Why I Hate Canadians

Because I wish that I could have written this book. I'm a lot like Will Ferguson - I live in Japan, I have a jaded view towards both Japan and Canada, and I happen to agree with every single thing he says. Well, everything except for him putting down Nirvana. Other than that, Will Ferguson hits the hammer on the head with this collection of essays about the illusions of Canada that Canadians delude themselves with, that only an insider looking in from the outside could point out. Ferguson's voice as a writer is a pleasure to read - he's insightful and intelligent without being dry or pretentious, funny without being trite, cynical and jaded without being negative. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed the book. I think it began to capture Canada's quiet but strong patriotism. It also poked holes in the way Canadians define themselves (in an often hilarious way) and for me put a new perspective on how we define ourselves. There were times that I would be laughing out loud! And now, every time I hear about how "nice" Canadians are, I just have to smile and think of this book.

Will Ferguson had a good idea, attack the unassailable image Canadians have of themselves. It takes a traveled ex pat to see that Canadians swallow a lot of their own propaganda without applying a critical eye, or at least the same critical eye they apply to Americans who stumble north. Ask an American, German, or Japanese why their country is the greatest nation on earth and they'll make references to contributions to industry/science/history/culture. Ask a Canadian and he'll point to a UN survey. Or worse, he'll phrase it in the form of "we're great because we're not like the USA in these ways..." It's a little sad and telling that the biggest example of Canadian patriotism in the last 20 years is the "I Am Canadian" beer commercial, which itself is little more than an inventory of how Canadians are different from Americans.

There's probably a very good Globe & Mail Fifth Column piece hiding in this book. As a book, however, it's over long. Ferguson pads it with utterly boring p

Will Ferguson had a good idea, attack the unassailable image Canadians have of themselves. It takes a traveled ex pat to see that Canadians swallow a lot of their own propaganda without applying a critical eye, or at least the same critical eye they apply to Americans who stumble north. Ask an American, German, or Japanese why their country is the greatest nation on earth and they'll make references to contributions to industry/science/history/culture. Ask a Canadian and he'll point to a UN survey. Or worse, he'll phrase it in the form of we're great because we're not like the USA in these ways... It's a little sad and telling that the biggest example of Canadian patriotism in the last 20 years is the I Am Canadian beer commercial, which itself is little more than an inventory of how Canadians are different from Americans.

There's probably a very good Globe & Mail Fifth Column piece hiding in this book. As a book, however, it's over long. Ferguson pads it with utterly boring per

Will Ferguson had a good idea, attack the unassailable image Canadians have of themselves. It takes a traveled ex pat to see that Canadians swallow a lot of their own propaganda without applying a critical eye, or at least the same critical eye they apply to Americans who stumble north. Ask an American, German, or Japanese why their country is the greatest nation on earth and they'll make references to contributions to industry/science/history/culture. Ask a Canadian and he'll point to a UN survey. Or worse, he'll phrase it in the form of we're great because we're not like the USA in these ways... It's a little sad and telling that the biggest example of Canadian patriotism in the last 20 years is the I Am Canadian beer commercial, which itself is little more than an inventory of how Canadians are different from Americans.

There's probably a very good Globe & Mail Fifth Column piece hiding in this book. As a book, however, it's over long. Ferguson pads it with utterly boring perso

I saw this book in the Calgary Airport. The title startled me, the preview on the back hooked me, I had to have it. Since I had 8 hours to kill till my flight left I of course started to read it right in the airport. While reading an irish gentlemen who was seated across from me got up and came over the get a closer look at the title on the front then proceeded to tell me why he hated Canadians. Needless to say it was an embarassing moment when he found out that the book did not bely the title and that I was Canadian. Having just finished "Bastards an Boneheads" last night I am back to get more of Mr. Ferguson with " I Was a Teenage Katima Victim." I can't seem to get enough of Will Ferguson. Ferguson rocks.

Great book! The title alone got me interested, and after seeing the titles of the chapters, I knew it was a book I just had to read! Will Ferguson uses great wit and sarcastic humour to portray us, Canadians, as we really are. I thought this book was thought provoking and just as hilarious as his other book "I was a teenage katima-victim" which also depicts our great Canadian outlook on things. A super read.

