Close Reading

Truly shocking.

Trump truly is an idiot I am shocked that our political system is crumbling right before our eyes becouse of one man and that is wanna be Dictator Trump who needs to be Impeached ASAP and his cronies starting with the disgusting and Discrase of a Vise President JD Vance who should resign immediately fellow Americans we need to wake up and Fast yes I had voted for Trump thinking he was gonna make America ?? great yeah well he duped us all he is slowly Destroying America he has his own agenda which obviously is not Good. God bless our Country and Slava Ukraine ?

Listening to Trudeau I am truly saddened that again USA has somehow elected a man who has systematically dismantling all of American's governments that oversee consumer rights and regulations while simultaneously fiscally attacking our neighbors, closest allies on all of our borders, meanwhile speaking publicly about a globally known dictator whose personal beliefs against democracy in his own country as well as the rest of the free world. I believe that a majority of Americans like myself are left shocked after this election and do not stand behind any of these unorganized, erratic government actions as we're looking at as a whole seem to be purposely creating a atmosphere of chaos and instability seemingly without responsibility there seems to be none in charge.

As a European American, I can truly say that I am embarrassed, shocked and disgusted by the actions of the Trump administration against our allies and partners across the world. 99.9% of American loves Canada and I am one of them!!! Stay strong because we have always overcome evil together!!!

Mass deportations having a negative impact on the economy? That's so surprising. Absolutely nobody could have predicted that. I'm truly shocked. I also found out today that it's dangerous to touch the stove when it's hot.

Idk i think you need to realize that we also have our bias in addition to you having yours. Meaning, to most of us , excepting the most left leaning socially progressive pockets and contexts , which even then wouldn’t be viewed that way to us just acceptable lol ?\n\nOur baseline/political middle in Canada is A LOT more left leaning than the baseline normal/political middle in the states. So while people tend to equate your democrats to our liberals or our NDP , and equate your republicans to our conservatives. It’s just not accurate. If you throw our span of parties and American span of parties on the SAME spectrum /polarity line. You might be surprised to realize how shifted left our systems range politically is from the American one. \n\nThis hugely impacts the average normal expectation , what we clutch our pearls at hearing coming out of the mouths of the general public , and our range of what we expect to not hear or see ranted about unless they’re to our view , extremely right leaning politically /social values. \n\nFor us this means that actually genuinely , a lot of America does get experiences by us as bat shit crazy racist homophobic immigrant intolerant culturally and religiously ignorant , and somewhat backwards in larger or smaller amounts ? I know that’s not fun to hear but. Being the most diverse country based so much on immigration means. What is normal and known /familiar and normal so we aren’t ignorant to , is completely different. \n\nFor us we have our pockets usually in more rural less populated areas further away from larger cities where there is more diversity but that’s the same often in many countries that you will find some of the louder racist homophobic intolerant voices typically in places that truly are unfamiliar and ignorant to the experience of growing up with and around much of any diversity of varying kinds. So it’s not to say we don’t have racism and intolerance of course like anywhere we do. It’s just contained and the range and frequency and intensity is MUCH different. We distinguish nuances of diff cultures and religions more easily and in larger numbers we’re more familiar with diff ways of life , language , food, dress , holidays , values and used to a much less segregated way of existing even when we are differnt from each other as the NORM. My parents were both born in the states and my older brother was born there but they moved up here when he was a baby. So nearly all my extended family lives down there and I’m a duelly. And my experiences discussing things with my cousins or visiting absolutely could be described as culture shock at times. The insane things that came out of my own cousins mouths when they hear our friends or partners of various cultures , our not understanding how big a deal and incredibly insulting apparently it is to have assumed someone American was lgbt lol the list goes on. Like I don’t think our most intolerant Pockets can hold a flame to even ur closet to middle a bit intolerant places and contexts in America. Quite honestly. \n\nI think the absolute undying favourable passionate upholding and support of nationalistic, capitalist, hyper individualistic mentality about society as a whole (from my Canadian born and bred perspective lol) makes the differences even more glaring blaring and hard to swallow for us lol. I think more Canadians would feel exactly how that comment stated , that you felt was not fair for us to experience America as. I think the truth is a lot of Canadians are being too polite to let you know that’s exactly how a lot of America comes off to a lot of Canada ?

I am truly disappointed in a lot of immigrants who after becoming citizens have that tupe of attitude . They’ll charge them rent to sleep on the back porch. Even in the dead of winter. But they’ll have to go else where for bathroom facilities and eats. They have to sit outside till the owner gets home to open the gate so they can get around to the back porch. I was shocked to see a family sleeping together one Christmas on a concrete floor between 2 sheets the children 2and 4yrs old between them to keep them warm. Unbelievable !! I took them home with me.I am American born.

