GRAAAHH - Britni SMASH!
Seriously?! Someone thought it was appropriate and *FUNNY* to put Canadian flags on all the toilet paper where my Canadian husband works?
Look, there's jokes, like putting "Hurricane Hockey Fan" paraphenalia in the Canadian's mail box or offering him bottles of maple syrup. And then there's blatant cultural disrespect that strikes at the fundamental patriotism and loyalty that is strongest in a displaced citizen, two characteristics that should be honored, not attacked.
I remember, still, in my my physics class that someone drew a giant swastika on the blackboard of our German teacher. And it wasn't funny then either. I have felt guilty for years that I didn't get up to erase it before he came in.
If either one of them had disrespected the American flag in such a way, the uproar would have been instantaneous, and outraged. How dare they come to this country and mock its sacred symbols? would have been the question.
Let me tell you a secret. Those who do not give respect, are not worthy of respect. One of the biggest complaints the international community has had for years about Americans, is the legendary American arrogance and disdain for the culture and pride of other countries. IF we believe we are the biggest and best country in the world, then we should damn well find another way to prove it besides acting like superior assholes and belittling others.
My husband's reaction was instantaneous, and outraged. And hurt. The disrespect showed to both him and his country from people he considered coworkers and friends was beyond acceptable. He's worked extremely hard to adapt to living in a foreign country, to build a career, and serve his adopted community in a vital role that is desperately needed. He's stood up and respected the American flag during various ceremonies out of courtesy. This is not his country and it's never going to be. He's never going to apply for citizenship, and I've never ever considered asking him to. He loves his country with a passionate patriotism, and the only reason he's here now, is because he loves me more. (And that is both a singular honor and burden.)
He has to deal with homesickness, with the confusion at the reasons and ways we do things, with the isolation and separation, with the lack of familiar comforts, customs, food, and social interactions. It is HARD to leave your country. It is incredibly hard. Every time he pulls the milk jug out of the fridge, it's another reminder. (In Canada, they don't use plastic milk jugs. They use plastic liter bags in specially sized pitchers). Something as minor as that is just one of the things constantly reminding him that he's not home. Was it really necessary to add assholish behavior on top of that kind of constant injury?
Putting another country's national symbol on multiple rolls of toilet paper? With the not so subtle message of "We wipe our ass on your flag and shit on your country!" How could anyone ever believe that was funny?
He was so mad he was shaking. And started looking for another job. Despite our financial situation, despite the impending baby and current need of health insurance, I'd have supported him completely if he'd decided to quit, and find another job elsewhere. He's since been assured that it will "Never happen again", but I'm furious that it happened at all.
It's times like this I wish there wasn't a potential felony charge stopping me from stomping down to the station and smacking some uniformed heads.