Is Canada The Most Boring Place on Earth? Are there Any opportunities here?
I’m undecided if I’m going to end this blog right now? There is just a lot going on in my life right now I feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment. During my life on this planet I can honestly say I’ve had about two or three real friends I could confide in or talk to. I wonder do real friends even exist? And if friendship is real does it really matter? After all we only have is ourselves right? I have one “friend” right now but I realize that I should not tell him my problems or make him worry about me. He has his own life to live and he also has his own quandaries as well.
Let’s face it everyone has problems in life and I am not different then anyone else. If you’re read my book “You Don’t Know Me” or various articles I’ve written you will know the kinds of problems I’ve had. My life is far from glamorous that’s for sure.
Right now I think I am suffering from depression? Yes, I went to the doctor and yes I’ve been on anti depressants in the past but I didn’t find it very helpful. I understand in life people “change” and you either need new experiences or they do? I can say that I’ve had plenty of “acquaintances”. Sometimes I think I “expect” too much from people or people expect “too” much from me? I’m not the kind of person that gets “emotionally” involved with “a lot of people”. Sure, I can talk to people but I definitely don’t trust people that’s sure. I don’t even trust immediate family members that’s a fact.
Also, right now I’m questioning a lot of things in my life right now. I have a BA degree yet I feel worthless? I don’t know what to do right now? I’ve been to career counselling, workshops, and I feel the people in these workshops or career counselling centers only care about getting paid. I find there attitudes extremely insincere but that’s just my personal opinion.
It seems in society now one university degree isn’t enough? Should I return to school? I so don’t want to go back to school? I’m upset about a lot of things. For instance, I thought I would be more successful in life right now and I’m definitely not where I want to be. I can’t seem to find a writing job? I’ve tried everything.
Its the dilemma of being a Canadian. Although Canada is a prosperous country Canada is in some ways like a prison. Has anyone ever watched Canadian television lately? If you’ve ever watched Canadian television or paid attention to the Canadian arts you will notice how unimportant the “arts” are in this country.
Another thing I find so “irritating” is the pretentious “snobbish” attitude of the Canadian publishing and writing industry. I cannot stress how “pretentious” it is. Also, its very small. Canada only has about thirty literary agents. Yes, I’ve bought the American Writer’s Market book and it seems that’s the way I’m going to have to go. I don’t know why some Americans think Canada is like mars or something? The thing about Canada is everything is “imported” here. The entertainment, arts sector of Canada is in dire straits and I’m serious. In Canada, all the TV shows, all the movies, are all American. Even most of the theatre plays here are “American”.
The arts are at the bottom of the ladder in Canada. Canada is all about the status quo. The only people that get their work published, produced, or whatever are the same people its a constant vicious cycle. I cannot remember how horrible the Toronto theatre scene is right now. My goodness, every single black theatre play is about slavery, or about some black person from the nineteenth century? Its like what about the present? As I have told you I’ve written a play and I want to get it produced. Anybody that reads my blog and knows anything about the theatre business if you have any tips let me know? Am I wasting my time entering my play into theatre competitions?
What about now? I’m tired of wasting my time here. There is nothing going on in Canada right now. Canada is so dry I’m serious.I’m not suggesting Americans don’t have thoughts about their arts scene not being as good as it could be. My perspective is though there are so much more arts opportunities down there then here. One of the things I admire about America despite its serious social problems is the abundance of opportunities for artists. Arts is viewed as important in America there are so many arts organizations yet here in Canada there is hardly anything at all.
The Canadian writing industry is pathetic its so small. Basically, all there is Toronto and that’s it. I feel like I was born in the wrong country. I should of left Canada years ago. Now I feel like I am trapped here as though I am suffocating.
