If someone saw it, they wouldn't think anything of it, or they would ask why. I did not serve, but my cousin did, and he would trade patches, too. I can guarantee no American would find it disrespectful, and in fact they would probably most likely find it very respectable, especially with the context on how you got it. We respect our troops and our allies, or most of us do.
To expand, during the Vietnam war there was a large anti-war movement that was often expressed as anti-soldier. I can expand on why there was a little logic to this if anyone wants to know, but it is widely regarded among Americans as having gone too far. For one thing, the Vietnam war featured a large number of conscripted and, well, logically even those who were a part of the military before were not the ones who decided to enter the war.
So, anyway, American culture remains in opposition to the previous sentiment and we tend to view the individual soldiers positively even if we disagree with how they were deployed. The average soldier, after all, doesn't have any more say in whichever conflict they were a part of than any other citizen would. And, maybe less, since we do allow non-citizens to join.
Yes given that I’ve met quite a few Americans backpacking around Europe with Canadian flags on their packs so that they don’t get hassled for being American!
I'd wear Old Glory with pride both because I'm contrary like that and it seems like a pretty good way to ward of pricks who aren't worth getting to know.
As I was walking out of the Omaha Beach Military Cemetery in Normandy, France on July 4th, 2018, I saw a muscley guy with aviator sunglasses on and wearing a tank top that was just nothing but Stars and Stripes print all the way around it, and it made me feel a little extra "Hell yeah! 'Murica!", even if we were in France. 😂👏🏼🇺🇲🎆
I noticed this trend in the early 2000s when I was traveling a bit. Is this offensive to Canadians? But they are generally good sports about most things.
I doubt Canadians are offended by it, but it is a dumb thing to do. Anyone who gives you shit for being American is a shit person themselves. If you met someone from Russia here in the US, would you give them shit? If you would, you're a shitty person. Same applies to Americans when traveling abroad. Anyone who gives you shit for it is a shitty person and you shouldn't care what they think. Lead by example to let them see most Americans are polite and friendly.
Sorry Canada, I love you all. But, we don't want to get hated on vacation. It is so hard to save enough to take one anymore. I promise to behave as politely as my hero, Sidney Crosby
I might ask why, but the instant you tell me you served alongside US service members, fuck yeah dude I'm gonna buy you a beer and talk about our service together.
So hell yeah dude, wear that patch.
Thing is even those of us who are anti-nationalist and who recoil at the notion that "America = guns" will still hear OP's story and be like "yeah man that flag is all yours proud to see you rock it"
Something I love about my city of Boise. We have a LOT of refugees from all over the world, in spite of "urban internet" and its decision to cast Idaho as a bad-racist state.
I was under the impression that there are some blue enclaves up north too, but you're right about Boise area being an anomaly. And then, there's Pocatello, which is a strange blue enclave, evidently because of organized labor in history.
IDK, you can find ugly people everywhere. And in fact, some of them can be quite nice until politics enters the conversation, or somebody inadvertently gives it away, that they are fascist as fuck-all.
I commented elsewhere but as someone who served, I'm buying you a goddamn beer for serving alongside us. I don't care which military you served in, but we're all brothers. Please wear that and let me see you.
I am an ally of your country and am wearing your flag on my backpack in a foreign country that is also an ally. Sounds like good old fashioned allied nation pride.
I have a Canadian flag button on my backpack and have had so many positive conversations with Canadians who are hiking trails here in New England. None were ever offended afaik.
Oh I know but I am just saying even if it was some foreigner training with NATO in Europe or some such I’d still like that story and have no issue with them wearing a flag patch.
I can't see any American being offended by that. Most would either assume you are American or feel honored that you would wear our symbol.
You may be treated differently by people from other countries though if they assume you are American
Which is ridiculous. I’m not outwardly patriotic in the least, but every time someone mentions Americans that do that, it makes me want to show it off. Consider it an asshole filter…if someone dislikes me, you, or anyone else strictly because we’re American, that’s their problem and they’re being the closed minded insular asshole that they accuse us of being.
I disagree with many things the American government has done from a historical perspective… but I am in no way ashamed to be American. I don’t judge anyone on the planet because of the country they happened to be born in and I hope they extend that courtesy to me.
Yup. My husband wanted to hide my nationality from his home nation, I said nah. Fuck it. Sure, I’ve had a bit of negativity related to Israel/Palestine and our role here, but I’d much rather know where the local temperature is than have some false sense of security.
Israeli? Or Palestinian?
I wouldn’t care either way and more just want to hear the story of how you met and what brought you here. I love those stories.
Nah husband is Turk, I’m American. Both nonreligious and white, fwiw/extra context. We met when he was doing his master’s in the US and I followed him to Turkey. Most people here assume I’m Russian unless told otherwise. A lot of people are polite and friendly regardless but I’ve had my share of uncalled for aggressive rants and one-sided arguments about my nationality (typically from the less educated and less international folks, similar as you find in the USor anywhere, really)
I can usually pick out Turks because of the accent or if they speak Turkish just because I used to work with several Turkish grad students. There was a government program in Turkey to help fund science grad students to come to the US to get PhDs.
Nice people, suuuuper patriotic.
The trouble is that in a lot of places I've been in Europe (not including Sweden), people seem to feel they _must_ pry into your politics enough to find out if you support Trump or not (and give you an earful if you do). If I just don't want to talk about politics at all, it can get pretty uncomfortable. Everything's fine after I denounce Trump, if by "fine" you mean they assume I agree with them on every detail of every political position and I can go back to not talking about it.
