Flag jacking

A person holding a Canadian flag during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London

Flag jacking is a Canadian slang term used to describe the act of travelers wearing a foreign flag on their clothing or backpack, in an attempt to disguise the country they are visiting from, primarily in cases where American tourists wear Canadian flags in an attempt to pass as Canadians.[1][2] The intention is that by showing the flag of a country regarded favorably by the region they are visiting, they will receive friendlier treatment or service than they might otherwise have encountered.

Origin

The term gained additional popularity after an article entitled "How to Spot Flag-Jacking Frauds Abroad" was published on 1 July 2013 by The Huffington Post.[1] The article stated that flag jacking is a transitory act involving a person's use of a country's flag to create the false impression of being a citizen of a favored nation. The most common situation, according to the article, is when Americans pose as Canadians. Instances of flag jacking date to the late 1990s.[2][3]

Identification

Business Insider, CNN, FlightNetwork, and The Huffington Post have claimed it is possible to identify flag jackers by analysing their body language. In honor of Canada Day in 2013, FlightNetwork commissioned Mark Bowden, a body language expert, to provide humorous tips on how Americans can pass themselves off as Canadians by adopting gestures that he termed the "Maple-o-gy", the "Canuck Crinkle", the "Toque Tilt", the "Stars and Gripes Forever", the "Polka-Loon" and the "American Psycho".[1][2][3][4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Allison Eberle (1 July 2013). "How to spot flag-jacking frauds abroad". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 "11 ways Americans can act Canadian when traveling abroad". Business Insider. 29 July 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  3. 1 2 "How to pretend you're Canadian when you travel". CNN. 29 July 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  4. ↑ "CNN Gives Tips on How To Be Canadain [sic] [video]". 2 July 2013. Archived from the original on July 17, 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
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