I am an African-American male and I'm just disgusted about what I just saw I'm truly shocked put I got some African-American blacks that makes me want to throw up also including my uncle I'm shocked

This is the attitude ? and she's so IGNORANT!!! SHE STILL HAS A STRONG ACENT LOL ? \nWHITE AMERICA ?? DOESN'T WANT HER !!!! THESE TRULY ARE IN FOR A SHOCK ? ?

I truly love and am also sometimes very jealous of the parties & celebrations of my many Latino neighbors. These people throw down. I’ve been graciously invited to several over the years, drinking, eating, talking, dancing & learning until the wee hrs. Always an amazing & humbling time. Great neighbors, always looking out for each other. \nI was however a little shocked to go outside at 2am following election results to find a full on Latino trump block party. Flags, hats & all. \nI was offered but made up some excuse to deny having a shot of tequila this time. Looked fun, food smelled delicious. \nI just couldn’t hang out at that moment. It was too unnerving, and my heart was literally hurting. \nAll Love!! Just confusing & disappointing ?‍♂️?

Toronto resident here. I do agree with everything that Alina pointed out. Those thing exist. But the only REAL problem is the high cost of rent. It now equals and even surpasses the cost of a mortgage. If the rent problem were resolved, and they can do this by simply building more housing (which they are now starting to do - with government programs and incentives), then most of these problems Alina reported on would recede or disappear completely. \n\nAlso, the homelessness is not visually worse than anywhere else I've visited. Homeless encampments are visible in every city I've been too. However, in Toronto, a LOT of homeless people come from other parts of Canada. \n\nThe violence that Alina referred to was just a snapshot in time. She made her video around 4 months ago, and at that time there were several truly shocking incidents on the subway (which even made international news). Those incidents have not continued. The subway system, and Toronto, is still a very, very safe city. We are the third largest city in North America, after LA and NYC, and we had something like 50 homicides last year. Chicago has like 500. Just by way of example. \n\nI love Toronto, even though it is very expensive to pay rent here. But there is so much to offer that I wouldn't consider living somewhere else. Not a chance. It's great that you can live somewhere else if you work remotely, but when you're not working, what do you do?...Toronto is safe, clean (except in tourist season), with limitless opportunities for career and lifestyle. Wouldn't live anywhere else.

I worked for an international airline for many years and visited Canada and most cities in Canada including Toronto many times, unfortunately it has gone the way of all extreme progressive liberal cities throughout the west. The decline is truly shocking

My family moved 22 years ago from Mumbai to Toronto…while the struggles said on your channel are real, there are also perks which I feel like you didn’t get to experience. If people have good jobs, stable family life then DON’T move…culture shock is huge that people moving from India don’t consider, just by wearing and eating western food doesn’t make you western! \nThere are sacrifices to be expected which you don’t realized as your great grandparents or grandparents might have made when they started out! \nMoving to another country is never easy, unless you’re loaded with $$$. People in India are lazy as they have people working for them and don’t realize how difficult it is living outside of that lifestyle (not everyone in India can afford housekeepers, cleaners). Being independent and doing things on your own has its own positive (just need to figure it out). \n\nI have worked in healthcare for 16 years and let me tell you…social system works better as everyone gets the health service without being judged about $$. Healthcare is based on priority around the world but people don’t understand this as they feel like their problem should be attended first no matter what! \nNot all drugs are legal in Canada, marijuana is legal though with acceptable limits…you probably were misinformed about drugs! Teach your kids about right /wrong when it comes to drugs, smoking, alcohol and that’s the best you can do! I know people who live in India and do all that which you mentioned you were worried about for your kids. \n\nWhat you experienced was a classic case of culture shock and your expectations didn’t match the reality! Moving away from family, changing lifestyle and being responsible adult (doing things on your own rather than relying on workers) is difficult but doesn’t make the country bad that have you an opportunity to settle! Don’t take things for granted even while you live in India…appreciate the effort that goes into everything- keeping roads clean, people working hard, etc. \n\nBest advice I can give to those considering moving to any foreign country is: Keep an open mind, be ready to work hard and visit the country you want to move to before you make the grave decision of uprooting everything! Things usually turn around and get better after 5 years mark- focus on upgrading your education if you have a basic degree from India (even you know how competitive things are in India, so how can western world not be!)\n\nBeing vegetarian- things are tough when it comes to food but living in Toronto has never been an issue. Even people living in India avoid outside food due to hygiene reason which is not a problem in Canada as food inspection is pretty strict (having worked with ministry of health). \nCities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc has variety of food options (including veg)…just have to be really open to trying other cultural food (Asian, Mediterranean, Italian,Mexican, etc). My parents are strict vegetarians and have never truly struggled when they are out. \n\nCost of living is definitely higher as the standard living is higher compared to India. Education (until grade 12) and healthcare are free (in reality, you pay tax for it), you get pension when you retire (based on your contributions and type of jobs you had)…you failed to navigate the system and I will say having family around is why you didn’t take opportunity to explore and learn on your own. \n\nPlease don’t come to Canada and make life difficult for other Indians who choose to willingly accept the culture and lifestyle here after going through this hardship- cost of living and housing has gone up dramatically in major cities because of immigration influx! If you’re serious about moving and putting up, only then move! Otherwise all the best for your future endeavours!