I looked at the Media Bistro website and there are numerous writing jobs but its pretty difficult for an American company to hire a Canadian given the fact America is paranoid about immigration right now. I’ve been having feelings of despair. I’m not going to harm myself or anything like that but I’ve been in a rotten mood the last couple of days. I haven’t gone on a date in how long? I don’t even remember anymore its been a few years. I’m focusing on “helping” and “improving” myself right now. I think maybe I should end this blog? I mean does anyone really read what I have to say anyway? And do my thoughts and ideas really make a difference?
Gayblackcanada 
Your blog is fucking important (excuse the obscenities). Blogging does take a lot out of a person of course and if you feel like you can’t do it anymore, your readers will understand but where is this coming from? Have you reached a crossroads? Ultimately you are the only one who can answer that question. However, as a reader of your blog, it is fucking brilliant. I love the issues you bring up and I adore the way you dissect them. You bring a different perspective and that’s what you should continue to bring (if you want to).
I don’t know a whole lot about Canada since I am stuck here in Bristol, England but what I do know is friendships are a minefield. Always keep your eyes open and trust your instincts about people.
Hello Aulelia, thank you so much for the kind words! You are right blogging definitely does take a lot out of a person. Its nice to know that you like my writing. I love your blog charcoal Ink! The topics you discuss are very interesting too! I only started to blogging this year. I think I jumped “too soon” in “writing” what I was thinking. What is Bristol England like? I know this sounds corny but isn’t the trip hop artist Tricky from Bristol? Is Bristol close to London? Of course I won’t end my blog. I don’t know why I wrote what I wrote? I guess I was having one of those “bad mood” days. You are an inspiration! Right now in my life things aren’t going well? Maybe I should of just kept my feelings to myself? I don’t know? I think sometimes writing is a form of therapy for me. I’m feeling a bit better today emotionally.
nice layout change!
Tricky is indeed from Bristol! So cool that people outside UK know about him. I think you should keep your head up and keep writing. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t write!
Hi Aulelia, I’m glad you like the layout change thanks for the kind words!
I discovered your blog a while ago from an article posted on the espn tennis board. I always look forward to reading your takes for in many instances they are along the same lines as mines.
I am really surprised at your frustration with your writing opportunities. I live in Montreal where it is real sufferation to be a Black english writer. I always wanted to contact you for advice and possible contacts, believing that TO is the place to be.
A wise man once said, “Once you create you cannot be denied.” I have found that to be untrue. Those with the power to discriminate can deny. Nonetheless, you got to try and keep the faith, for at the end of the day its your dreams that will give you the strength to fight against the isms and skisms.
Peace!
Writing is color blind, writing is full of words, if you write continue to write and go after your dreams; people can discriminate all they want but no one can take away your mind or your words; I have published 11 fiction books via xlibris.com, I write one novel and a short story collection a year, I am not famous, no one knows who I am but why do I write? I write because I can, because I enjoy it, because I love writing, I write because I love words and I love writing. Keep chasing your dreams!
Hello thank you for the words of encouragement I really appreciate it. I hope you will continue to visit my blog and read my blog entries. I also thank you for taking the time to post a comment on my blog. I’m definitely not giving up my dreams of being a writer. My work has been published internationally because I realized why should I waste my time trying to get published here? There are very few writing opportunities in English speaking Canada right now. Since I’m a very outspoken person some people can’t handle the truth and what I have to say. I started this blog out of frustration but also a way to get my voice heard to the international community. There is a facade that Canada isn’t racist and that is definitely not true. Toronto is not some multicultural paradise and the racism against black people here in English speaking Canada is very real. I suggest reading the blog entries I wrote in August 2007 in the archives of my blog to get a better understanding of my perspective. Yet you will hardly ever read in the Toronto print or broadcast media about the undercurrents of racism against people of African descent. Its the total hypocrisy of the Toronto mainstream media here. The bias and prejudice against black people is simply incredible. And since I don’t write to the status quo I have managed to get my work published internationally in other countries. The frustration is very real but I definitely am not giving up. Toronto is not that great I mean have you looked at the Toronto media lately? I think the Toronto Star has one token black writer Royson James. And I think in the broadcast media there are a few other token minorities but they all follow the status quo. A lot of the racism in Canada is covert not overt.
