Close Reading

I will give you my own 10 reasons (not in order of importance):\n1. Rampant unemployment.\n2. Insane housing market to both buy and rent.\n3. Excessive taxation.\n4. Food so expensive even families with two jobs make sacrifices for their children.\n5. A ruined health system.\n6. Goods and services two or three times more expensive than the US.\n7. The most embarrassing and shamelessly incompetent PM ever.\n8. Fascist enforcement of Identity Politics and ESG.\n9. Did I mention Klaus Schwab's lapdog?\n10. Oh, and the weather.

The US government right now is a mess!! Tge people in charge should of known who that man was and the man was already through security he was right by him almost so its so embarrassing for us and then to call the man late when he was actually respectful is such a poor move on top of this,i would of been so nervous if i was jinping that whole thing would feel like a set up to me at that moment

1) Toronto is poor value. Getting housing of any kind (buying or renting) is stupidly expensive. And the quality you get for the price is lousy. Especially the newer builds, which are just thrown up as quickly as possible and sold to investors. Policy measures generally all seem to serve to just inflate the price of housing further. The occasional lip service given to affordability is amusing, but ultimately sad. There are lots of people who really do not want the housing bubble to pop. They will fight against it with all they have.\n\n2) It has become kind of boring. There is lots to do if you have money, but it’s harder to find entertainment on a budget. Even the free stuff like parks are filling up. Stuff like sporting events, eating out, going out is very costly across the board. Even the “cheaper” stuff is expensive. It seems like a lot of local culture is disappearing. Even the cool neighbourhoods are filling up with the same chains. I think the high commercial rent and bureaucracy is deflating a lot of would-be entrepreneurs. Most landowners seem to just be banking on cashing out their land for condos.\n\n3) Canada overall has a high cost of living compared to salaries. In the US you can find lower cost of living areas that still give you a real city experience. And in Europe you can be poor but still live a decent, if no frills, life. In Canada the basic necessities are all expensive. Phone bills, grocery bills, rent, insurance are through the roof. Domestic travel is expensive. And the dollar sucks if you want to travel abroad. Health care is free but good luck finding a family doctor or waiting 8 hours in the ER these days. It’s expensive to be poor, or even middle class.\n\n4) Most of the Greater Toronto Area, outside the core, is soulless suburbs with awful transit - very “American” except with worse traffic congestion. You will need a car, which is another huge cost. Row upon row of old cookie cutter suburbs with the same crappy houses. Good luck walking anywhere, and if you do you will need to walk down boring, treeless arterial roads with cars zooming past right beside you, and cross giant eight lane intersections that were never built for humans on foot. In a rainstorm or on a fall evening you have to be really careful not to be run over by aggressive drivers.\n\n5) It is hard to raise a family in an apartment here. You can do it but it’s not very easy, and also you are still kind of judged for it. Lots of young people are feeling stuck and are deferring or avoiding starting a family. Buying any type of house, even a basic townhouse, requires pledging your soul to a bank by taking a massive mortgage with eye watering debt in a volatile market. But few apartment buildings have the kind of sensible gentle density, the family unit sizes and the common amenities, like little courtyards with jungle gyms, that you might find in Europe. No one ever contemplated that anyone would ever desire to raise kids in an apartment. It’s just a cultural thing that has worked its way into how things are planned and designed.\n\n6) The transit system is ok by North American standards but awful by international standards. There are only two real subway lines, one stub line, one line that is permanently out of service after a derailment, and another line that was supposed to open a couple years ago but still has no date for opening. The subways go out of service frequently, sometimes for the dumbest reasons, and then it is a zoo of shuttle buses. The streetcars are nice but so slow. The buses are fine if you find yourself dreaming about riding a daily herky jerky rolling tin of sardines. They are building a lot of transit but it will take decades to get done.\n\n7) There is still a lot of cool multiculturalism and opportunities to experience different foods and cultures - one of the best things about Toronto. Increasingly though it seems to be losing the fun vibe of the 90s, when everyone celebrated each other’s backgrounds and was chill. It seems the immigration is not as broad based anymore and also people are importing a lot of their “old country” grievances here. The immigration system also kind of preys on people abroad by selling them a false fairy tale, so they end up dejected when they arrive and see how things really are.\n\n8) This one might be controversial but it’s kind of an ugly city. There’s nothing particularly of historical meaning or value. Some of the older neighbourhoods are kind of nice, but the last 25 years they have only built giant glass skyboxes, one after another. There aren’t the cool “missing middle” walkups like in NY, Chicago or Montreal (or even LA). There are very few buildings with much architectural character. Some of the buildings they deem “heritage” here are an embarrassment.\n\n9) For safety, honestly on this score I think Toronto is not bad. There are not too many real “ghettos” and it’s night and day compared to much of the US. With that said, there is more vagrancy and social issues these days, with tents and such. It’s very sad but the shelters are full, lots of homeless go into the libraries, parks and transit system. It does make it harder to enjoy these public amenities safely. It is nowhere close to Europe where you might let your kids run free around town. Canadian parents still helicopter their kids and the place again is not designed to really be safe for kids, in the same way as Europe.\n\n10) Finally, a bit of a double edged sword. Toronto had a lot of youthful energy - people coming here from all over. It is definitely not as sleepy as many parts of the world. With that said, it is becoming a bit of a transient place (minus the world class experiences like London or NY). If you are from elsewhere you might find it hard making and keeping friends. I’ve seen lots of people struggle because it’s is hard to build a strong social network. We have a very “shallow” culture here - people are extremely polite but not overly warm and hospitable. We treat one another kind of like neighbours - meaning we’d like to have a cordial, drama-free coexistence and otherwise kind of stick to ourselves.