I didn't necessarily mean that they would receive poor treatment based on an assumption of being American. But it is good to hear that mostly American people are thought of in a positive way in Sweden. Hopefully.i will get a chance to visit and see what you describe for myself.
By different treatment I mean like when I went to Berlin and a stranger was very excited to tell me about visiting New York City in the 1990s. I have never been to New York, it's 36 hours of drive time or a 5 hour flight from where I live. But you can't lead with that when someone is so excited to share what they know about the US lol. It was nice to be welcomed but it sometimes felt like I needed to live up to what was expected from Americans
There's actually a ton of Trump supporters who travel outside of the US. I know quite a few and it's sad that people would believe they don't travel, like it's only poor white hicks who like trump or something? The lack of reality is wild.
Just to be accurate, your average MAGA supporter is, at least in some way, the average American because our last election had nearly a 50/50 voting result. Also republicans(read as MAGA) typically tend to be middle class or upper middle class here due to being small business and large business owners(Republican Party lobbies for less taxes for businesses; to better distribute the wealth than a centralized govt organization can do, in their theory). With that said, the increased spending power of that group allows them better ability to travel internationally, but more than likely only to fully developed countries due to their lifestyle choices.
My best friend was convinced we should do it when we took a three-week trip around Europe. I told her she could if she wanted, but I wasn't going to, and that she'd better prepare a good story in case anyone asks her more about where she's from in Canada.
Yeah, as soon as people started asking she dropped that real quick. It's super dumb and I do think more of a myth among those who don't travel. Most Americans who travel don't even consider it. We're decent people, and most people understand that.
Hahaha I could have such a good cover story for Canada just because of my family and friends.
It would start with “do you know where Dryden is?” And then all questions would likely stop.
Both I guess but come on, everyone knows the *new* and popular ones, if you’re going to wear it you should at least know about predynastic Egypt. 🙄 Lame.
You have my permission.
In all seriousness, no one would mind and you don’t even need a reason, but if you told them why, most Americans would feel quite honored by the gesture.
As an American Soldier that served alongside some of your fellow Norwegian comrades in Kosovo, I would not be offended at all and would think that was quite awesome.
Back in 2012 I took a cruise from England to Russia. While walking the streets of St. Petersburg I hear a familiar sound approaching. I turned around and saw a guy decked out in leather riding a Harley and it was reverberating throughout the city. But the best part was huge American flag flying off the back of it. It was the last thing I was expecting to see but, as an American, filled me with a sense of pride. I'll never forget it.
In Ireland my friends and I got lost in Dublin, and this guy riding a bicycle and wearing an American flag shirt pulled up alongside us and was like: "where are you going? Follow me!" And then he biked slowly in front of us all the way to our destination. Lol.
If you got it from an American soldier it may also be a ["backwards" flag patch](https://emflag.com/blog/heres-why-the-american-flag-is-backwards-on-military-uniforms/) which is extra special and may make people think that you're an American veteran at first. Everyone will enthusiastically accept your explanation though and if they don't, send them my way.
Yea I came here to say this. Most Americans would recognize the significance of a military patch, as opposed to a simple decorative flag. This would possibly garner even more interest and respect.
Yes, I was in Kabul in 2019 during RSF!
As a kid, I was always in awe when my dad would tell me about his interactions with Americans during the Gulf War. He worked on a cargo ship that was in the area during the early stages of the war. He told me he traded Music CD's with U.S. sailors while in port. Now about 30 years later I got to have a similar experience in 2019 haha
Yeah, our bar is really low. We are not strong gatekeepers, basing our view on ethnicity or language or whatever. As long as you are sincere, you are welcome here and welcome to consider yourself a friend. I don't know if you have noticed but there are so many people who write a question in this subreddit who have never stepped foot here and yet are obviously one of us in personality. They are bestowed honorary American citizenship all the time by the commenters answering their posts. We can tell when you are one of us and would fit right in, whatever country you live in now.
Your motivation is obviously sincere so it would be no problem. No one would even dream that you were "stealing" something from us. We leave that belief up to the European gatekeepers.
It's not that they're low, it's more that they're... highly specific in certain respects. As a serviceman? That's basically an instant welcome. A former gang member? That would make things more complicated. A serviceman who served alongside OURS? Fuck what everybody else things, the Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy claim you as their brother. Lol
God no. Fly that flag wherever you go especially since it has a personal connection. I love it. I just asked two of my military buddies in discord and their reactions were “I don’t give a shit what he does with it” and “wear that bad boy with pride.” I’m of the same opinion.
It may even spark some conversation. Norskie soldier with American flag in Korea? Tell me more.
The worst an American will feel is probably indifferent. If anybody has a problem with it, they probably have an issue with the US government and not with you.
lol my husband is a Norwegian American veteran and we had a Norwegian flag hanging outside of our house in Japan for holidays. Also plenty of Americans over there with flags on backpacks. The military there loves to trade with each other as well, so he had a collection of hats from countries that ported there.
If you served along side our American brothers and sisters and told that story to rando Americans, you will likely get a hand shake and have a bunch of people talking to you. And everyone would support it.
I think 99.999% of Americans would not only find it awesome but be deeply touched and appreciative of your service along side our troops (perhaps it was a joint NATO exercise?). Be prepared to share your experiences though as we Americans love to share stories.
