them.'
A Canadian politician remarked that
Canada was supposed to have British government, French culture and
American know-how, but instead ended up with French government,
American culture and British know-how. "
For more information on Canadian
culture, visit Nationmaster.com
as it has more than a wealth of information on Canada and it's culture.
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