Angus Reid Poll: Canadians Particularly Tolerant when Conversing with Others
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[VANCOUVER - Apr. 9, 2008] - Many adults in Canada are ready to say they do not get upset when they become engaged in conversations of a controversial nature, an Angus Reid Strategies poll has found.
In the online survey of a representative national sample, 53 per cent of respondents say they do not become angry when discussing any of 11 different topics. While 64 per cent of British Columbia residents report no problem, the number drops to 46 per cent in Quebec.
As far as specific conversation topics that can get people angry, Quebec separatism is first with 20 per cent, followed by religion with 18 per cent, United States politics with 17 per cent, and Canadian politics with 14 per cent. Global warming is next with 13 per cent, followed by the life of celebrities with 12 per cent, and reality television shows with 11 per cent.
Nine per cent of respondents report becoming upset when discussing money, while eight per cent feel the same way when talking about relationships. Seven per cent of respondents are angry at both conversations about hockey and conversations about parenthood.
Celebrities are the most irritating topic in BC (16%). Albertans select religion (22%) along with those living in Manitoba and Saskatchewan (16%). Quebec separatism upsets Ontarians (23%), Quebecers (23%) and Atlantic Canadians (26%). Women (58%) are more likely than men (48%) to evade becoming angry over any of these topics. Canadians over the age of 55 (55%) and those living in households earning $100,000 a year or more (62%) are also less likely to become upset during these conversations.