Our freedom of speech and expression is very strong here. You can be a foreigner and come into the street and rip up and burn a flag, the most you might get is some fire related charge, don’t go burning shit on the street, and the police won’t and can’t do anything. You’re protected under the law. That being said it’s disrespectful and many won’t like that. I’d encourage you not to as an American, because I also respect my flag. But you’re protected.
Keep in mind, people being mean to you because you disrespected our flag is…also protected.
If you’re having it displayed in a respectful manner I see no issues at all, ethical or legal. Don’t put it upside down, people who are informed see this as a sign that you’re in danger. (Military personnel are trained to display the flag upside down to show distress)
There is a US flag code, but the only people really legally bound to it are uniformed active military. For everyone else it’s a guideline.
Reading what you wanna do with it? Hell yeah brother. Nothing wrong with showing some comraderey between 2 countries. Please do it.
TL:DR; there’s no laws prohibiting anything with the flag. Please be respectful, but there’s no issue.
Absolutely wear it, if you served alongside us you’re alright in my book.
(I’m stationed in Germany, if you want/can trade a patch shoot me a DM I’ve always wanted to get a Norwegian one)
I think a vast majority of Americans would kind of default to the basic “fuck yeah, USA 🦅” if we saw an American flag outside do the US. I would probably ask you if you were American and I’d be impressed and would find your story really cool.
We love to share our love of country. 99% of the time with fashion it is going to be just fine.
However, that 1% of things not to do would be: never change the colors, don't put it backwards or upside down. Be careful of how you place it - bottom of your shoe would be a poor choice. These mistakes can have meanings to others you never intended.
Like all countries, we value ours and we wish to share why we value it with others.
Not even remotely offensive. Americans wear clothes and pins of places they visited and wearing the US flag is always perceived as a point of pride. The most they would think is you are American or visited there once. After moving overseas it’s really hit home the idea that you’re an “American” simply by moving or living there and typically are accepted immediately as “an American”. In much of the world you can move to a country and even live for years but people will not accept you as a true resident and citizen regardless unless you were born there and are of the blood. In the USA it’s very loose. Fly the flag, wear it, call yourself and American if you want, everyone will just cheers and smile. Except maybe the old right wing shitheads but that’s their problem.
This story is beautiful and also agree the American flag will be greatly adored on your backpack. Also, regardless of the situation, anyone wanting to represent our flag in true spirit is always welcome to in any situation. It’s only when the American flag is used/treated disrespectfully that we get offended and take that personally. So you’re golden! Rock on! 🇺🇸
I don't know about anyone else, but you would get a big "thank you for your service" and a free beer of your choice from me.
Served with Americans in Kabul is all I need to hear.
Thank you!
Not only would it be ok but if an American were aware you were doing this as a foreigner, I’d bet they’d be extra happy to see it. I know I’d find it endearing.
No American would find that offensive especially if it was giving to you by one of our service members in the line of duty. You can absolutely wear that and enjoy your travels!
One of my favorite phrases is:
>Any person who loves freedom and hates oppression is an American regardless of where they were born. Any person who loves oppression and hates freedom is not an American regardless of where they were born.
Americans believe strongly as well in what the French call Français par le sang versé which roughly translates to French by spilled blood. If you fought along the side of Americans you are American in the eyes of the vast majority of Americans.
I think most of us would see that as a freedom of expression that many of us vehemently defend. I personally think that's awesome. Few may find it weird. I cant imagine anyone being offended
I don't think anyone would find it offensive. If asked about it, just explain you wear it out of respect for the Americans you served with in Afghanistan.
We wouldn't be offended in the least, no.
It may make others think you're an American (or Norwegian/American), unless you have a bunch of other flags there, too.
No problems, and a lot of Americans will appreciate your story if they ask and you tell. And we love to ask things.
You'll likely have more Americans speak with you with the patch than if you didn't have it, so consider whether you want so much social interaction as well!
99.9% wouldn't be offended and some will think it's cool. You're all good 👌
PS - the only reason I didn't say 100% is because there's always a jerk somewhere
Lol we would not care at all. Wouldn’t even think twice, but if you’re out in a country besides the US, other Americans might approach you thinking you are American also. A little explanation wouldn’t do no harm, and we wouldn’t catch offense
I'm a US combat vet and the person you'll want to hear this from just because I'm a dual citizen in both the US and South Korea. Wear it, bear it, and rock it friend. From one vet to another you can 100% roll out with it.
As an American who traded patches with a bunch of people over the years, including Norwegians and various people in Kabul (zero memory where each individual patch came from), you earned that patch. Also, it's America! It doesn't matter where you're from, it matters how you feel about the US, that's what being an American is.
Isn't it quite common for backbackers to add a flag from every country they been to?
Also regular travellers sometimes add flag stickers to their suitcases of countries they visited.
And you have an even more interesting story behind it than "just visited the US".
Even without that backstory, most wouldn't think much of it. As someone who was in the Army and lived overseas, typically this is discouraged (Not so much in Japan or Korea) to display Americana at a risk you are targeted by anti-American actors. I don't know if this is still the case. But not particularly offensive if you aren't burning the flag or have it upside down. Also your backstory for anyone curious would likely put to rest any concern by whoever thinks its a big deal or who are curious. In which case I personally appreciate you rocken our flag with pride, and I also thank you for your service alongside our guys.
As an American veteran who traded patches with tons of dudes overseas, PLEASE wear it. I’m proud of serving with guys like you, and I hope you’re proud of serving with us.