I am a Canadian. I moved to the US in 2000 and returned to Canada in 2022. Until recently, the US, in most aspects, was FAR better than Canada. I was absolutely shocked when I returned as to how bad this country (Canada) has gotten. It is truly pathetic,!!!!

Been in Canada for approximately 25 years. I can say that the effect that Canada has on a legal immigrant is neither here nor there. If you can make lemonade out of any lemon you’re dealt, you will thrive in Canada (and anywhere else where your efforts are not overwhelmingly quashed by corruption, blatant racism or other forms of segregation). \n \nLynn, I was a lecturer in Kenya, went back to school here in Canada after wallowing in culture shock the first year, then circled back to teaching in college again after an arduous journey in school, but this time in a different field. \n \nAfter becoming a single mother of four kids, I had to also hustle on the side to build a small business empire along my life’s ladder. Partnership with God, goal clarity, the get-up-and-go, and relentlessness truly work. It isn’t the size of the dog but the fight in the dog that does it, regardless of where you live. \n \nThe starting point for a new immigrant can be very low due to the weather, unpreparedness and culture shock, but if you know that the only way is up, and are self-motivated, those challenges are soon behind you as the tests become testimonies. \n \nBy comparison people have more human rights here regardless of their status. The wheels of justice grind slow but they do grind fine. Women and children have equal rights with men. Politicians are mostly there to serve not necessarily to exploit. \n \nOpportunities for self-development galore - including being trained to become employable and going to school at any age (sometimes for free while you are still at the bottom of the ladder). There are food banks so you never go hungry if it came to that. The disabled are better treated with dignity. \n \nThere are prolonged parental leaves for both moms and dads for up to 18 months. Commensurate with earnings, parents under certain thresholds are given Canada child tax benefits and other supplements for each child under 18 years of age. \n \nDepending on the number of kids and their ages, the money can add up handsomely. Not to mention that there’s no tuition to pay for primary and high school students. Tuition fees start at post-secondary level. \n \nTo see a doctor is free as it is paid for by taxes. It the meds that you and/or your insurance pays for. Some medical equipments may be paid for by either or both the individual/insurance and the government depending on eligibility. \n \nBy and large, there’s cleanliness of common spaces. There’s also safety and relative peace. At least wherever I have lived, I can’t tell you how many times I forgot to lock my door with impunity. \n \nThere’s a lot more stressful work here in my opinion, but like you said Lynn, systems work a lot more efficiently and effectively. \n \nThe elephant in the room is the extra hard work that those living abroad must put in to fulfil expectations back home. Also known as black tax, the overwhelming financial dependency of relatives on their diasporan loved ones places undue stress on many here, especially because there are no short cuts to getting money here. \n \nAnyway, Lynn, thanks for such a great topical issue you’ve shared. I have to stop here as I have written a lot. Hope this helps someone on this forum. \n \nAnd last but not least, you’ll be proud to hear that even though Canada has been good to me, my face may now be turning towards home to see how I can be of use to mama Africa. Super excited!

Born and raised in Canada. Left in the 90’s but always planned to come “home”Lived in Taiwan, Ireland, South Korea and now the States. \nAfter losing my mom to cancer in BC, I was shocked with how the healthcare system has deteriorated. After studying the issue, and having lived in other countries I see now how Canada differs from every other OECD country. \nIt’s a rationed, inefficient govt monopoly. \nPublic sector: Only 1 medical insurance provider: Provincial Medicare. Other countries allow NON profit competing insurance providers to “simulate” free markets and provide healthy competition. Allows more choice and keeps administrative bloat at a minimum. \n\nPrivate sector: allow a fully functioning for profit private sector (for those that want a non-govt choice)Again, allows a 2nd employer, more choice and healthy competition. \n\nI cannot wait for the Supreme Court of Canada to hear the Cambie case and break up the Monopoly. Because essentially, the Govt owns their citizens bodies!\n\nFrasier Institute just released a 2022 study: family of 4, making 150k will pay $16,000/year or 12,000 usd for healthcare. Here, in the states our family pays $7,000- for preferred provider, dental, vision and fast access to everything. \nNot an advocate of the States’s system, but Canada could definitely emulate the best systems in the world which all don’t allow such a Govt monopoly.\nThe leftist ideology that is so against free markets doesn’t see how they will truly help and alleviate the problems and how every other social democracy on this planet uses them.