Interactions concerning social groups of people in Canada and the US

Here are proper interactions concerning social groups when it comes to ones' race, gender, ethnicity, religion, language, regionalism and other characteristics. These are meant to avoid possible offense and disrespect to another person, a major part of social cues and folkways in multicultural diverse societies like the United States and Canada.
Interactions in Canada
The following issues are of special concern to the people of Canada:
Aboriginal people
*There are three distinct groups of Aboriginal peoples in Canada: First Nations people (often referred to by specific tribe names), Inuit and Métis. These are official classifications in Canada and care should be taken to distinguish between them. Native Americans, or the less popular word 'Indians', are used to describe aboriginals in the lower 48 United States. Aboriginal Hawaiians are simply called Hawaiian, aboriginal Alaskans are usually called Native Alaskans, or the name of their specific tribe; Aleut, Eskimo, Alutiiq, etc.
*Custom demands respect for the lifestyles of Aboriginal people. Although traditional spiritual, cultural, and lifestyle practices thrive in Canadian aboriginal communities, these have evolved and incorporate modern elements, from snowmobiles and state-of-the-art fishing boats to websites through which First Nations groups celebrate their heritage. What's more, 42% of aboriginal people in the Canadian province of Ontario, for example, have post-secondary education, and 78% live off-reserve; the most common occupation for Aboriginal people in Canada as a whole is in sales/service, followed closely by business/finance/administration and transportation/equipment operation. This presents a very different picture from the stereotypes seen around the world in movies and literature featuring Aboriginal peoples of North America. As a result, expecting an Aboriginal person to be "just like in the movies" may make one seem ignorant or rude to aboriginal and non-aboriginal people alike.
*Respect for aboriginal culture is especially important in such situations as a First Nation's pow wow. For example, it is extremely rude to touch a dancer's regalia or to take a photograph of a dancer without asking for and clearly receiving permission. It is also taboo to bring alcohol or narcotics to a pow-wow.
*Interruptions are seen as quite rude among First Nations cultures in general. Particular respect should be paid to elders (people who are older or people well-respected in the community). When they speak on an issue, it is unacceptable to interrupt or speak until they say they have finished or until they invite others to speak or ask questions.
*Speakers of the Yupik languages self-identify as "Eskimo" but the majority of the Native population in the Canadian Arctic and Greenland prefer to be called "Inuit" (or "Inuvialuit"), and most find the term "Eskimo" highly offensive.
*The term "Eskimo" is sometimes used in other contexts, such as by sports teams like the Abitibi Eskimos or the Edmonton Eskimos. Be aware that they use these names to the chagrin of some Inuit and people who advocate political correctness. Treat this sensitive issue accordingly.
*While both English and French are official languages, English is more widely used in areas outside of Quebec.
*When initiating a discussion, it is polite to at least attempt to use the native language of one's interlocutor. However, if one does not speak that language, it is good form to inform the other person of that fact and asking if they speak one's own. Learning a few phrases such as "Excuse me, but I do not speak English. Do you speak French?", or conversely, "Pardon. Je ne parle pas français. Parlez-vous anglais?" can go a long way in demonstrating sincerity.
*In areas which are primarily French-speaking, when being served (in restaurants, hotels, etc.) it is considered rude to automatically expect service in English, even in urban areas such as Montreal. Do not expect English to be known by people in suburbs and smaller towns (although in some cases, it will be). A polite demeanor, including excusing one's self when asking for assistance in English, is much-appreciated and will facilitate social interaction. "Hispanic" is a commonly used synonym preferred by most people of Latin American descent living in the US. These terms refer essentially to people whose ancestry is traced to people both from the old world (Europe and/or Africa) and Latin America. It includes dissimilar people such as blonde-haired Argentinians of partial German descent, Afro-Brazilians who physically resemble inhabitants of West Africa, and American natives who may speak only English. People of pure indigenous Latin American ancestry, and people of strictly European (Spanish and/or Portuguese) descent may or may not identify as Latino.
*Many people's racial identity is completely separate and distinct from Latino identity. For example, a person may identify as both white and Latino, or both black and Latino, etc. Others identify racially as Latino. Anyone's self-identity is recognized by etiquette, regardless of various government agencies' classifications.
*"Latin" should not be used as an anglicized form of "Latino" as it refers to people of Southern European lands which once used the Latin language. "Spanish" or "Spanish speakers" should not be used to refer to Latinos, as the terms are not mutually inclusive. "Chicano" is a somewhat unwelcome and archaic term for "Mexican."
*As Puerto Rico is a territory of the US, the phrase "Puerto Rican immigrant" is incorrect, as it is equivalent to saying, "Californian immigrant."