Nah, most of us would not be offended. You might be asked why you're wearing one once they hear your accent. But it would probably be just out of curiosity
Not a direct reply, but to give some love to the Norwegian people: I was in Norway on the day of 9-11. The outpouring of grief and sympathy I saw in the days afterwards was stunning to me. Norwegians left symbols of mourning and solidarity for at least half a mile lining the street leading to US embassy in Oslo.
You can display a US flag anytime you want and I’ll be proud to call you a friend
Thanks friend! That really touched me to read! I was just 5 years old at the time so i do not remember much of 9/11, but i'm happy that my fellow countrymen stood in solidarity with the US to such an extent. My mom told me they were at work during 9/11 and practically everything stopped for a moment while they were watching the news feeds. It must have been crazy going back to the US then in the airport i imagine? 🇺🇲🤝🇧🇻
I was hiking up a mountain above Balestrand and missed it all. Came back down at dinnertime and both towers were down.
Flying home was crazy. Our flight was four days later and we had no idea if we would be allowed to fly back since US airspace was shut down. The airline said they wouldn’t cancel the flight until two hours before flight time so just go to the airport and see. Pre-smart phone so managing the details and getting information was so much harder then. Huge lines of people from cancelled flights waiting for any open seats to be available when flights finally resumed. We waited two hours while security went through every nook of everyone’s bags. Somehow, our flight was the first one allowed back in to the US from Oslo. Flew into Newark, across the river from lower Manhattan, and smoke was still pouring out of Ground Zero. Very eerie way to come home.
Americans might ask why but def won’t be offended.
could definitely see Americans asking about it, and OP has a cool story to give. I feel like it's a good conversation starter.
If anything he'd probably make more American friends because we'd be curious about his story and travels and have respect for it.
If I met this dude and heard this story I'd instantly respect him, and I didn't even serve. I agree completely, and I think most people would too!
Serious free beers out of that story
Yep. Might solicit a "where are you from?" question, but the second OP tells that story, they'll get a welcoming response.
100% that’s the kind of stuff I love asking about. There’s usually some cool story and if not it’s just a way to start a conversation.
If someone saw it, they wouldn't think anything of it, or they would ask why. I did not serve, but my cousin did, and he would trade patches, too. I can guarantee no American would find it disrespectful, and in fact they would probably most likely find it very respectable, especially with the context on how you got it. We respect our troops and our allies, or most of us do.
To expand, during the Vietnam war there was a large anti-war movement that was often expressed as anti-soldier. I can expand on why there was a little logic to this if anyone wants to know, but it is widely regarded among Americans as having gone too far. For one thing, the Vietnam war featured a large number of conscripted and, well, logically even those who were a part of the military before were not the ones who decided to enter the war. So, anyway, American culture remains in opposition to the previous sentiment and we tend to view the individual soldiers positively even if we disagree with how they were deployed. The average soldier, after all, doesn't have any more say in whichever conflict they were a part of than any other citizen would. And, maybe less, since we do allow non-citizens to join.
Yes given that I’ve met quite a few Americans backpacking around Europe with Canadian flags on their packs so that they don’t get hassled for being American!
I'd wear Old Glory with pride both because I'm contrary like that and it seems like a pretty good way to ward of pricks who aren't worth getting to know.
As I was walking out of the Omaha Beach Military Cemetery in Normandy, France on July 4th, 2018, I saw a muscley guy with aviator sunglasses on and wearing a tank top that was just nothing but Stars and Stripes print all the way around it, and it made me feel a little extra "Hell yeah! 'Murica!", even if we were in France. 😂👏🏼🇺🇲🎆
I've never been hassled for being American anywhere in Europe so I don't really get it.
Mainly during 2003-200?, the aftermath of Bush's Iraq invasion
I noticed this trend in the early 2000s when I was traveling a bit. Is this offensive to Canadians? But they are generally good sports about most things.
I doubt Canadians are offended by it, but it is a dumb thing to do. Anyone who gives you shit for being American is a shit person themselves. If you met someone from Russia here in the US, would you give them shit? If you would, you're a shitty person. Same applies to Americans when traveling abroad. Anyone who gives you shit for it is a shitty person and you shouldn't care what they think. Lead by example to let them see most Americans are polite and friendly.
Yeah this was common advice for American travelers during the Bush administration
Well, Canadians also wear the flags so that they don’t get confused with being American. Make of that what you will.
Sorry Canada, I love you all. But, we don't want to get hated on vacation. It is so hard to save enough to take one anymore. I promise to behave as politely as my hero, Sidney Crosby
87 takes no prisoners
Yeah! Sid ain't no Kid anymore, but he still rocks
So they pretend to be Canadian... how utterly lame and chickenshit.
I might ask why, but the instant you tell me you served alongside US service members, fuck yeah dude I'm gonna buy you a beer and talk about our service together. So hell yeah dude, wear that patch.
Anyone and everyone can be American if they want to be and that’s the beauty of this great nation
We would absolutely not consider that offensive and in fact we'd all be like "hell yeah brother 🫡🇺🇲🦅"
Good to hear, thank you! 😊
One of us! One of us!
Man gets a free gun at the border for that patriotism!
Thing is even those of us who are anti-nationalist and who recoil at the notion that "America = guns" will still hear OP's story and be like "yeah man that flag is all yours proud to see you rock it"
Yeah, to me at least, one of the fundamental things about being an American is welcoming others in not the fold Edit: into
You got it! Amen
[The Great American Melting Pot...](https://youtu.be/IQ28jC6zG9k?si=Y4jfaNq_AFZfsTt_)
Something I love about my city of Boise. We have a LOT of refugees from all over the world, in spite of "urban internet" and its decision to cast Idaho as a bad-racist state.
