“How does your Nationality affect who you are as a blogger?”

As a Canadian raised in England, the main impact it has had on me is I am neither one nor the other, so always that little bit of an outsider, and often a surprise. I sound English, but not the English accent most people recognise (most people only know Queens English, Beatles, Cockney or Oasis) which when I speak at events is a shock to those who know me as Canadian. In my writing being a slight outsider allows me to look at things a little differently, and that difference can spark lots of ideas for topics.

The best part is that she’s already is American

One thing that I still find funny. In France and the UK, people distinguish between the LANGUAGE English and the LANGUAGE *American*. As in ‘no, he speaks American’.

I kid you not.

In reply to your second point—that’s exactly what I am talking about. No one remembers poor old Canadians. Always America this and America that!

The multicultural aspect of ourselves is really interesting too. Such as considering people who’s language is not English as a first language. But also that there are a lot of people that speak many languages.

1. Topic - the blog’s content is roughly 50-50 between Israel-job-market advice and job search tips that are good for anyone.

2. Voice- just like anytime I speak English, no one assumes I’m Canadian. It’s always, “are you American?”. My About corner does mention the truth though.

3. Traffic- blogging in English will determine the vast majority of where traffic comes from, and how you advertise to that traffic.

4. Comments - I use the Firestats plugin which also happens to show country flags of commentators. It’s a nice way to bring a global community together.

5. Expressions - I wouldn’t say that I dumb down my content, but I do try to keep the language simple so that non-native speakers will also understand.

There are probably other things but that’s what rolls off the tongue.

I didn’t mean that we needed to disclaim our nationality, but that nationality peeks it’s head in—even if it is unconsciously.

I understand that communicating on the Internet means we are now an inter-cultural society, so maybe we’ll move in a direction where such statements come with a disclaimer of nationality.

Like I said, the reason I don’t put much stock in my nationality as a writer or blogger is because I’m first a citizen of the planet. I do have love for my country but I’m not the blindly loyal or unconditionally patriotic type. There’s a lot to lot to love and lot not to. I love the diversity. What I don’t love is how we present ourselves to the world. I think other nations see us something that is only a reflection of a very small percentage of Americans — all that glamor, gusto, and domination. Most of us are just regular, working people with good hearts.

I was thinking about how you are writing about Poetry this month on your blog in response to it being National Poetry Month. I was thinking—I wonder if it’s National Poetry Month in Canada? As it turns out, it is, but I’m sure it’s not in other countries. So I think it’s fair to say that, at least a minimal level, you are affected by your nationality.

Mrs. Micah: I suppose that would make it fairly difficult to discuss other nations. I bet that it might be fair to say that Americans approach financing things differently than Canadians or Brits (or vice versa). However, that might not be true. I don’t know anything about numbers. But, you can be sure that you can be any nationality to join us here at Epiblogger. Thanks for the comment!

Having said that, I am fascinated by culture in general. I prefer to be surrounded by people from a variety of cultures. One thing I love about the U.S. is that it is a melting pot and very rich with culture and sub-culture.

However, even though I generally have no idea who I am as a Canadian, I am glad to be one.

I’m also a Canadian. What bothers me is the culture in Canada. “Multi-culturism” is such a hogwash because it just encourages communities that only cares about that culture. For me, being in a “melting pot” is more appropriate because it’s generally the right thing to do. You wouldn’t go to China and not try to adjust to be Chinese. You wouldn’t go to Africa and not try to live like Africans. You’re in Canada, then learn to be a Canadian - speak ENGLISH, be polite, be open-minded, know the National Anthem, get into the politics, learn the history, etc. I’ve known way too many immigrants that are just too caught up with their own culture because Canada supposedly encourages you to be who you are. They learn nothing there. And people wonder why many Canadians move to America?

Sorry if this rant has nothing to do about blogging, other than the fact it’s left in a kick-ass blog.