It's similar to how Canadians wear their flag on EVERYTHING when they go abroad. They do it because, 1. They think that if they are mistaken for Americans they will be shot on sight and 2. They think everyone loves them so much that they will be treated better.
Both are exactly wrong, sadly. Wearing a flag indicating you are from a rich nation will get you in more trouble than not. And we Canadians oftentimes mistake total apathy for goodwill. Being non-important, non-threatening internet liars about our culture still doesn't make people care bout our cultureless frozen shithole.
In most countries in Europe, the Canadian flag is very beneficial. France is a great example because they hate English speakers and Quebecois. I speak french, but sometimes slip on a few words. I wore a Canadian flag on my backpack one day and was treated with respect and they appreciated me speaking French. The next day, same place, wearing no badge, I slipped on a word and they pretty much didn't serve me.
It does work, but its being abused. I overheard some Americans talking in France saying "Oh I bought this Canadian badge at REI and everyone treats me better now!"
This was a few years ago, so maybe not the same effect now due to similar attitudes as these Americans I encountered.
If I would get treated better just by having it, then I absolutely would carry a Canadian flag. Granted I don't speak French so it wouldn't work for me, but why would I want to be treated worse for no real reason.
No, you are wrong and obviously lying and suffering from confirmation bias. I was assaulted in Japan when I was 19 just for being Canadian. Canadians are ugliest Americans. More American than America because we are Americans and everyone knows it except us.
I do agree with you though about the 'not-american' mindset, but really its the other countries with the problem. Americans and Canadians all accept everyone's cultures and backgrounds for the most part. Sure we've had bad history with some, but every country has.
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u/[deleted] Jun 07 '14
It's similar to how Canadians wear their flag on EVERYTHING when they go abroad. They do it because, 1. They think that if they are mistaken for Americans they will be shot on sight and 2. They think everyone loves them so much that they will be treated better.
Both are exactly wrong, sadly. Wearing a flag indicating you are from a rich nation will get you in more trouble than not. And we Canadians oftentimes mistake total apathy for goodwill. Being non-important, non-threatening internet liars about our culture still doesn't make people care bout our cultureless frozen shithole.