Canadian flag on backpack

[cam]

This is a bit of an anti-flagonpack rant.

PLease don't put a Can flag on your backpack. I know people at home incurrage you to do so, but it is a farce. If someone wants your money via robbery, they will take it. I don't want to sound like an "I've been everywhere" type, but I have travelled all over the world for the last 12 years and never been robbed - without a flag on my backpack no less. Trust me the Canadian flag thing will identify you as a big dork. The poster above is correct: Canadian flags on the luggage is a running joke amongst non-Canadians. Also, most Euros (not to mention most other nationalities) consider Canadians naive. If they are the type that rob people on the street, the flag will encourage them. Any more serious crimes, ie., political kidnappings etc are not perpetrated by complete idiots; they will not leave you alone just because of a flag on your pack, or because your wool mittens smell like maple surup; they will check your passport. If your not from the nationality "they" are looking for, they won't waste their time.
Besides, there is so many Americans walking around pretending to be Canadian
these days that in passing conversation most non-canuncks won't believe you right away.

[Marie-Fran]

I think you should have your canadian flag, but dont make it too obvious. It may be perceived as pretencious to make it too visible. But it is good to have it because canadian travelers are usually well welcome. However, since canada is a great place to live, your flag can also attrack unwanted people. This is what I experienced when I traveled in Europe. Have a nice trip

[franko]

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.

[Marie-Fran]

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.

[Blue and White Army]

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.

[ghandi]

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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[olivier]

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

[CanuckAbroad]

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?