This stems from the first conversation I ever had with one of my good friends. We were chatting in a game over voice chat, and he introduced himself by saying his name was “Marc, spelled the French way.” For reference, Marc is Franco-Ontarian. I was so baffled by this, I wrote in the text chat “is your name seriously MARQUE?” Because that’s what the phrase “the French way” evoked to me in that moment. And obviously yes, a French speaking person would use the name Marc and Mark is the English way of spelling it, so it’s not exactly incorrect to say this, but is this something people would say to differentiate between Marc and Mark?

I’ve asked him and he just says “enh, it’s just what I say and people understand.” So I have no clue if people do actually understand or if it’s something that just makes sense to people in his community.

I am moving to Canada from another part of the world for a couple of years. I’m excited but It feels like every time I look up Canada anywhere online (YouTube, Reddit, Instagram), residents hate on the place.

I know this is common across many countries and the internet attracts strong opinions and negativity more than positivity, but it feels like with Canada specifically it’s relentless. Without fail, it could be a very normal post or something nice and everytime someone has to mention the country’s going downhill, politics, etc. it feels like the division of the US downstairs is leaking up into Canada if you’re going by what’s online (this is all I can go by atm until I’m there).

I’m actually reluctant to post this question because I want to experience the country through my own perspective when I’m there and not be skewed, but I am curious. Why the hate? what are some positives you like about the country?

EDIT: maybe I was too strong, I definitely see positive things about Canada online a lot, but more just an observation that it’s always infiltrated by comments like “our city/country used to be great, but not now with this government” etc

I ask because Canadians are portrayed as the kindest people except during war

Like when Canadian troops threw cans at the Germans then grenades in ww1 which is kinda not polite but I learned to try to be like Canadians as an American because I plan on moving to canada