Canadian flag on backpack

I'm going to backpack Europe for 4 weeks in December. There'll be a stretch of my trip where I'll be travelling solo through Italy, Austria, and Germany. Is it safe to leave my canadian flag on the back of my pack, or is it an invitation to getting robbed?

I'm American. im actually a soldier in the United States Air Force. I do lots of traveling overseas (business and leisure) Pretty much anywhere i go people give me dirty looks before they meet me. they will also play jokes when im asking for directions. pointing me all over town. It would be nice if people saw you as a person first besides someone behind a certain flag. unfortunately, that isn't the case. Sometimes i'll tell them im Canadian and it's like im in a whole different world.
So. i just bought a small Canadian flag patch and its going on my backpack this week. im in Korea right now and going to Australia for leisure in a couple weeks. i'll bet i won't be bothered with half as much.

Geez pkennedy you make it seem like I should be ashamed to be a Canadian-American.

Not at all, only the American half of you should be ashamed. but only if you're pro_Bush.

I have lived abroad for several years now and can honestly say I will ask people if they are from Canada when I see a small flag/Pin/sticker ect but if they are sporting something oversize I won't ask. I don't wear any Canadian stuff, other then my Toronto Maple leafs shirts

The only thing more annoying that a 'typical American' (and they do exist!) is a Canadian with a superiority complex! Americans do get the piss ripped out of them behind their backs but with the flag on your pack you probably will as well.

I doubt very much that a flag will prevent you from getting robbed or keep you safer. It just makes me cringe everytime I see it. Although I have to say that there are plenty of other countries doing the flag/backpack thing. Aussies, Kiwis and Scandinavians spring to mind. Somehow though it's less annoying when they do it.

Do what you want but I think the flag is pretty cliche. If your intention is to meet other Canadians, why not be a bit more creative with it. Stick a Tim Horton's or hockey-related patch on there or something.

Unfortunately, from what I have heard, having a Canadian flag on your backpack while in Europe really does nothing. I have been told from a friend who did this that he found Americans were doing the same to get better treatment.

I think you are better off skipping the flag idea (I never saw the point myself) or at least wear a CBC shirt. Now a CBC shirt will definitely mark you as a Canadian to any other Canadian backpackers. hehe

I've been many time before. I would tag your stuff (but don't go overboard).
You will get better treatment being Canadian (and it's sad, but you want to set yourself apart from "americans", for this reason) It is even more so important in other parts of the world. Also, in conversation when it calls for it (Restaurants, Especially Hotels, and government offices) make sure you clarify that you're Candaian!It will get you a bit further sometimes.