Recently, hundreds of thousands of American tourists have begun picking up a controversial new practice known as “flag jacking.” They drape themselves in the Canadian flag and pretend to be Canadians. A growing anti-Americanism overseas has sparked this trend. It especially took off during and after the Trump administration. As some Americans attempt to distance themselves from the political climate in the United States, Canadians have expressed their outrage at what they see as cultural appropriation and disrespect toward their national identity.
Many American travelers proudly fly the Canadian flag on their luggage, bags or backpacks. They engage in this behavior to avoid the stigma associated with being American. This practice has become quite common in many popular tourist destinations. It is something that American Chelsea Metzger recently witnessed firsthand while in the Dominican Republic. During her months spent in the Caribbean nation, Metzger would often introduce herself as Canadian. She was trying to head off any backlash that might come from her identity as an American.
In the eyes of Canadian public figure Tod Maffin, that makes it “cultural theft and appropriation,” and he’s on a mission to stop it. He contends it cheapens the meaning of the Canadian flag and ridicules Canadian nationalism. “The Canadian flag is not a shield or an invisibility cloak,” Maffin stated. He warned that Canadians are incredibly sensitive when it comes to their nationhood. To them, pretending to be Canadian is an insult to their moral fiber.
The emotions that accompany nationalism in Canada frequently mix with a certain level of anti-Americanism, according to political scientist Alexander Schertzer. He argues that nationalism is provoked by perceived outside dangers, generating the kinds of visceral reactions that rival those produced by faith. The current political climate in the U.S. has intensified feelings of nationalism among Canadians, heightening their sensitivity to perceived slights against their country.
The historic maple leaf has been used as a diplomatic marking for past Canadian travellers. Canadians have taken to sewing flags on all of their bags. This decision represents their national character and distinguishes them from Americans when travelling abroad. This long-standing tradition speaks to just how much Canadians care about their perception as friendly and approachable travelers. In sharp contrast, the picture abroad is of an increasingly combative America.
Despite the backlash from Canadians, some Americans argue that flag jacking is a harmless tactic to navigate international travel more smoothly. They think that assuming a Canadian identity allows them to have these vacations. In doing so, they can outmaneuver the stigma attached to being American in many parts of the world. This view misses the bigger picture about what it means to do harm.
Maffin’s critique of flag jacking points to deeper issues around the politics of cultural appropriation and the importance of respecting cultural symbols. He claims that flying another country’s flag for one’s own ease is a more disgusting act. It casts aside the very idea of what it means to be Canadian. “Canadians are incredibly proud of being Canadian,” Maffin stated. This pride stems from deep well of cultural heritage and national values that are worthy of reverence and respect.
We are now living in a world that is fighting against increasing levels of polarization and nationalistic sentiment. Within that broader context, flag jacking highlights the fine line between personal expression and cultural appropriation. Many Americans view this as a no brainer investment to provide them a better travel experience. At the same time, most Canadians believe it does little to serve their national pride and identity.