I suffer form depression too. And Seasional Affective Disorder, so I dont know how you do it, living in Canada nshyt. Gettin all dark n cold all ealry nshyt, lol. I think you should keep blogging. Your words do matter, they do have relevance and signifigence. Come on over ot my blog and see what Ive been trying to do to keep from going crazy!
L
You are right about Canada’s pathetic support of the arts. I’ve finally decided to get the hell out of here myself. America is impossible to get into though. If I were you, I’d research your entire family history…parents, grandparents…see if you’re entitled to any sorts of ancestry visas or passports. You might be surprised. At almost 30 years of age, I figured out I was entitled to full citizenship of another country. So, I’m going. Also, if you’re young (under 25 or 30), you can get temporary Visas to work in other countries for a year or two. You can also get into Asian countries like Taiwan or Japan by teaching English. The pay isn’t great, but those jobs are relatively easy to get. There are ways of getting out of Canada. I think once you make concrete plans to leave, you’ll start feeling better. And even if you have to come back one day, you might have a whole different perspective on it.
This all sounds very Canadian! Cheer up. I think it’s time you took a trip to the mountains of Guatemala or Chiapas, Mexico and live/work there for a while so you can put the ‘shitty’ life in Canada into some real human perspective. I don’t think they have even heard of seasonal affective disorder there!
Good luck!
Hello there, I’m an American expat who moved to Canada last summer to get out of the USA after 8 years of Bush/Cheney and how fucked up the USA has gotten. I’m in Toronto now….rotting…and have never been to bored in my entire life! So I totally sympathize with your thinking Canada is a bore. I’m so disappointed in Toronto, it is so drab and lifeless–and expensive. I was teaching ESL in Prague before moving here…now I’m thinking of moving back to Europe. I just like Europe better, people there are more interesting, more energetic. I can’t put my finger on it, but there is this blandness to Canada. Where is the spirit? Where is the energy to these people? Right now I’m developing an exit strategy to get out of Toronto and Canada. Good luck, you’re right Canada is a really boring place. I hope you find a better place where you are happy.
Just returned from a two week trip to Canada and can’t stop yawning at the experience, what a boring place. Never a good meal anywhere or a real coffee. Tim Hortons coffee is like three day old instant and Cora’s is still a greasy spoon even with the fruit and even the so called up market places are really mundane with poor quality food.
The driving experience says it all, four or six lanes all doing 45mph in the same poorly built GM cars lane to lane with driving skills that spell instant death on European roads.
Not only that but they end their sentences in “also” or “besides” in anticipation of something better.
Verdict on Canada, possibly one of the most boring places on earth.
I lived there for 10 years and I don’t miss it at all 🙂
Jim you just didn’t go to the right places. In my city we have the western fair every year with lots of food from different places lot’s of different music and rides too. We have wonderful nature here and they have a great beach in Port Stanley. There is also the CN tower in Toronto and Canada’s Wonderland. Then there’s Niagara Falls with Marine Land. My friend visit’s Prince Edward Island once a year and he say’s it’s nice there. Also there’s the Sun fest here and good market’s. D= how can you say Canada is boring?
Well I have been to vancouver several times but not to canada yet, but I will be there soon in edmonton a.b. so I will see if it is boring or not.
get out of canada, move to LA when the economy is back on it’s feet. keep your head up
Interesting read, to say the least! As you consider and ponder a possible future to the south, I, on the other hand, ponder the same possible future, but to the north. Perhaps, we could trade places or make a reality show out of it.
In the early and mid part of the 20th century, one of the treatments for Asthma was to relocate. A knew geographical location seemed to work wonders. The problem with relocation-therapy, doctors soon found out, was the benefits of a new location would eventually fade – some sooner, others later. You see, asthma is an “allergy” disease. A new climate works until the sufferer develops allergies to their locale. They almost always do.