Not surprising... Trudeaus been screwing everything up and making us an embarrassment to the world....

A somewhat depressing video, because it's an actually accurate portrait of the city, as it is. Toronto and Canada as a whole is governed by politicians and bureaucrats, who rely on experts opinion of what could be, if x,y,z all come together as envisioned. These pixie dust ideas are often aspirational, but sadly lack a base in reality. Slogans and cheerleading don't make things happen. Rarely is there enough funding to support implementation of these grandiose ideas, and somehow these same leaders ensure they get a chunk before anyone else, cause they have a standard of living to maintain. They just really feel for the pain and suffering of those who are not them. Toronto and Vancouver used to be Canadian examples, that those of us didn't live or want to live there could still be proud of. These cities also were viewed as examples to follow by other Canadian population centres. So the same issues keep reoccurring, because in abstract theory they could work. By the time reality shows that they are not working, it is too late, and too hard, and too embarrassing to change course. \nA very interesting video by a creator who took her rose coloured glasses ( we all have a pair just admit it), and sees what is and then says it out loud.

As a first generation Mexican American of parents who went the legal route, I disapprove of this and I hate it ?. Not all of us entered illegally and it's very embarrassing seeing this. I've served my country and am forever grateful of the LEGAL opportunity my parents took.

Absolutely NO! Never! Besides all of the gun violence & the shitty health care, after Trump became president and the behavior witnessed during (and after) his presidency, along with the behavior of some republicans, really surprised me and totally turned me off. There’s no professional, no mental competence. Just appalling how politicians act. We all know they lie etc but trump really made the US look stupid. I was embarrassed listening and watching how some acted, and do still act. Nobody acted so trashy before Trump. And I’m not into politics. I’m just really surprised by the attitudes and lack of professionalism. Oh, and the US isn’t as friendly as we are.

Sad... All the misery from Latin America is what migrates to the United States.\nIt is what has destroyed the culture of Americans..\nWhat the hel! are they demanding?? They should go back to their countries, and have their corrupted government removed.\nThe US is frankly an embarrassment.. they should enforce policies against illegal immigrants and have everyone deported.. clean the country!! It is disgusting

Well if the embarrassment to my race iggers weren't living up to every stereotype and making all of us POC looking like a natural born criminal race of people MAYBE other races wouldn't see all of us in such a negative light. I'm pretty sure this jiffy pop bag wearing embarrassment to my race is exaggerating and making some of this up because there are some among us who neeeeed to be a victim of everything....they was taught that by their WHITE Liberal / Democrat Party OWNERS. Wonder if she got a 100% chance of being deleted from society by someone who look like her in Canada like she does here in America.....yeah LOL! probably so. POC got NO ONE to blame for other races seeing us all as bad people but they selves. If this fool got serious problems and it is all making her ill....the Canadian health system can help put an end to all her problems. LOL!

