Canadian flag on backpack

I am an american, but have spent a couple of years living abroad in BC, Quebec, Europe and Australia. I am currently living in Sydney. Canadians by far are the most likely to wear their flag, especially on their backpacks. The obvious reason for this is that you are trying to distinguish yourself from Americans, which does irk me a bit. First of all, Canadians (as individuals not governments) are much more like americans than most of you think. Secondly, most foreigners do NOT assume that you are canadian when they hear you speak. As a matter of fact I am constantly asked if I am Canadian, because obviously you have scolded the Australians one too many times for mistaking Canucks for Americans. I have never been mistreated for being an American, even after I admit that I am one. So don't worry about being mistreated based solely on you accent!! Anyone that does that isn't worth your time anyways.

The americans that wear the Canadian flags are the worst, I hope this practice is not common. As Americans travellng abroad, it is our responsibility, and a great opportunity, to show the world that we are not all Bush loving war mongering xenophobes. I am personally still very proud to be an AMerican, even after the debacle of an election, and I invite any opportunity to discuss any of the current political or environmental issues.

Wow! A lot of frustration here. It's funny because I heard the same critique from americans when I was travelling with my canadian and québec flags. However, the though of distinguishing me from americans never crossed my mind. I think it's a misconception to think that canadians wear their flags to make sure they dont look american. And for the accent, non-english speaking countries wont make the difference (I dont know how many times people thought I was british while i have a french-canadian accent when i speak... they just dont know!). The main reason why I was wearing my flags on my backpak was to more easily meet other people from my country during my trip because I thought it was interesting. I have nothing against americans and I think that you maybe over-react on the "anti-american identification" because I can assure you that its not the reason everyone have their flag. Of all the people I know who wear their flag when they travel, none had in mind to do not be seen as american. I am just proud to be canadian, and not proud to do not be american. That's different. I am sorry if you met some canadians who had their flag to show they were not american, maybe that's what misled you. Or maybe its just a misconception. You are right to be proud of your origins and its up to you if you want to show it or not, wherever you come from.

I've got discreet BC flags on two of my bags.

I would have gone for Vancouver flags, but sew-on municipal flags aren't exactly mass produced.

I find flags to be overly nationalistic full stop.

And if people in other countries think I am American and therefore show negativity then I can't be bothered with their prejudicial ignorance.

I was born and raised in Vancouver - have Dutch and Canadian passports as well as a Brazilian residency. I popped the maple leaf off my pack within a week after I left home in 87' and never regretted it.

G.
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I'm contemplating sewing a Canadian and Quebec flag to my pack before I leave for a 4 month stint in Europe. I figure it may just spark conversation, if people see them at all. I can understand it, but I don't see why people are uptight about the flags. Do you honestly judge people solely by their country of origin? Furthermore, from far we all look like goofy tourists with our backpacks anyway. Its only when you're friendly and speak to people that they can get any idea of whether you are a fool canadian, fool american, or just someone who loves to travel - regardless of what is sewn on your pack.

I would get a small one, if any. But this is purely because I think big ones look silly. I would offer similar advice about ugly travel clothes and stupid hats. I say when function over style is a given, go with the lesser of two evils.

Happy Travels,
Olivier

Like I said in an earlier post. I've got the flag on there and it's the smallest of nearly 30 of various countries I've backpacked through. It's more or less a conversation starter, as I've met many people based soley on them seeing I'm from Canada. Not like I'm some great nationalist or anything, but I almost feel like since I've travelled all around Canada, why not put a patch on my backpack along with the other countries?

An interesting topical story - an american company selling a travel kit...to disguise you as a Canadian!
http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/ameri ... index.html

Verrrrryyy nice. I especially liked the part at the end where they translate the meaning of "deke out of a meeting"! Who the heck says deke?

Who says deke? Anyone commenting on a goal must have used the phrase "deked out of his jockstrap" at least once. I know I've heard it round the rink a few hundred times.

In reference to a meeting though? Never!

I don't see a problem with putting the flag on your backpack. Based on my experience, Americans are not as welcomed as they think... many times I have been told so by a number of different nationalities (it because of the tourist dollars they do not want to offend). Canadians may be naive at the start, but we are quick learners and are appreciated for our openness and acceptance of cultures. The perception of Americans has been long standing and the foreign policy that the US gov't continues to support will not alleviate it in the near future. Sad really - when a gov't politics influences how their people are treated or perceived. But the americans voted them in..... This isn't merely my own opinion, but of others' I have spoken with on this topic.