Saying eh too often is the stereotype Canadians detest the most, with 42% of them opposing it, according to a study conducted by language training platform Preply. “Good communication can help limit the usage and sharing of stereotypes by promoting understanding, empathy and critical thinking,” said Preply language expert Sylvia Johnson in a blog post. Preply writer Matt Zajechowski said the second most hated Canadian stereotype is loving hockey (40%). This was followed by loving Tim Hortons and speaking French (37%) and loving maple syrup, ice skating and saying sorry too often (24%). From movies and TV shows to memes and online posts, Zajechowski said stereotypes are more common than people might realize. While they can be viewed as harmless jokes, six-tenths of Canadians said stereotypes are harmful and seven-tenths view them as racism. Not all Canadians hate stereotypes. Ninth-tenths of Canadians find stereotypes about them to be positive. While stereotypes can be negative, half admit they believe those about residents from other countries. He said it goes without saying people all around the world have work to do when it comes to understanding other cultures.Johnson encouraged people to have “open and honest conversations about stereotypes and their impact.” She added this is one way for people to create a space to discuss their experiences and beliefs, and it can lead to greater awareness and empathy." Zajechowski went on to say the most common perception Canadians had about themselves is environmentally conscious (97%). Meanwhile, he said 89% of Americans viewed Canadians as environmentally conscious. After environmentally conscious was sexual minority friendly (95%). This was followed by happy (87%), neighbourly (86%) and progressive (78%). He said the most common perception Canadians had about Americans was more racist (97%). When it comes to more racism, 93% of Americans admitted they were worse than Canada. After more racist was more patriotic (93%). The following perceptions were more materialistic (90%), more passionate about sports (86%) and more religious (85%). Johnson warned against making broad generalizations, as they can be harmful. “They contribute to social division and conflict when different groups hold stereotypes about each other, and they lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication among people from diverse backgrounds by preventing a genuine understanding of their perspectives,” she said. The study surveyed residents in Canada and the United States to determine which Canadian stereotypes are viewed as true and which they disagreed with. It asked residents of them which stereotypes they had heard before.
