I am generalizing, of course - but, yes, that's my impression. Your experiences may vary (for example, not all Canadians love their women, or even back bacon). Not necessary to use the term "state" to be an obedient creature of one. Just the opposite I would think - recognizing it is the first step to being free. I might also note that I mostly know the western end of Canada, and you live in an entirely different environment. So far as claiming to have a sense of humor, it's like saying "I'm a nice guy." It's more for others to decide. Canada is somewhat like Japan in the sense that you have to be very careful with irony, or people will get upset. It's the opposite of the British, where taking the piss out of your friends is a sign of affection. The US lies somewhere in between.