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About this quote

What does it mean?
The US suffers from unchecked ambition while Canada suffers from excessive suspicion of external influence.
In plain terms
America is too arrogant, Canada is too suspicious.
What can you take from it?
Compare national traits to understand cultural weaknesses.

Where it applies

  • politics
  • international relations
  • cultural critique

Putting it to work

  • recognize biases
  • balance confidence
  • watch for suspicion

Questions to consider

  • What defines your nation's character?
  • How do stereotypes limit understanding?

Another view

National stereotypes oversimplify complex societies.

More from Margaret Atwood

  1. If I were going to convert to any religion I would probably choose Catholicism because it at least has female saints and the Virgin Mary.

    Permalink to quote #69
  2. In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.

    Permalink to quote #71
  3. If a stranger taps you on the ass and says, 'How's the little lady today!' you will probably cringe. But if he's an American, he's only being friendly.

    Permalink to quote #68

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