So what does all this allergy/asthma crap have to do with anything. There’s usually a honeymoon effect with relocation (or temporary relief for allergy sufferers) followed by the same numbing/boring/monotonous/aching/frustrating….etc feelings AGAIN. Bottom line, relocation, oftentimes, is “band-aid” therapy that treats only the symptoms of the ailments of asthma and discontent. Live anywhere long enough, both come back. Treat the disease, whatever it may be, not the symptoms……..!!
Interesting read, to say the least! As you consider and ponder a possible future to the south, I, on the other hand, ponder the same possible future, but to the north. Perhaps, we could trade places or make a reality show out of it.
In the early and mid part of the 20th century, one of the treatments for Asthma was to relocate. A knew geographical location seemed to work wonders. The problem with relocation-therapy, doctors soon found out, was the benefits of a new location would eventually fade – some sooner, others later. You see, asthma is an “allergy” disease. A new climate works until the sufferer develops allergies to their locale. They almost always do.
So what does all this allergy/asthma crap have to do with anything. There’s usually a honeymoon effect with relocation (or temporary relief for allergy sufferers) followed by the same numbing/boring/monotonous/aching/frustrating….etc feelings AGAIN. Bottom line, relocation, oftentimes, is “band-aid” therapy that treats only the symptoms of the ailments of asthma and discontent. Live anywhere long enough, both come back. Treat the disease, whatever it may be, not the symptoms……..!!
Canada is boring!? well maybe for people who stay at home all the time and watch tv, Canada is not boring, what do you expect clowns jumping around in the streets, and I also find it extremely ignorant that some people make an assumption about an entire country based on on city, people visit Toronto and say that they have been to Canada, how about Montreal, and Quebec city for exitment, two of the most european cities in North America, how about going to clubs, and venturing into the real Canada, because Toronto is not the real Canada. I’ve been to the states, about 10 of them, and there isn’t anything to special down there trust me, well maybe the fact that over 60% of your population is fat, thats all you got going for yourselves sorry.
You should travel more often, most people who lived in Canada from all over the world agree that Canada is pretty boring, It has a beautiful scenery and stuff but once you deal with the locals it’s when it gets boring. That’s all
I am a Canadian also, I so agree that canada is so boring! i hate every minute being here… every year I take a trip down to the USA and also to the islands..even the island people think Canada is not a place to live..I am studying nursing and hoping that is my ticket out of this place…the life in canada is work and home i cant live like this anymore..when i go to America i feel alive…I am in love with New York City…being in Canada has made me a bitter person, im so angry i didnt leave here when i had the chance as a teenager. You have to do what makes you happy.
and im from Toronto AKA “little New York”…which really cant compare
Let me just say that Canadians, although for the most part pleasant and polite, are the most boring and bored people on God’s green Earth. I work as a customer service representative for a heating/cooling chain (with locations throughout the US and Canada), and only a Canadian will call at 10:30 on a Saturday night to inquire about buying a furnace filter or have us remove them from their mailing list. While there’s plenty of truth to the stereotype that US citizens are obnoxious, stupid and uncultured, the fact remains that we take our leisure time and entertainment seriously.
I also think that life in canada is really boring and nothing to do…(especially, i live in country-side of canada)
I sometimes want to get out of here .
Here’s life is like a life in island.
The feeling is kind of isolated since i came to here.
I also do have a lot of acquaintances, but no real friends.
I don’t think it’s matter, because people always should be separated in somehow.
There’s no one who can be together at the end.
All of people are dying alone.
I don’t know.
Since i came to here, it’s like depressed.
Well you should move to the city and be more social. And visit other places in Canada. Canada has lot’s of culture unlike the U.S
Poor knockoff’s of real culture, I agree. It’s like a two year old’s finger painting using mud.