Will Ferguson presents a refreshingly frank view on Canada and Canadians. The experiences of his life, especially his travels abroad, give him a perspective that too few Canadians share. He is not afraid to portray the ugly side of Canada, along with the beautiful. He dispels the myth that Canadians are always "nice", and he accurately assesses the current state of politico-cultural events. His narration is sometimes funny, sometimes serious, even occasionally sad, but it is always thought provoking. This book should be required reading for all Canadians, and anybody who wants to really know Canada.

"Why I Hate Canadians" is a good book. Not as captivating as one of the author's other title, "Bastards and Boneheads", but should be read if only for the thought-provoking chapters on the seperatist mentality, and the native situation here in Canada (and to some extent, North America).

Will Ferguson is a real Canadian writer. And for those of us who have read the book, we know that we're not even REALLY sure what that means...

This is the BEST book I have ever read! I think everyone should read it! Not only is it insightful but also humourous and thought provoking.
At times it gave me shivers up and down my spin and made say : Finally, someone else sees it too!

Definitely worth the price!!!!!!!

The title alone "Why I hate Canadiens" stirred up the "non existent" Canadian spirit. Ferguson's writes the way he thinks and he does not sugar coat(maple syrup) our history. A great read for knowledge and a good laugh. Buy it.

As a Canadian who, until two months ago, was living in Asia and the Middle East for 5 years, this book was a great guide to what I discovered on returning to my home country. Just as Michael Moore's 'Downsize This!' should be required reading for all Americans, 'Why I Hate Canadians' should by read everyone in this nation. The people of Alberta (my newly adopted province) in particular should read it, as it seems there are many more fools here then in the rest of the country.

As a Canadian who, until two monthes ago was living in asia and the middle east for 5 years, this book was a great guide to what I discovered on returning to my home country. Just as Michael Moore's 'Downsize This!' should be required reading for all americans, 'Why I Hate Canadians' should by everyone in this nation. The people of Alberta (my newly adopted province) in particular should read it, as it seems there are many more fools here then in the rest of the country.

This is the funniest book I have read in many years. Of course, as a Brit turned Canadian I have an advantage - it's called a sense of humour. Most Canadians I've met (bless 'em) wouldn't see the funny side of this book. But living where I do (until next week when I'm moving to Bermuda) surrounded by lovely mountain countryside which is being raped and pillaged in the name of a safe buck - I can see the joke. Pity the two black bears they shot yesterday won't get to see the funny side - but then they shouldn't have dared go berry hunting in Canmore. After all, Canada is for people, guys.

I thoroughly enjoyed Will Ferguson's book, Why I Hate Canadians. So much so that I have presented his book to many family and friends for birthdays and christmas. Being a history major, I enjoy reading witty comments on our culture and history. I would recommend this book and "I was a Katima - Victim" to anyone who wants a good laugh. Fresh and funny. How often does that happen?

I thoroughly enjoyed Will Ferguson's book, Why I Hate Canadians. So much so that I have presented his book to many family and friends for birthdays and christmas. Being a history major, I enjoy reading witty comments on our culture and history.I would recommend this book and "I was a Katima - Victim" to anyone who wants a good laugh. Fresh and funny. How often does that happen?

I just finished reading this book and it is very witty and on the mark.
I am a Canadian who has been living in the States for about a year and a half (thanks to NAFTA) and urge all expats to give this book a read. Ferguson presents the history of Canada and our struggle to define our culture in a light-hearted yet provocative manner.

At first I was turn off by the title, but once I started this book I could not put it down. Mr. Ferguson had mentioned many thing about being a Canadian that I was unaware of and I don't think that one should pass up an opprotuny to learn about our history.
I think that this was well written and had a great flow to it. I enjoyed the humour and I highly recommend it.

Nice try Will. Did you get a government grant to write the book? I appreciate what you're trying to say but you miss the mark in several areas. You are correct that we are not the completely innocent bystanders we often think we are but we are as you say definitely not American. The one of several misleading and tell tale signs of Will's poor research is his view of Columbus and the "Indians". Any credible historian knows Columbus knew exactly where and what he was looking for. He was not looking for India or spices, He was looking for gold and silver and other "prescious things" on the new continent. He lived and died knowing what he found the new continent was even on his coat of arms. Anyway thats only one example of many historical mistakes Will makes in the book. I think thats kind of the point though is as Canadians we need to learn more about our history both good and bad and take pride in our accomplishments and remember our mistakes. I don't Hate Will Fergusson but more research and less personal opinion would have made this a more entertaining and relative book. As it stands it seems to be written by a nice American rather than a disappointed Canadian. Worth the read but not as any history lesson or valued social critique.