Canadians Fourth Worst Grumblers In The World

"It's a new culture emerging, with people demanding a high level of service," said NOP spokesperson Amanda Wheeler. She said questions about complaining were a new addition to the NOP's huge annual consumer survey, the Roper Reports Worldwide. The survey examines people's lifestyle, values and consumer habits. "We brought in a few questions on complaining. ... Because of the trend we picked up we'll be asking things more in-depth on next year's survey. A press release outlining the study results said, "Across the world, those who make complaints tend to be wealthier and better educated — they consume more, they know what they want, and they aren't prepared to settle for second best." Ian Skurnik, a University of Toronto professor who studies consumer psychology, said the NOP survey could be showing more about the freedom to complain in various countries than the levels of annoyance in different cultures. "In a country that doesn't have the same kind of democratic conditions that Canada does, it's possible you're just less willing to lodge a complaint with anybody who seems to be in a position of authority. It might be that you actually harbour dissatisfactions and you're not giving voice to them in this way. You might complain to your friends and family instead." With a whole new appreciation for the griping power of Canadians, The Star took to the streets of Toronto to ask people for their greatest gripes. "Complainers," said Chris Kozakowski, 53. "People that complain about absolutely everything. They're just never satisfied." "Cigarette ashtrays on the street," said Johnny Verissimo, 24, puffing on a cigarette. "Pretty soon a cop's going to give me a ticket for throwing away a butt." "People who overcharge on stuff," said 12-year-old Garreth. "I know someone who was charging tax on 5-cent candies." Matteo Sgaramella, 18, beefed about the school system. "Why go to school all day if they're just going to make you do schoolwork at home at night?" "People who walk too slow," said Puiyee So, 18. "Grocery stores where the line takes forever," said Cordelia Chan, 19. "Fast food really isn't that fast," observed Cherry Li, 18. But just try to wring a disparaging word from Tony Cortez, 40. Born in the Philippines, he's a Canadian resident now. "Canada's a beautiful country with beautiful people," he said. "So I'm not complaining." If you hated this article, forward all complaints to: The Toronto Star, One Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1E6. http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_PrintFriendly&c=Article&cid=1125006613241&call_pageid=968332188774 [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on August 29, 2005]

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