Forbruker - 1 Story

1) Kombiner bylivog natur (GUNNAR JOHNSEN) 26 April 2007
http://forbruker.no/reise/

This story is one of the few stories to be read in the Norwegian press that mentions Canada and the two Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta with some detail. Norwegian travel stories about Canada often include several mistakes, incorrect details, assumptions, etc., and this story is no exception. First, the picture shown at the top of the story is identified as the City of Victoria's harbour, but is actually the harbour in the City of Vancouver a separate city on the Canadian mainland, 75 kilometres northeast of Victoria. Second, the Norwegian journalist writes that the city is "...smeltedigel av asiater, europeere og amerikanere." This is wrong. To be correct the city is a blend of Canadian, and European with Asian influences. It is unbelievable that a Norwegian journalist would identify and call a Canadian city American, when the city is not American, not in the USA, but is in Canada. What he has written is like saying Oslo or Bergen in Norway is a blend of European and Swedish. Why do some Norwegian journalists think they have the right to insult Canadians by so often referring to Canadian cities as American or referring to Canadians as Americans? It's clear their lack of education and knowledge about Canada and North America seriously hinders Norwegians knowledge about Canada and Canadians. If a Norwegian news story about the USA's other neighbour - Mexico - would write that Mexico is a blend of "American and European"? It is doubtful, as it seems that there is a clear understanding in Norway that Mexico is occupied with Mexicans, but it seems many Norwegian journalists don't realise Canada is filled with Canadians, and that Canada is the neighbour to the USA, not part of it. Norwegian ignorance of Canada, Canadians, and Canadian culture is often to be found in Norwegian Press, but is surprising to often see assumptions and/or guesses printed. Many Norwegian journalists often show their ignorance by just writing what they THINK THEY KNOW about Canada, and not more of what are the facts. It is truly sad as well that this only helps to keep Norwegian readers misinformed about Canada and Canadians. An e-mail was sent to request a correction to the two mistakes, and a reply was received, but the mistakes never fixed.