a question for people outside of north america

[SenseOfTumour]

It's tricky, do you use a badge to avoid the stereotype of foreign people, that they'll treat you as the stereotype of american people?

I'd say yes tho Or, considering the above, when you actually talk to people, just let them know you're from Canada, as Canadian and American accents sound very similar to non US types.

(Just like somehow the Scots, Welsh, and southern posh English types all somehow sound the same to Americans )

 

[Rednog]

No, it won't save you from being mugged, the only thing that will help from being mugged is keeping your mouth shut and not speaking English. People target tourists who they think don't speak the local language because 1) It is hard to ask for help in a language you don't understand 2) It is harder to report to the police. 3) You are unfamiliar with the lay of the land and it will be easy to trap you.
Putting a flag might give you a tiny bit of leniency from harassment when you're speaking english (though even then I'm doubtful because a girl in my class wears a full canadian getup in winter and she still gets called a stupid american when she speaks english); but it might make you a bigger target of getting mugged because it signals you aren't from around the area you are in.

 

[Catchy Slogan]

I shouldn't see why you should, (Unless you want to show Canadian Pride) Of all the Americans and canadians I've met, they seemed pretty alright. Except the one that said my accent was wrong. And was genuinely shocked that I didn't like tea. (I'm UK) :/

Theres always one, and we have our fair share of idiots. (See: EDL)

 

[rokkolpo]

Most likely, Yes.

Stereotypes are based upon truth, that's why most believe in them.
And people like Canadians.
Not to mention everyone hates Americans, unless they've met one that is.

 

[ace_of_something]

I'm Canadian, and I have been told my whole life that when I go on vacation outside of Canada/America I should wear a Canadian flag emblem on my person. The theory goes that people in other countries will treat me better (or be less inclined to rob me) if they assume I am from Canada.

my question is if this really works. would you assume I am more friendly than an American just based on my country of origin? do you know people who would? Is there any basis for me sporting my national colours besides the fact that I look good in red?

When I have been to europe/asia everyone assumed I was American (I am) and most people were nice to me. I wouldn't say anyone was hostile, except this Egyptian guy I met in Germany, but a handful of people did suddenly speak to me like I was a child or an idiot.
No one ever tried to mug me, even in china. Though I am 6'6" (198 cm) tall and my travel companion is the most tatt'ed up meanest looking native american you've ever met.

 

[Jonluw]

1. If I was a robber, I wouldn't give two shits where my victim was from.

2. If a person wore a Canadian flag on their t-shirt or similar, I would never take that as an indication that they're Canadian.

 

[k-ossuburb]

I'm Canadian

Just make sure you start off with that in a conversation and you're less likely that people will assume you're American. Americans don't exactly have the best reputation in Europe, especially in places like France and the stuck-up U.K. (I live in the U.K. I can make fun of it all I want you fog-breathing, tea-drinking Monarchy lovers).

I think it pacifies people because Canada is seen as a peaceful, mysterious place that hardly ever makes it into the news, whereas America is seen as trying to jump down our throats like a spelunking streptococcus. Thus, we, I mean they are more likely to get a little aggressive in case you try to occupy us and steal all our pies.

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

No, I wouldn't assume that, since most americans I've talked to have been nice.

 

[Da pyro man 999]

Well, hard to answer, i've never met an unfreindly canadian

 

[Thaluikhain]

For some reason, im not exactly sure why, Americans are considered to be... kind of annoying., Thats what some people here in England (not Britain necessarily) seem to think, at least in my experience.

That's funny, since British tourists are generally regarded as the worst kind of drunken annoyance, anywhere. (No offense; but there were surveys so you can look it up.) People from NA are rather known to be pretty calm, unless someone carelessly starts discussing international politics or, God forbid, terrorism, in which case there's no way to shut them up...

Ah, but that's only according to people outside Britain. British people aren't likely to label themselves as the worst sort of tourists...I thought they thought the Italians or Germans were the worst, anyways.

 

[kayisking]

Absolutely, but I would assume anyone of a different nation to be nicer then Americans.
Just joking of course, no I would not care even the smallest bit.

 

[Lilitu]

I have read a book that suggested US-Americans to put a Canadian flag emblem on their backpacks to be treated better by natives of their vacation country and to avoid discussions and accusation about american politics and stuff.
But well...it was a humorous book...
And if you are not a Canadian, you would probably not be able to answer and react to questions about Canada.

 

[Hawkmoon269]

For some reason, im not exactly sure why, Americans are considered to be... kind of annoying., Thats what some people here in England (not Britain necessarily) seem to think, at least in my experience.

That's funny, since British tourists are generally regarded as the worst kind of drunken annoyance, anywhere. (No offense; but there were surveys so you can look it up.) People from NA are rather known to be pretty calm, unless someone carelessly starts discussing international politics or, God forbid, terrorism, in which case there's no way to shut them up...

Haha, oh yes, you're absolutely right about the whole drunkeness thing. We have a real culture of "binge drinking" in Britain. I partake in excess drinking on occassions, and its a lot of fun, so long as you do it responsibly (that sounds like an oxymoron, but it is possible to get drunk and not become a reckless fool)
Where it causes problems is when certain Britons take it too far, getting into criminal stupidity, or... when they do it abroad, thoroughly pissing off the locals. I feel deep shame when i see pictures plastered across a newspaper of drunken idiotic Britons messing up another country and making asses of themselves.
On behalf of their stupidity, i apologise...

 

[Fetzenfisch]

Nope. I may speak for my country that we dont treat people better that are wearing certain emblems all the time. *ba dum tish*

TT: well, you would get a slight sympathy bonus i guess, yes. Whoever has met one of the stereotyical american tourists, probably tries to avoid a second encounter of that kind. But generally if you behave nice, i will treat you the same. But less open minded citizens will definatly treat a canadian better than an american, wich are "known" to be dumb ignorant loud impolite and great tippers, so take their money and let em go away, far and fast (but as dylan moran once said, probably the USA is sending those people out of their country on purpose, just to get rid of them, which is very understandable).. Even in the east where the americans once had a way higher acceptance, but thats well over now too.

 

[Gabanuka]

Maybe have like a small badge or something. Sadly we might mistake you for an American. You dont want that.

 

[Ravison]

American here. I can attest that Canadians are better.

 

[Furious Styles]

Just say "eh" and "hosers" a lot, we'll know where you're from.

Basically speak like Bob and Doug McKenzie