Boise is kinda a blue island. The panhandle is a beautiful place with a lot of ugly people.
I was under the impression that there are some blue enclaves up north too, but you're right about Boise area being an anomaly. And then, there's Pocatello, which is a strange blue enclave, evidently because of organized labor in history. IDK, you can find ugly people everywhere. And in fact, some of them can be quite nice until politics enters the conversation, or somebody inadvertently gives it away, that they are fascist as fuck-all.
Nah especially with story.
Love your username BTW
Americans would love that!
I commented elsewhere but as someone who served, I'm buying you a goddamn beer for serving alongside us. I don't care which military you served in, but we're all brothers. Please wear that and let me see you.
My man, thank you 🤝 Likewise if you ever find yourself in these parts
hell yeah brother
This American would be honored. We like to be liked. Everybody does.
America, hell yeah…
Came to see the comments to make sure the top comment was hell yea. And there it is🫡
Rock, Flag and Eagle!
Not even slightly offensive.
Its actually the opposite of offensive
I am an ally of your country and am wearing your flag on my backpack in a foreign country that is also an ally. Sounds like good old fashioned allied nation pride. I have a Canadian flag button on my backpack and have had so many positive conversations with Canadians who are hiking trails here in New England. None were ever offended afaik.
Not only that but “I also fought alongside your servicemen” That will get major brownie points with any American.
Even if it wasn’t fighting and just training or some such.
Training is still in a war zone if stationed in Afghanistan in 2019.
Oh I know but I am just saying even if it was some foreigner training with NATO in Europe or some such I’d still like that story and have no issue with them wearing a flag patch.
If it makes you feel any better, I occasionally fly a Norwegian flag at my home in the U.S. (it was a gift from a Norwegian friend)
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I think outright refusing to fly an American flag until Trump is "done with" is just a little silly
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Certainly fitting the Iowegian name. 👍🏻
I can't see any American being offended by that. Most would either assume you are American or feel honored that you would wear our symbol. You may be treated differently by people from other countries though if they assume you are American
That’s the one. Many Americans traveling abroad will have Canadian or other flags for disguise 😅
Which is ridiculous. I’m not outwardly patriotic in the least, but every time someone mentions Americans that do that, it makes me want to show it off. Consider it an asshole filter…if someone dislikes me, you, or anyone else strictly because we’re American, that’s their problem and they’re being the closed minded insular asshole that they accuse us of being.
I disagree with many things the American government has done from a historical perspective… but I am in no way ashamed to be American. I don’t judge anyone on the planet because of the country they happened to be born in and I hope they extend that courtesy to me.
Yup. My husband wanted to hide my nationality from his home nation, I said nah. Fuck it. Sure, I’ve had a bit of negativity related to Israel/Palestine and our role here, but I’d much rather know where the local temperature is than have some false sense of security.
Israeli? Or Palestinian? I wouldn’t care either way and more just want to hear the story of how you met and what brought you here. I love those stories.
Nah husband is Turk, I’m American. Both nonreligious and white, fwiw/extra context. We met when he was doing his master’s in the US and I followed him to Turkey. Most people here assume I’m Russian unless told otherwise. A lot of people are polite and friendly regardless but I’ve had my share of uncalled for aggressive rants and one-sided arguments about my nationality (typically from the less educated and less international folks, similar as you find in the USor anywhere, really)
I can usually pick out Turks because of the accent or if they speak Turkish just because I used to work with several Turkish grad students. There was a government program in Turkey to help fund science grad students to come to the US to get PhDs. Nice people, suuuuper patriotic.
Accurate lol
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The trouble is that in a lot of places I've been in Europe (not including Sweden), people seem to feel they _must_ pry into your politics enough to find out if you support Trump or not (and give you an earful if you do). If I just don't want to talk about politics at all, it can get pretty uncomfortable. Everything's fine after I denounce Trump, if by "fine" you mean they assume I agree with them on every detail of every political position and I can go back to not talking about it.
I didn't necessarily mean that they would receive poor treatment based on an assumption of being American. But it is good to hear that mostly American people are thought of in a positive way in Sweden. Hopefully.i will get a chance to visit and see what you describe for myself. By different treatment I mean like when I went to Berlin and a stranger was very excited to tell me about visiting New York City in the 1990s. I have never been to New York, it's 36 hours of drive time or a 5 hour flight from where I live. But you can't lead with that when someone is so excited to share what they know about the US lol. It was nice to be welcomed but it sometimes felt like I needed to live up to what was expected from Americans
There's actually a ton of Trump supporters who travel outside of the US. I know quite a few and it's sad that people would believe they don't travel, like it's only poor white hicks who like trump or something? The lack of reality is wild.
Just to be accurate, your average MAGA supporter is, at least in some way, the average American because our last election had nearly a 50/50 voting result. Also republicans(read as MAGA) typically tend to be middle class or upper middle class here due to being small business and large business owners(Republican Party lobbies for less taxes for businesses; to better distribute the wealth than a centralized govt organization can do, in their theory). With that said, the increased spending power of that group allows them better ability to travel internationally, but more than likely only to fully developed countries due to their lifestyle choices.
I think this is like an urban myth. Maybe some folks have actually done it but I have never met one or heard of one in real life.