It would be wrong to generalise about any country, people or cultures for that matter. I have made many good friends here and met good people across the country as well as (unfortunatly) meeting quite a few prejudiced ignorant dumbasses (which weren’t American btw).However, much depends on ones own experiences, values, expecations of life and if those were fulfilled or not in Canada. As for me I don’t believe Canada is a land of opportunity, and people here aren’t as open minded as they claim or like the world to believe, its fashionable these days to talk about multiculturalism ( esp in Canada) and yet when you look below the surface, you come to realise how shallow and untrue this outlook is. Ever wondered why in such a big city like Toronto,with every ethnic group represented, you barely see inter-racial mingling or dating (i.e its exceptional to see in public a white Anglo Canadian girl dating a Black or Chinese, Indian Canadian guy or a mix of any of these etc).Montreal is somewhat better, because Francophones always tend to be much more open minded about this as I have experienced. Ethnic Communities here are mostly seperate and dont interact socially and culturally, they instead celebrate themeselves on end, and where does that leave Canada ? Nowhere, a country without a true identity or something in common, plus undermined by barrage of Americanisation. A truly liberal and cosmpolitan country with a strong self-identity, must go beyond the ideals of eating 100’s different types of cuisines on any given day of the week and celebrating seperateness, and rather show substance. Its true that Canada is beautiful as a country, with amazing vistas, no doubt, and Canadians tend to be less abrasive than Americans, but in turn they tend to be more conservative, risk averse, reluctant to embrace change. The reality is that most people here (as in the USA) are so dependent on a rat race to consume, aquire, careers, raise families, gain status etc. Coming from Europe, it amuses me to see how people here so blind to the way they are being manipulated. Work life balance remains a myth for a mjority of Canadians, whose life revolves around working 40-60 hours a week – stressing out about how to pay off bills, what kind of life is that, where is your freedom, when do get a chance to enjoy the beutiful Canadian vistas? NEVER. That isn’t life, or freedom, its an invisible cage that you cant see nor touch.
I am Canadian and Lived in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. I am definitely an extravert and all I can say is that the new friends i made when I started U of T are international students who will go back in april.
I wholehartedly agree that Canada is generally boring. I dont count Montreal as Quebec has a completely different cultural identity than Anglophone Canada. If you want to move to Canada go to Montreal. You will have the most fun there.
Also if you love the outdoors there is no better place to be.
There is multiculturalism in Toronto but each tribe keeps to themselves with very little mingling in between.
The other problem is that people really live in the future. If i get this job, or buy this house i will start living; that is how their thoughts go and in the end they are not enjoying the present. Add this to the facts that soo many people smoke marijuana it adds to the dullness of the place. Here, is is acceptable to use downer drugs at a party. The point of a party is to dance, talk with people expend your energy, not to mellow out and doze off. Clubs here are also empty by 2: 30 am, but then one can go to after-hours clubs but those have 20$ cover.
I say stick to Montreal for the fun and BC for the nature, everything else avoid.
Yes, Canada’s a boring place. It’s good for people whose primary consideration is safety. This is not to say that the USA’s better, but just look at the political scene…we’re the only country hanging on to the neo-conservatism of the Bush era vis-a-vis PM Harper. Our media has become a shambles — there’s quiet fascism here.
We could have gone a different way, given our history of diplomacy. However, we got involved in Free Trade, corporatism and the “War on Terror”. Unfortunately, the Canadian Baby Boomers don’t care about subsequent generations — even their own children’s future. We imitate the worst qualities of the USA, instead of the country’s more positive traits. It’s quite ironic when one sees the USA, the UK and other Western countries turning away from the past three decades of political and moral ineptitude… but wait… our banks are solvent — for now, at least. Yes, Toronto is an abyssmal corporate hole in the ground — except perhaps for U of T, but not many can afford to go there. Anyway, to the original blogger — I think you’re most likely a sane individual in a mad world. A few friends might not seem like many, but no doubt they’ve been true ones. Probably you’ll be happier elsewhere, at least for a protracted period. I’m agnostic, but I pray that our political, economic and social system will be fundamentally changed for the better — and soon. Then, perhaps, I’ll become a patriotic Canadian — maybe even join the Foreign Service:)
Hi, orvillelloyddouglas! My name is Alexandra Mihai and I am from Romania and I came here 3 years ago. I have a BA in Journalism and Communications. I am trying to make a real newspaper for all the people. I read your story and in so many ways I feel I read my story. You are not the only one who is feeling like this. You are not the only one in the boat of confusion, questions without answers. I really need to talk to you because I am interested in this story. I want to tell the people real stories, not stupid things.