* There are Mexican Americans who have ancestors present in the USA before the arrival of Anglos and annexation of what was Mexican or Spanish lands in the mid 19th century. It is not always accurate to assume a "Mexican" was an immigrant or a child of immigrant parents.
* Hispanic/Latino communities known as barrios are known to kept or preserved much of their ancestral cultures, a visitor should be mindful of cultural differences there.
Middle Eastern Americans
* They aren't a "race" in the same sociopolitical matter like African-Americans are, the term is for Americans of Middle Eastern background or ancestry, there are 25 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Southwest Asia. The term aren't limited to Arabs, but includes other ethnic groups and nationalities such as Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Turkey and Yemen.
* Most of the population are practicing Muslims, but there are Christian Arabs and Arab Jews as well. One should not presume a Middle Eastern person to be Muslim and if the person happens to be Muslim, they should highly respect their beliefs, customs, values and religious rights.
* It is advised for homeland security personnel to not "racial profile" Middle-Easterners and Arab-Americans for being suspected or holding potential of terrorism.
* Importantly, virtually the entire Middle Eastern community in the USA are loyal, patriotic and law-abiding. Middle Easterners should never be viewed as a threat to democratic society.
* Be in mind the concept of "race" for Arabs though are classified as "white"/Caucasoids by anthropologists and the U.S. government, is a social construct not purely on biological or genetic traits (all races of people are therefore human and should be treated as equals).
European ethnic groups
In many US cities, such as urban areas in the Northeast and industrial Midwestern cities, there can be individuals and families who identify themselves as members of European ethnic groups: Irish, Italian, Polish, Greek, German, etc. who may reside in ethnic enclaves/neighborhoods, and may regularly associate with members of similar ethnicities like churches in religious sects practiced by themselves, social clubs devoted to their heritage, and restaurants. Although are part of the American majority (or considered to be "white"), they may relate to those who share a common ethnic group in casual daily life.
It is important to recognize, respect and do not make fun or shown discorn for ones' ethnic/ national background, differences in family mores or customs brought down from generation to generation. Avoid comments and issues about "Americanizing" not to be "foreign" than ones' own other culture, and not tell ethnic jokes, though the weight of the humor is less offensive than it was in the past. It is very important to remember all Americans even those of English or British origins are descendants of those who arrived in North America.
Same goes to the recognition of Canadians of other European ethnic groups whom are more encouraged to preserve their cultural identity with a high degree of social tolerance by the predominantly English (and French) majority, while the "hyphenated Canadian" have slowly but completely become "Canadian first" in the same way like those became part of the American Melting Pot and Hyphenated American experiences in the early 20th century. The current-day social melange of "minorities" and "people of color" echoes the previous experience of European ethnic groups' sense of "otherness" about 2 or 3 generations ago.
US Flag
Allowing the flag to touch the ground or, worse still, stepping on it, is contrary to United States Flag Code. Wearing the flag, even as intimate apparel, though common, is also prohibited by the flag code. Worn flags should be respectully disposed of.
==="Yankees"===
*Although "Yankee" is synonymous with "American" in many foreign countries, within the US this term is not used self-referentially and has specific meanings depending upon the context, and may be perceived as offensive. Foreigners should avoid addressing United States citizens as such, and should use the term "American."
*In the Southern United States as well the South-Central states like Texas, "Yankee" refers to inhabitants of the northern United States, primarily New England, the mid-west, and the middle-Atlantic states. It generally refers to perceived differences in culture, and usually has a less than positive connotation. "Let's show our new Yankee in-laws some Southern hospitality" is likely to offend the mother-in-law. A Southerner can quite offensively be referred to as a "Yankee." In polite conversation, it is best for all involved to avoid using the term to refer to individuals from any part of the US.
* The West coast isn't typically thought of "Yankee" but the West Coast states' cultural background is often from the Northeast and Midwest regions. The Mountain West/Southwestern states have a more "Texan" or extended Southern/Southeastern cultural profile.
Regional variations
Minor or small variation of social customs are observed in different states, regions and communities in the United States, as well in Canada. Each community has a somewhat different sociocultural atmosphere. For example, Florida, California and the West Coast are viewed to be more casual than those in the Northeast or Eastern/Atlantic Seaboard. Southerners and to some extent, the Midwest or Great Plains regions are said to exhibited a more open and deeper religious feeling in their regional culture than the Northeast. And some states like Utah with a predominantly Mormon population practicing Mormonism and belong to the LDS church will have somewhat unique ways of life based on Mormon doctrine. Visitors in each region or "out of towners" must show respect and avoid biased/negative comments about customs of each regional or state's own folkways.
See also Red State and Blue State, based on political map coloring in presidential and congressional elections, also exhibits which state is more "liberal" or "conservative".

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