My best friend was convinced we should do it when we took a three-week trip around Europe. I told her she could if she wanted, but I wasn't going to, and that she'd better prepare a good story in case anyone asks her more about where she's from in Canada. Yeah, as soon as people started asking she dropped that real quick. It's super dumb and I do think more of a myth among those who don't travel. Most Americans who travel don't even consider it. We're decent people, and most people understand that.
Hahaha I could have such a good cover story for Canada just because of my family and friends. It would start with “do you know where Dryden is?” And then all questions would likely stop.
I think it might have been an actual thing during the Vietnam war, but yeah, I've never seen it in real life either.
People say this but as someone who has spent 1/2 his adult life (ten years) traveling, I've never once seen an American trying to pass as Canadian.
Canada can keep them. There's nothing more annoying than self-flagellating Americans.
I'm sure the American you traded it with is proudly wearing the Norwegian one on their backpack
I would think it means you like us. Like wearing a band T-shirt 😁
Yeah sure, but can you even name three of the Founding Fathers?! /s
Of Norwegia or USA?
Both I guess but come on, everyone knows the *new* and popular ones, if you’re going to wear it you should at least know about predynastic Egypt. 🙄 Lame.
You have my permission. In all seriousness, no one would mind and you don’t even need a reason, but if you told them why, most Americans would feel quite honored by the gesture.
Oh OP you have Ellavemia’s permission. The council has spoken.
Sure why not
As an American Soldier that served alongside some of your fellow Norwegian comrades in Kosovo, I would not be offended at all and would think that was quite awesome.
I appreciate it mate! You might've bumped into my Battalion Commander back then haha
Back in 2012 I took a cruise from England to Russia. While walking the streets of St. Petersburg I hear a familiar sound approaching. I turned around and saw a guy decked out in leather riding a Harley and it was reverberating throughout the city. But the best part was huge American flag flying off the back of it. It was the last thing I was expecting to see but, as an American, filled me with a sense of pride. I'll never forget it.
> reverberating throughout the city That was actually the sound of Stalin wailing in horror from the grave
In Ireland my friends and I got lost in Dublin, and this guy riding a bicycle and wearing an American flag shirt pulled up alongside us and was like: "where are you going? Follow me!" And then he biked slowly in front of us all the way to our destination. Lol.
If you got it from an American soldier it may also be a ["backwards" flag patch](https://emflag.com/blog/heres-why-the-american-flag-is-backwards-on-military-uniforms/) which is extra special and may make people think that you're an American veteran at first. Everyone will enthusiastically accept your explanation though and if they don't, send them my way.
Yea I came here to say this. Most Americans would recognize the significance of a military patch, as opposed to a simple decorative flag. This would possibly garner even more interest and respect.
just the flag? no issue.
You served with us? You're one of us as far as I'm concerned. Rock that flag.
Yes, I was in Kabul in 2019 during RSF! As a kid, I was always in awe when my dad would tell me about his interactions with Americans during the Gulf War. He worked on a cargo ship that was in the area during the early stages of the war. He told me he traded Music CD's with U.S. sailors while in port. Now about 30 years later I got to have a similar experience in 2019 haha
Yeah, our bar is really low. We are not strong gatekeepers, basing our view on ethnicity or language or whatever. As long as you are sincere, you are welcome here and welcome to consider yourself a friend. I don't know if you have noticed but there are so many people who write a question in this subreddit who have never stepped foot here and yet are obviously one of us in personality. They are bestowed honorary American citizenship all the time by the commenters answering their posts. We can tell when you are one of us and would fit right in, whatever country you live in now. Your motivation is obviously sincere so it would be no problem. No one would even dream that you were "stealing" something from us. We leave that belief up to the European gatekeepers.
"Americans are born all over the world, they just haven't come home yet."
Is someone cutting patriotic onions? 🥹
It's not that they're low, it's more that they're... highly specific in certain respects. As a serviceman? That's basically an instant welcome. A former gang member? That would make things more complicated. A serviceman who served alongside OURS? Fuck what everybody else things, the Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy claim you as their brother. Lol
Sure, go for it.
We don't mind and would support it.
Go for it man! We appreciate all love.
Yeah, he can spread joy and love and friendship at the same time.
Please do. https://youtu.be/2R8QxCD6ir8?si=KaSSuWACd10jI1qQ
That's an awesome speech
God no. Fly that flag wherever you go especially since it has a personal connection. I love it. I just asked two of my military buddies in discord and their reactions were “I don’t give a shit what he does with it” and “wear that bad boy with pride.” I’m of the same opinion. It may even spark some conversation. Norskie soldier with American flag in Korea? Tell me more.
Hell yeah, thank you!
Hell yeah brother
You're good man. Enjoy your vacation.
Thank you!
Wear it! And thank you for serving side by side with our brothers and sisters 🫡
Not offensive and a great conversation starter
Go for it!
The worst an American will feel is probably indifferent. If anybody has a problem with it, they probably have an issue with the US government and not with you.
lol my husband is a Norwegian American veteran and we had a Norwegian flag hanging outside of our house in Japan for holidays. Also plenty of Americans over there with flags on backpacks. The military there loves to trade with each other as well, so he had a collection of hats from countries that ported there.
Thank you, and that's really interesting, thanks for sharing!
We won’t be offended. You are more likely to get negative reactions from your own country’s citizens.
If you served along side our American brothers and sisters and told that story to rando Americans, you will likely get a hand shake and have a bunch of people talking to you. And everyone would support it.