I'm Mexican, I live in Mexico but in the borderline between Mexico and United States and this immigrant behavior is just so embarrassing and unacceptable.\n\nTrump was a racist and I don't agree with the inhuman way he treated foreign people. This doesn't mean you have the right to enter to someone's house with out an invitación. They are so wrong, just proclaiming rights from other country they don't have, United States or even Mexico is NOT in obligation of helping them, we do it as a favor and they need to understand that. ITS A FAVOR. They should be thankful for any thing they receive from us.

As an American I’m literally embarrassed of my country reading these comments. It’s so sad that a country depicted to be this melting pot of cultures has turned so corrupt. I’m sorry to all those in Canada who are gonna be screwed from the US’s clownery.

My husband’s family in Morocco leave their front door open all night sometimes and we just are 99.9% sure that nobody will mess with them. I’ve walked by many people’s homes who had their doors open. My husband and I lived in Marrakech, and we left our patio door open all night many times. Granted, the patio was fenced in, but I wouldn’t even leave my balcony door open in the US. When I lived in NYC I seriously had somebody climb up my building one time and try to get in my window. Spider-Man ass thought it was his ex girlfriends apartment and just tried to come right in.\n\nEdit-\nWhen my husband and I were engaged, we were driving around one night with his family there in Morocco. I just wore house shoes because we weren’t planning to go anywhere and we drove by a jewelry store. My mother in law insisted we stop and look at the rings there. I was too embarrassed to get out, so they were like “Okay, just stay here and we’ll do it for you.” They let my mother in law walk out of the jewelry store with a bunch of rings and weren’t even worried we’d steal them. I was, and still am shocked. When I mentioned how surprised I was, everyone seemed confused. They were like “What’s the big deal?”

I am perplexed you guys didn't mention the embarrassing state of health insurance and pharma prices here in the US. Out of all the countries I've been, this is the only one I get scared of getting sick, having an accident or even having to go to the Dentist. We are doing it wrong.

A compelling documentary, thank you. Why is it that black people continue to be so demonised and de-humanised? It is such a shame that follow Asians and even American Natives play such a role in perpetuating racism against African descent people, but I guess they have their issues of identity. Real shame nonetheless, but one thing at the time, we still have a bigger hurdle to overcome.\n \nOf course, it is still not easy to be a black woman, man or child today. Sadly our mothers are still crying for their children being killed or overly punished by the police institution, our kids are still targeted if not simply despised for being beautiful, bright, talented, lively and brilliant beings with deeper skin tonalities, and hair that speaks for us otherwise. It is still dangerous because there is so much hatred across the world against us as we are coming to understand. And hatred is unpredictable. It comes in different ugly shapes. \n\nAfrican descent people are institutionally exposed to a lack of opportunities based on race, leading to the disproportionate poverty levels in our communities, and poverty brings your far closer to crime. That should not be so difficult to calculate. We're faced with higher mortality and disease rates, covid 19 has rubbed that to our eyes, care systems medical world is in less favour and neglect black communities. On a day-to-day, I am so insulted about the security guard that follows me in the shop, it is so disrespectful and embarrassing, that makes me move suspiciously indeed, yet so low and ignorant I don't even want to have to confront the issue. \n\nI agree with the writer who writes about his experience (and shame?) of being a black man in Canada- the same is institutionally reflected in Europe and across the world let's not be naive, we're not welcome but they should know they have no choice. I believe what he really is trying to express is based on the fear of being a black man in a hostile environment, but we should certainly have nothing to be ashamed of. \n\nOn contrary, we should be very proud because we are still here, like any other citizens paying our taxes and playing positive roles in society by major. We have positive role models are everywhere, from the single mother raising her children with force and determination to the black father who teaches at a local school, from the black girl who's achieved top grades to university to the black young man who's been headhunted from the medical school. And all of us who are just trying. \n\nLook closely. While the media will continue to do its good job demonising and stereotyping us negatively, let's not forget that we are real people with real accomplishments who have always made impactful contributions to society. \n\nHere's the thing, we are admired, loved and celebrated because of the brilliance, talent, charisma, swag and wealth we bring to contemporary culture. Everyone consumes black culture, from the filler lip service to the quick fix tan, from rock and roll to hip hop and RnB music, to sports athletes to the amazing creators out there, no need to mention names. But, we also are doctors, politicians, judges nurses, waiters, carers, scientists, builders, bankers, entrepreneurs, employees or unemployed. \n\nSadly on a day-to-day, we are not viewed as equal people, with equal rights and needs, who, by large, just want the good for our children, our families, neighbours and indeed countries. STOP INSTITUTIONAL RACISM. We are real mothers, real fathers, real children who have a birthright to equal treatment, respect and human dignity, whether or not you choose to disagree.

