Ask Lemmy

I may have a chance to travel to Europe for the first time in my life, and I'm worried that the Ugly American stereotype will be factored in to my reception. Probably won't go until things calm down here/the nukes fly.

I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm from Russia.

I dont think these meets my standards for ask lemmy. Just throwing that out there.

If nobody ever would identify with a flag we'd have like 1 problem less.

Look for the helpers

It also stands for showing sign of dementia these days.

You're in good company. Germans have a similar relationship with their flag.

I felt this way a few years ago when we had the idiot convoy ride across Canada. The flag became a symbol for racist, anti-vax, just general assholes.

I never was a huge fan of flying the flag anyway, because to me it represents colonialism, but I never used to mind it as much. Now when I see it out of place, I just assume bad, unless it's one of our more cheerful variations like the indigenous design or the heart one that was used to show support for medical workers.

I see other people getting down voted for similar sentiments, but visiting the US always made me feel uncomfortable to see ALL the flags. I honestly haven't been to another country that takes that much pride in their flag. Until the convoy, I don't think I even ever saw anyone flying Canadian flag in their yard except maybe for Canada Day.

Idk, what I'm saying is, I feel for you, I understand it's a symbol of your national identity, but also, maybe take more pride in what actual good Americans do rather than in just some made up symbolism of what they should be.