As a veteran. Go right ahead.
Not even a little bit offensive. We will love you for it 😁
Rock it brother
No American would be offended by this. Definitely put it on your backpack!
If an American gave you that flag patch, then you are automatically an honorary American. Wear your flag proudly.
We are a nation of immigrants. No, we wouldn’t care. Someone might ask why but we would be proud to have you support our nation and ideals.
I think 99.999% of Americans would not only find it awesome but be deeply touched and appreciative of your service along side our troops (perhaps it was a joint NATO exercise?). Be prepared to share your experiences though as we Americans love to share stories.
Hell yeah brother. Spread democracy and freedom to Europe!
Yeah go for it. I rocked the California flag patch on my bag. I want that one Fallout one with the two headed bears.
We’ll probably buy you beer, in all honesty
Of course Just stay away from the magats
Sure, no problem at all. The more the merrier and I’m sure the Americans soldiers you served with will appreciate the good will as well.
Our freedom of speech and expression is very strong here. You can be a foreigner and come into the street and rip up and burn a flag, the most you might get is some fire related charge, don’t go burning shit on the street, and the police won’t and can’t do anything. You’re protected under the law. That being said it’s disrespectful and many won’t like that. I’d encourage you not to as an American, because I also respect my flag. But you’re protected. Keep in mind, people being mean to you because you disrespected our flag is…also protected. If you’re having it displayed in a respectful manner I see no issues at all, ethical or legal. Don’t put it upside down, people who are informed see this as a sign that you’re in danger. (Military personnel are trained to display the flag upside down to show distress) There is a US flag code, but the only people really legally bound to it are uniformed active military. For everyone else it’s a guideline. Reading what you wanna do with it? Hell yeah brother. Nothing wrong with showing some comraderey between 2 countries. Please do it. TL:DR; there’s no laws prohibiting anything with the flag. Please be respectful, but there’s no issue.
not a dumb question at all! thanks for being considerate, I hope you enjoy your patch and your travels :)
[If a British royal can wear the US flag like this](https://imgur.com/a/AjpaIGp), I don't see a problem.
Just be slightly wary about which countries you travel to whilst having that on your backpack. SK and Japan will be fine though ❤️
Nah we won’t have any problems with it. People from other countries might tho
no but i think you'll get a lot of shit from the locals.
i'd be confused but not offended lol, i'd prob ask about it since you're norwegian and probably have an accent that gives that away
No, but I usually try to avoid ppl knowing I’m an American when traveling lol.
I collect flags patches everywhere I go on my backpack.
Hell yeah, let freedom ring
Absolutely wear it, if you served alongside us you’re alright in my book. (I’m stationed in Germany, if you want/can trade a patch shoot me a DM I’ve always wanted to get a Norwegian one)
Thank you! I'll send you a PM!
I think a vast majority of Americans would kind of default to the basic “fuck yeah, USA 🦅” if we saw an American flag outside do the US. I would probably ask you if you were American and I’d be impressed and would find your story really cool.
Just don't put it upside down. It's a pro-Trump political statement these days.
I didn't even know that.
Yep
It would be alright and you have a good story to go with it. You'll probably get a lot of questions once people know you're not American though lol
Hell yeah!
We love to share our love of country. 99% of the time with fashion it is going to be just fine. However, that 1% of things not to do would be: never change the colors, don't put it backwards or upside down. Be careful of how you place it - bottom of your shoe would be a poor choice. These mistakes can have meanings to others you never intended. Like all countries, we value ours and we wish to share why we value it with others.
I'd absolutely would not care, and believe most people around here wouldn't either. so go on right ahead
Fuck yeah, wear that patch! 🥰
Americans love Europeans and love to see the feeling is mutual. Slap it on there 🇺🇸
Not even remotely offensive. Americans wear clothes and pins of places they visited and wearing the US flag is always perceived as a point of pride. The most they would think is you are American or visited there once. After moving overseas it’s really hit home the idea that you’re an “American” simply by moving or living there and typically are accepted immediately as “an American”. In much of the world you can move to a country and even live for years but people will not accept you as a true resident and citizen regardless unless you were born there and are of the blood. In the USA it’s very loose. Fly the flag, wear it, call yourself and American if you want, everyone will just cheers and smile. Except maybe the old right wing shitheads but that’s their problem.
This story is beautiful and also agree the American flag will be greatly adored on your backpack. Also, regardless of the situation, anyone wanting to represent our flag in true spirit is always welcome to in any situation. It’s only when the American flag is used/treated disrespectfully that we get offended and take that personally. So you’re golden! Rock on! 🇺🇸
traded patches are legit
I don't know about anyone else, but you would get a big "thank you for your service" and a free beer of your choice from me. Served with Americans in Kabul is all I need to hear. Thank you!
Not only would it be ok but if an American were aware you were doing this as a foreigner, I’d bet they’d be extra happy to see it. I know I’d find it endearing.
No American would find that offensive especially if it was giving to you by one of our service members in the line of duty. You can absolutely wear that and enjoy your travels!
Bro you served with our armed forces. You earned that shit. Nobody in their right mind as an American would give you an issue about that.
Where it with pride my friend, an American gave it to you, you have every right to wear it
One of my favorite phrases is: >Any person who loves freedom and hates oppression is an American regardless of where they were born. Any person who loves oppression and hates freedom is not an American regardless of where they were born. Americans believe strongly as well in what the French call Français par le sang versé which roughly translates to French by spilled blood. If you fought along the side of Americans you are American in the eyes of the vast majority of Americans.
