What happened to me today...

[McClef]

Flags are used on underwear too!

What is seen as offensive and disrespectful by some is seen as pride and affirming by others.

[Tobus]

I am not familiar with Canadian flag rules, but here in the US, the US flag code specifically says not to use the flag as wearing apparel (see here, subsection 8d). Subsection 8i further states that it should not be used for advertising.

It's not really enforced. And obviously a lot of people flat-out ignore it. But some people take it pretty seriously and will have reactions similar to the man you described.

Maybe someone should look up the Canadian flag code and see if it says anything similar?

[Lallans]

Never heard of any such Canadian rules or laws- and I think I would- but we only pass those on minute social issues and never on patriotic grounds. Canadians generally wear the flag all over the place- I always assumed this was for patriotic reasons but another one is apparently so as not to be confused with Americans. Which can hardly be effective because most every person you see wearing a Canadian flag overseas turns out to BE an American. Anyway I have to keep harping on the fact that the original curmugeon was concerned about the location of the flag and not its use on any sort of apparel. I support his keep-it-off-the-*** sentiments! Let's MAKE it a law, fellow Canucks!

[auld argonian]

On a practical level...and at risk of sounding like a bad courtroom show on TV...goes to intent, your honor...

If it's a postage stamp/Levi's tag sized patch that's on the back of the kilt waistband or thereabouts and it's there because it's saying "Proudly Made In Canada", that's one thing.

If it's a decent sized representation of the flag directly on the seat of the pants as if to say "I am showing my contempt by putting this flag right on my bum", then it's out of order.

Any reasonable person should be able to tell the difference and anybody who can and still makes a demonstration about it is just being contrary and stirring up emotions just to create a scene. More important that we always be able to tell the difference and not waste our time and emotion getting worked up over things that really don't matter...there are plenty of people out there who will make a fuss over these things just to polarize people politically in order to further their own agendas.

Best

AA

[Slag101]

As I ask myself, "Don't people have better s**t to do than bother others over a microscopic Canadian flag on the posterior of someone's clothes?" I then realize, why am I even wasting time typing this, as I can see others have nothing to do with their time, judging by the number of comments related to it already. Do we all always have to have an opinion good or bad. Can anyone ever say "WHO CARES!"

Just my $0.02.

[lethearen]

While I understand the alleged "need" for the US Flag Code, I think it goes a bit overboard. I don't see anything wrong with a flag on your clothing representing that it is US-made or whatever. I don't know if Canada even has a Flag Code, but regardless, I don't think it is in the least disrespectful... only in the most open sense would I even see someone justifying it as such.

The Saltire kilts... well, I don't much care for them. It has nothing to do with respect or lack thereof, but just not to my taste But I could more readily accept someone taking that as a sign of disrespect than the tiny Maple Leaf on the back of your kilt.

[robthehiker]

...anyhow, once in my train station I hears some drunk yell across the way, "Hey, @$$#*!%, go back to Canada!".

Hey, I meant it as an invitation!

[auld argonian]

Hey, I meant it as an invitation!

Totally OT but thanks for reminding me...I have to get my passport renewed 'cause I actually might get to go to Vancouver in October....

Best

AA

[MacCathmhaoil]

I see no issue with the Maple leaf on the kilt personally and feel that buddy on the bus was just looking for something to bark about.....

The Canadian government has this on their web-site with regard to the flag:

"The Trade Marks Act protects the National Flag of Canada against unauthorized use. Requests to use the flag should be addressed to:

State Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols
State Ceremonial and Corporate Events Directorate
Department of Canadian Heritage
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0M5
Tel: (819) 994-1616
Fax: (819) 997-8550
CeremonialetSymboles_CeremonialandSymbols@pch.gc.c a

Note: A sketch of the intended use must be submitted by email or fax.

The national flag and representations of it should always be shown, represented or used in a dignified manner. It should not be defaced by way of printing or illustrations or masked by other objects, but displayed in a manner which may be described as aloft and free, in which all symbolic parts of the flag can be identified."

[Maksim]

Thanks everybody for your comments! Had I realized at the moment what the man was talking about, I'd probably done like cessna152towser and pointed out the reason for the flag and how much I admire the (Canadian) craftmanship of the Kilt.