What happened to me today...

[Maksim]

On my way to band practice today, I took a bus like I always do. From the same stop I stepped in, a man of, say, 50 years also came into the bus. I sat down, and he went a little farther down the aisle. I may dozed off a bit, but the next thing I know, the man is standing in front of me, looking very angry, and speaking to me:

"That flag would better suit your jacket breast than your a**e, you sitting on it defiles it, you know I have a Canadian passport in addition to my Finnish one, my father fought in the 8th regiment, you should show some respect..."

And with that, he was out of the bus, probably grumbling to himself about the young people of today.

It took me nearly a minute to realize what on Earth he was talking about: I was wearing my Freedom Kilt, which has a tiny Canadian flag on the "back pocket". Quite a surprise this man gave me!

[Lallans]

I have to say I have some sympathy for the gentleman, although having the manufactor put the flag on the garment is not the same as sewing one on yourself. The location on your butt is most unfortunate and depending on its prominence (I mean the flag's) that might have stopped me from buying. If I did own such a thing I would be looking for a way to undo the disrespect....

[Big Mikey]

The flag measures about 1/4 inch by 1/2 inch, barely visiible. It is attached to the pocket at the hip. It displays the makers' pride at producing a Canadian garment. If you were to order a Freedom Kilt, you could choose to have the flag left off. As for disrespect, what are your thoughts regarding the Saltire kilt? Let's remember that all people are entitled to their opinions but a little education before forming those opinions is a good thing.

[cessna152towser]

Well I own four Freedom kilts and I have proudly pointed out the little Canadian flag when I have met Canadians while wearing one of my Freedom kilts. None have ever taken offence as to its position and I would never have considered it offensive that the flag is on the back. Similarly I have never thought of those kilts with the Saltire pattern displayed by the pleats as in any way offensive. Obviously this guy on the bus suffers from some sort of persecution complex when he sees this as offensive where no offence is intended.

[Moski]

... Obviously this guy on the bus suffers from some sort of persecution complex when he sees this as offensive where no offence is intended.

Quite right. Having the flag as part of the makers mark is a show of pride. If not then I officially take offence at all of the sports gear with flags or seals where "ya may sweat some". The flag seemed to me a proud "Made in Canada". But then again what would I know.

[Macman]

[QUOTE=Moski;906168] Having the flag as part of the makers mark is a show of pride. . . The flag seemed to me a proud "Made in Canada". QUOTE]

I totally agree. Where the flag is located on a Freedom Kilt I find in no way offensive. I can't understand someone getting worked up about that.

[Lallans]

It's the ***-proximate location that caused the indignation- I know I've seen Freedom Kilts and have never noticed a red maple leaf flag on them- my recovered memory that it's not a true, official Canadian flag but rather a modified version used- is that accurate? If so, not a problem. Otherwise, unfortunate at best.

Flag abuse trivia: There was a store in Canada's capital that sold Maple Leaf Flag doormats. This used to get me going and I was known to suggest that the store's staff that the owner get a similar mat made with his mother's face on it, and I would buy that.

[auld argonian]

Wow...does this take me back. In the Hippie days, wearing the flag was an act of rebellion...the notorious TV appearance of Abbie Hoffman where they blurred out his infamous American Flag shirt so as not to offend Middle America. Time goes by...after a while it's a sign of patriotism to wear the flag...every Fourth of July season, Old Navy and Kohl's have racks full of Flag shirts...I guess it's okay now, eh?

Sounds like the old guy was out looking for something to get offended about so he could spout off.

I often wear a sweatshirt with a big ole Red Maple Leaf and "Canada" all over the front...because I have always enjoyed the time that I've spent in Canada and just think the world of it...anyhow, once in my train station I hears some drunk yell across the way, "Hey, @$$#*!%, go back to Canada!". Wow...what unwarranted hostility...I sure wish that your guy from the bus was there so that he could give this drunk a piece of his mind!

By the way...two passports? Dual citizenship? What's that about, anyway? Make up your mind, already!

Best

AA

[Howard Clark]

Offense is always taken. It can be no other way most of the time. Of course one can in fact choose to give offense, but it generally requires forethought.

The only time I find myself offended by the wearing of the image of a US flag is when it is on the person of a loudmouthed a*&^ american in another country, like for instance Canada or England or France. Then it truly bothers me that someone is clothed in the flag image.

It is a pity that you did not get the chance to talk to him more, as he chose to storm off. Perhaps all he needed was a kind word and a smile to make his day better in some small way. It obviously had got off to a bad start.

I worry that sometimes we are a wee bit judgmental when we could be compassionate, or humorous instead.

I do know many people, some vets, some not, who find the image of the flag splashed all over everything to be tacky and cheap. To them it seems to lessens the value of it as a symbol, and denigrate what it stands for. I think this may be from where the gentleman in question comes, in viewpoint.

[CaseyB]

By the way...two passports? Dual citizenship? What's that about, anyway? Make up your mind, already!

My wife is Russian and next year is going to apply for US citizenship. She will be keeping her Russian citizenship so that she can visit her family without having to go through all the hassle of getting an official invitation and applying for a Visa.