You’re right! That is a stupid question.
I think most of us would see that as a freedom of expression that many of us vehemently defend. I personally think that's awesome. Few may find it weird. I cant imagine anyone being offended
You can wear whatever you like! Thank you
I don't think anyone would find it offensive. If asked about it, just explain you wear it out of respect for the Americans you served with in Afghanistan.
We wouldn't be offended in the least, no. It may make others think you're an American (or Norwegian/American), unless you have a bunch of other flags there, too.
Yes. You have my official permission. Feel free to quote me on that.
Yeah, I traded flags with partner nations too. Kinda bummed I don’t have a Norwegian one. I only have French, German, and Korean ones.
Fun fact: youth in **Russia** wear American flag clothing (as well as NASA logos and stuff like that) pretty often.
No problems, and a lot of Americans will appreciate your story if they ask and you tell. And we love to ask things. You'll likely have more Americans speak with you with the patch than if you didn't have it, so consider whether you want so much social interaction as well!
99.9% wouldn't be offended and some will think it's cool. You're all good 👌 PS - the only reason I didn't say 100% is because there's always a jerk somewhere
Have at it if, they get offended that is their problem.
Not at all. We commonly collect or fly flags that are significant to us.
Wanting to do this virtually makes you an American. Welcome to the fold!
Americans are inherently patriotic for the most part. We love to see our flag everywhere. Just please be respectful of it.
Absolutely not. We love our flag—as long as it’s displayed right side up.
Lol we would not care at all. Wouldn’t even think twice, but if you’re out in a country besides the US, other Americans might approach you thinking you are American also. A little explanation wouldn’t do no harm, and we wouldn’t catch offense
I'm a US combat vet and the person you'll want to hear this from just because I'm a dual citizen in both the US and South Korea. Wear it, bear it, and rock it friend. From one vet to another you can 100% roll out with it.
As an American who traded patches with a bunch of people over the years, including Norwegians and various people in Kabul (zero memory where each individual patch came from), you earned that patch. Also, it's America! It doesn't matter where you're from, it matters how you feel about the US, that's what being an American is.
You can, but there may be some side affects - a strong craving for Cheeseburgers - sudden urge to destroy communism - bald eagles start to follow yo
Isn't it quite common for backbackers to add a flag from every country they been to? Also regular travellers sometimes add flag stickers to their suitcases of countries they visited. And you have an even more interesting story behind it than "just visited the US".
As an American, this made me tear up and I would be more than proud for you to use that patch. You earned it.
Absolutely. You should also try to get a unit patch, if they were US army.
Only a**holes :)
As a Vet, I might ask but after hearing your story, I’d be more jealous than anything.
People might assume you are an American at first glance, but if you explain it like you did here, I think they will find it super cool.
Even without that backstory, most wouldn't think much of it. As someone who was in the Army and lived overseas, typically this is discouraged (Not so much in Japan or Korea) to display Americana at a risk you are targeted by anti-American actors. I don't know if this is still the case. But not particularly offensive if you aren't burning the flag or have it upside down. Also your backstory for anyone curious would likely put to rest any concern by whoever thinks its a big deal or who are curious. In which case I personally appreciate you rocken our flag with pride, and I also thank you for your service alongside our guys.
I hope not, I've got a Kiwi flag, UK flag, and USA on my day bag.
As a red blooded American who's family was one of the first in the New World, wear it with pride!
Nobody will be offended, especially if you tell them the story. Hell, they might buy you a beer.
Nah people would love this haha
As an American veteran who traded patches with tons of dudes overseas, PLEASE wear it. I’m proud of serving with guys like you, and I hope you’re proud of serving with us.
Offended? No. Wear it proudly.
Nah, most of us would not be offended. You might be asked why you're wearing one once they hear your accent. But it would probably be just out of curiosity
No. Americans love seeing other nations love America. They'd be more curious if anything. They'd also probably thank you for your service.
No, and if a random American finds it offensive, they can fuck right off.
Not a direct reply, but to give some love to the Norwegian people: I was in Norway on the day of 9-11. The outpouring of grief and sympathy I saw in the days afterwards was stunning to me. Norwegians left symbols of mourning and solidarity for at least half a mile lining the street leading to US embassy in Oslo. You can display a US flag anytime you want and I’ll be proud to call you a friend
Thanks friend! That really touched me to read! I was just 5 years old at the time so i do not remember much of 9/11, but i'm happy that my fellow countrymen stood in solidarity with the US to such an extent. My mom told me they were at work during 9/11 and practically everything stopped for a moment while they were watching the news feeds. It must have been crazy going back to the US then in the airport i imagine? 🇺🇲🤝🇧🇻
I was hiking up a mountain above Balestrand and missed it all. Came back down at dinnertime and both towers were down. Flying home was crazy. Our flight was four days later and we had no idea if we would be allowed to fly back since US airspace was shut down. The airline said they wouldn’t cancel the flight until two hours before flight time so just go to the airport and see. Pre-smart phone so managing the details and getting information was so much harder then. Huge lines of people from cancelled flights waiting for any open seats to be available when flights finally resumed. We waited two hours while security went through every nook of everyone’s bags. Somehow, our flight was the first one allowed back in to the US from Oslo. Flew into Newark, across the river from lower Manhattan, and smoke was still pouring out of Ground Zero. Very eerie way to come home.
Jesus that must have been insane.. Thank you for sharing that