[Marcarc]

I likewise grew up in the eighties and nineties as well, and I can see where this is coming from. However, you really haven't severed that link the next generation is doing. Namely, stop watching TV and listening to radio. These are the distractions that are designed to make people think in a certain way. If you loathe Global-don't watch it. There is really no point in reading newspapers either, they are all the same thing. Complaining is meant to be cathartic because we have no real power, sort of like the way canadian satire is supposed to make us feel better by laughing at politicians. There's really no point in taking part in it.<br /> <br /> I work with a lot of old people, and boy can they complain! I always just change the subject because I think this is partly because people don't know how to converse. I've had many people remark on how 'reserved' canadians are, my sister lives in the states and has told many stories about americans who will tell you the most personal things without even knowing you. I'm not saying that's a good thing, I don't know.<br /> <br /> We have been taught that it's not polite talk about a person's religion or politics, even though we supposedly live in a multicultural society. So that leaves little else. The weather comment shows just how much canadians follow what is dictated to them as being important. It really hasn't been my experience from people I know as being complainers, but most of my friends make decent enough money that 'survival' isn't a problem. It's interesting that the most complaints covered by media never seem to be by those with the most to complain about.

[oh canada]

[QUOTE BY= Marcarc] Namely, stop watching TV and listening to radio. These are the distractions that are designed to make people think in a certain way. If you loathe Global-don't watch it. [/quote]<br /> <br /> I've pretty much stopped watching TV except for the odd show here and there (Y & R b/c I've watched since a kid and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) but I do keep it on just for background noise sometimes. <br /> <br /> When I do watch it, enjoy picking out obvious ploys companies use to market their service or product. In fact, I ldo it all the time when I'm at stores too. Don't know why, maybe it makes me feel that I'm smarter than them for figuring it out? For example, I noticed that Old Navy has huge signs sayig 50% or 75% off but they only have select styles on sale the rest is regular price. Many stores do that and it is relatively new. I guess they think consumers are so stupid they're going to pickup an item and pay full price all the while thinking it's on sale?<br /> <br /> [quote] Complaining is meant to be cathartic because we have no real power[/quote]<br /> <br /> That's a very good point, never thought about it that way.<br /> <br /> [quote] We have been taught that it's not polite talk about a person's religion or politics, even though we supposedly live in a multicultural society.[/quote]<br /> <br /> I break this rule on occassion and usually the person doesn't respond because I'm assuming they don't know how to or are not knowledgeable on the topic or they just don't like to rock the boat.<br /> <br /> I think you're totally right about using weather as a topic of discussion because people don't know how to converse with one another, I realize that quite some time ago, but I still like to complain about it too <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/mrgreen.gif' alt='Mr. Green'>