Would it be offensive to wear a united states flag designed hat or a shirt that says America rox in a foreign country?
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What's appropriate
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It wouldn't be offensive, but it may not get you the best possible treatment.
Would it be "offensive" to wear a hat with a GOP (Republican) elephant in Boston, or a hat with a Deomcratic Donkey in Oklahoma? Maybe, to some people. They (in the U.S.) and the American flag (in a foreign country) are political symbols.
A lot of Americans were offended a couple of months ago when some Latins were protesting for immigration/guest worker rights for people, including illegal alens, who were waving the flags of other countries. (If they're trying to influence the American political process, which is controlled by American citizens, it does seem counterproductive to wave foreign flags. There's that pride thing again.)
Are you going to bring an American flag cap to Japan?
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well there was this really cute visor. and they said to bring a hat and/or visor. This one has the US flag on. there's another with spongebob lol but I still like the other onethey said not to put white ribbons on the gifts for our homestays because it signifys mourning. does that mean I can't wear white? I have white shoes. A white shirt. White capris. Would it be wrong to wear white when I meet the government officials? I'm going to be booted out the country!
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Try not to wear anything with the American flag unless its underwear. Look for a Canadian flag thing and tell them your from Winnipeg. :grin:
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If you ring the local Japanese embassy or consulate they would probably be able to advise you about what's tasteful or not.
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generally, a few bad apples have earned a bad reputation for American tourists around the world. Also, there's aren't many fans of the current US forgien policies.
To apear to be a Yanky Doodle Dandy flag waver while on vacation is not always the best idea. Just might not give the best first impression.
Now, that said, Japan (especially Tokyo) contains a lot of people with a fascination for all things American. I'd suggest a subtle approach though. -
Here are some books that might be of interest. I have Culture Shock: France, and it's pretty funny, but it contains some nuggets of wisdom.
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depends what country its in i guess...i mean, wearing and american hat in iraq may not b so wise, but if it was sumwhere like NZ or Aus it wouldnt offend ppl but we would probably think ur a bit of a dick
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I would HIGHLY recommend that you didn't!
The USA isn't exactly popular at the moment, wearing it would just give you a load of unwanted attention and everyone would just mutter "wanker!" under their breath. Also you would stick out like a sore thumb as a tourist and would probably get targeted by thieves.
What would wearing it achieve?
My advice, don't wear it and try and pass of as a Canadian.
Mr. Nuts -
oh jeez is it honestly that serious? they're going to call a bunch of high school kids "wankers"? That's messed up. lol I'm not going to Iraq I'm going to Japan lol. And ya... I think they're going to know I'm a tourist if I'm with 42 other Americans. And I can't wear anything Canadian because I'm supposed to be a Student Ambassador representing New York, United States. But thanks steve the link helped much.
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My tip to you is to try not be American.
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That's easy for you to say. OK, I'll try to be Chinese.
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Great, you can start here! Chinese name
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I was hoping for Long Wang, but it turned out to be An Xian tu. Now they'll never figure out I'm American.
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How can I try not to be American? Not breathe? lol no seriously... there aren't many black Japanese chicks living in Japan lol. And I will be too American by running up each person screaming "Konnichi wa! Hijemamashite! Ja matha!"
I'll be the most obvious tourist there. lol
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It’s not serious. But you will find that you get on much better if you keep as lower profile as possible. Its not just for Americans, when your on holiday you have fun, enjoy yourself but you don't do anything which would draw any unnecessary attention to yourself. Language barrier so you can't explain.Cultural differences.All I am saying is wearing something drenched in the Star Spangled Banner or something saying "America rox's" isn't going to do you any favours.Mr. Nutsp.s. Is this your first time going abroad?
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oh ok I gotcha. yeah it is.
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firstly WELL DONE you are a low percentrage of amerincas who own a passport and yh wear whatever you want , just dont force other people to agree with what you are wearing
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I can't stand tourists who wear items of clothing announcing which country they are from. A patch on your bag or something, fine. But a hat or shirt, not fine.It's like they are screaming, "LOOK I'M FROM AND I'M BETTER THAN YOUR COUNTRY SO I'LL SHOW IT BY WEARING THIS CLOTHING"
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ALSO.... dont forget... everyone understands American if you speak slow and loud enough