http://alhayatwadounia.wordpress.com/ is the website for the newspaper. Please tell me, if you have any mail address. I would really like to keep in touch with you. Because you have something to say. Somebody has to hear your story. Telling stories like this, maybe we will not change the whole world, but we will change something for us and around us. You make a huge difference by telling your story. Don’t give up, don’t close the blog.
Please contact me at alexandramihai@live.ca. I want to write an article about you, about your story.
Thank you so much and I really hope we will keep in touch! I wish all you all the best, and please don’t give up!
I’m sorry but I found your blog post incredibly negative and lacking insight. In my opinion your introspective personality combined with depression has made YOUR life seem boring. Canada, just as any other place in the world, is boring if you simply are a bored negative person. For example, I’m from Calgary but am currently living in Amsterdam, the party centre of the world. I can take the perspective of seeing Amsterdam as a thriving cultural centre, with gorgeous 17 century architecture, and very fun and friendly people… or I can choose to view Amsterdam as a pile of greyish coloured bricks fragmented by dirty canals shrouded by constant cloud cover. Both are valid opinions, just as your opinion of Canada is valid, however one is much more enjoyable to dwell on. I guess I should know, I’m an artist in Calgary, a place often considered to be an artistic black hole. However, keeping with a positive attitude I’ve discovered an amazing young art community there that is anything but boring. So cheer up, actually attempt to work through depression (drugs, as I think you’ve discovered, can’t cure depression without help) and try to see things in a positive light. I think you’ll find the world, Canada included, is a much less boring place!
I lived in Canada for almost three years, I escaped from my not very safe Mexico city, I came back to my country few weeks ago, yeah Canada has amazing lanscapes and a better standard of living, the one you can measured by the GDP, but it is true it is absolutely very boring, very, I think that´s why peole drink that much, so if situation in my city allows me to live less years, less but funnier and most exciting years I prefer to do so than living in a country where boreness kills you little by little in that horrible form called depresion….
You are a writer, have a bachelor’s degree and write: I should of left Canada years ago. Seriously?
Canada the most boring place on Earth?? Are some of you that serious? I’m not disputing that it’s entirely boredom-free but come on ,some of you have to admit that there has to be nations that can be more boring than Canada.
When I think of boredom in this country the reasons that come to mind are that some Canadians who aspire to travel abroad have never traveled or rarely traveled abroad ,the other reason that’s coming to mind are that winter is a long lasting season throughout Canada or at least in most of Canada which can put a damper ( if it’s the correct term to use) on many outdoor activities unless you is an avid fan of skiing,skating,playing ice hockey ,whatever the case may be.
If we compare Canada to the U.S. and for those who’d remark that Canada (in their opinion of course) is more boring than the U.S. must be because Canada ,at least in terms of tourist attractions,has less than the States,certainly the U.S. has certain tourist attractions that you won’t find in Canada and for that matter has more major cities than this country. Additionally and in my opinion it’s northern Canada especially Northwest Territories,Nunavut and Yukon where there’s less to do (of course it can be a matter of conjecture) which reminds me that I have no desire to reside in either of these territories nor am I dying to visit any of these territories.
Finally the question “Is Canada the most boring place on Earth?” is how shall we say ‘subjective’? Personally it depends what one means when one asks if this country is the most boring in the world. As I indicated earlier I personally don’t consider it the most boring nation in the world.