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Dispatch → Factbook → Culture
Vancouvian Culture
Vancouvians are pragmatic, patriotic, and powerful people. Although borne out of American traditions, Vancouvians have differentiated themselves to the extent that it is very possible that one may tell an American from a Vancouvian after a brief conversation with each.
General Culture
Vancouvians balance an Asiatic collectivism with an American individualistic spirit. Personal freedoms, such as the right to own a gun and practice religion freely, are held dear, but Vancouvians recognize that some things are worth sacrificing for the greater good. Tolerance is a mainstay of most Vancouvian interactions. Vancouvia is extremely socially progressive and egalitarian.
Community Values
Vancouvians are mostly friendly and affable, but many consider privacy to be an important part of their social interactions. It is generally frowned on to start a conversation with a stranger, but most Vancouvians have many close friends who they are extremely open with. Neighborhoods are often closely linked together, with communities often going out of their way to help those who have experienced disaster or tragedy. Giving and charity are essential; for example, it would be a major faux pas to attend any party or gathering without bringing some sort of gift.
Language
Vancouvian English, the official language of Vancouvia, is largely the same as its namesake, although it does have a few key differences. Certain important words, especially in formal documents, are often fully capitalized. Run-on sentences are deemed to have an air of poetry about them and are thus encouraged, with several famous Vancouvian writers utilizing this technique to great effect. Vancouvian English is also typically expressed by repetition; key phrases are sometimes repeated throughout an essay or speech to an almost ridiculous extent.
Religion
Most Vancouvians are mainstream Protestants. There is a strict separation of church and state, and an individual's right to practice religion is held sacred. Despite its prevalence, there is little mention of religion in any government forum, and candidates for office typically do not offer and are not asked about their religious practices.
Sports
Vancouvians are less enthusiastic about sports than many other peoples. Sports are viewed as extraneous, and thus the sports industry has yet to significantly permeate into the average Vancouvian's life. Sports that have practical applications, like rifling and marital arts, are among the most popular and most practiced. Children's physical education classes consist mostly of personal defense, running, swimming, and endurance-training.
Entertainment
Architecture, art, and music have a place in Vancouvia, but a growing faction of Vancouvians view these activities as wasteful. There are very few artists and musicians relative to other nations, and few children wish to enter into the entertainment industry when they grow up. TV and movies are often watched in a family setting, and the most popular video games are cooperative-based. Access to the internet is viewed as a right, and there is little regulation concerning it.
Military
It is seen as an honor to enter into the Vancouvian military, especially the Vancouvian Special Forces. Veterans are considered heroes and treated extremely well on the homeland. A soldier's death is seen as a national tragedy, and a great sense of reverence is held towards the fallen. Although there is a popular reluctance to enter into military conflict, anti-war protesters are rare and usually shunned by the community, being seen as greatly disrespectful.