I have experienced security guards walking back and forth between the aisles staring at me in London and other parts of England, much more so than in the US. I am black, and the weird thing is that some of the security guards have been black and dark-skinned like me. I got tired of it, and now when it happens I wave to them and say hello. Sometimes, when I'm feeling especially brave and frustrated, and when they walk close to me, I ask them if they're watching me and tell them, 'Don't worry. I don't steal.' It's satisfying to see the embarrassed and uncomfortable looks on their faces.

I think the big problem - which was mentioned in the video - is that there is an unfortunate history of systemic racism, and the problem now is that we are embarrassed by it and don't want to address it. I think this country is leaps and bounds better than our US cousins, but there is still work to do

This is an embarrassment for both the US and Canada

I'm so embarrassed for my country. These fraudulent people, are us now. They vote, and are going into politics. \nWe don't have the guts, to kick them out. And let people in, who want to BE Canadian. \nOld style immigrants, came here with little, made this home, and built this country.

*STOP PUTTING THIS GUY ON TO SPEAK FOR US, HE IS AN ABSOLUTE JOKE AND LIBERAL SHILL!!!* \n\nHE HAS TO STOP STOP SAYING WE HAVE A LOT OF ROOM UP HERE, HAS THIS IDIOT EVER LOOKED AT A MAP?!! LOOK WHERE WE LIVE - *A THIN LINE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE COUNTRY* WHERE 35 MILLION CANADIANS ARE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP WITH HOUSING LET ALONE *AFFORDABLE HOUSING*\n\nIF THESE PPL WANT TO LIVE IN TENTS IN THE NORTH, FLY AT IT, BUT THE REASON TRUDEAUS FIRST LIE QHEN HE TOOK OFFICE, KNOWN AS THE *REFUGEE RUSH* WHERE HE USED LIES AND PROPAGANDA TO CONVINCE US TO RESCUE 35.000 SYRIANS FROM HORRIFIC REFUGEE CAMPS.... THAT LATER TURNED OUT TO BE AN *ABSOLUTE LIE* . THESE PEOPLE HAD ALREADY BEEN RESETTLED IN SAFE COUNTRIES FOR YEARS AND HAD JOBS, KIDS IN SCHOOL, AMONG THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AND RELIGION. \nThat was the 1st lie of 3 YEARS OF LIES, EMBARRASSMENT AND DESTRUCTION OF THIS COUNTRY BY A RADICAL ELITIST LEFTIST ISLAMIST APOLOGIST COMMUNISM PUSHING DICTATOR. IMAGINE FORCING ISIS INTO COMMUNITIES WHILE QITH THE OTHER HAND THROWING TAX DOLLARS TO PAY YHR MILITARY TO RISK THEIR LIVES AND FIGHT THEM IN OTHER COUNTRIES - WHO EXACTLY IS THE ENEMY? CANADIANS? AMERICA? \n\nNOW WE LEARN FROM LEAKED BORDER SERVICES DOCUMENTS THAT HES BARELY VETTED ANY!!! AFTER TELLING US THE STRICT VETTING IS WHY WE DONT HAVE TO WORRY??!!!\n\nWHY IS HE STACKING THEM UP AND SUPPORTING THEM IN MY COUNTRY?? \n\nTHIA IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE DAMAGE THIS DICTATORSHIP IS DOING . \n*AMERICANS , DONT BELIEVE FOR ONE SECOND BELIEVE CANADIANS ARE BEHIND HIM, LIKE YOUR DEMOCRAT PARTY, MAINSTEAM MEDIA AND CLINTON SYCOPHANTS ... ITS ALL LIES*

I may be wrong on the number but I think we have 54,000 homeless people many of them children and not enough shelters to house them. We live in one of the coldest countries during the winter many died Frozen on sidewalks. And now our dear prime minister is going to house refugees who entered the US illegally and fled to Canada because he told them they were welcomed. Justin Trudeau has become an embarrassment to us.

Us Canadians are not so impressed with Trudeau... I can't wait for elections. So embarrassing.