Hiding Nationality, Even Disguising with the Flag
Canadians Say, "Identity Theft Is Offensive"
An increasing number of American travelers are disguising themselves as Canadians while abroad, hiding their American identity. This has become a kind of survival strategy to avoid anti-American sentiment and receive more favorable treatment. However, there is significant backlash against this practice among Canadians.
On September 18 (local time), CNN reported on this phenomenon, referring to it as "flag jacking." The outlet noted that some Americans are frequently seen overseas attaching Canadian flag patches to their bags or backpacks, or introducing themselves as being from Ontario.
This behavior has become more prominent with the return of former President Donald Trump to power. His foreign policies and hardline rhetoric have fueled anti-American sentiment around the world, leading to growing concerns that revealing an American nationality could result in disadvantages.
A woman in her 30s, identified as Ms. A, who lives in New York, shared her experience in the Dominican Republic. She recounted that while watching an ice hockey game on vacation, she absentmindedly cheered for the American team, which led to an argument with a nearby tourist. Since then, she has started carrying a bag adorned with a Canadian flag patch.
However, she found herself in an awkward situation when another American traveler recognized her American accent and discovered her true identity.
Mr. B, from Michigan, had a similar experience. While traveling in Europe, he introduced himself as Canadian at a local restaurant, but became flustered when a staff member-who was highly knowledgeable about the Ontario region-asked detailed questions about his supposed hometown. Mr. B confessed, "Since then, I just keep a low profile."
This phenomenon is not new. In the early 2000s, when the United States invaded Afghanistan and Iraq in quick succession, leading to widespread criticism abroad, "posing as Canadians" also spread among American travelers as a kind of survival strategy.
The popular animated series "The Simpsons" even featured a scene where the main character attaches a Canadian flag to his bag before a trip to Europe, which became a talking point at the time. Now, about 20 years later, as anti-American sentiment rises again, flag jacking has made a comeback.
Canadians: "Our flag is not a disguise tool"
However, Canadians are critical of this behavior. Their resentment has deepened, especially given the Trump administration's history of trade retaliation against Canada and public criticism of the Canadian prime minister.
Todd Maffin, a Canadian cultural commentator, voiced his criticism in a video posted on his social media. He stated, "We are not an alternative passport for Americans," and "Canada is a country, not a costume for Americans to put on temporarily." He further emphasized, "It is not morally right to borrow another country's identity just because you are uncomfortable with your own situation. The real solution is to confront and fix the problems in your own country."
Maffin's video surpassed 100,000 views online in less than three months after it was posted, drawing widespread attention.
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