InZane question for non U.S. members...

[f6gal]

We have the first draft of the IZ artwork.  The artist feathered a U.S. flag in the background.  

The question:
Would you, as a non-U.S. member, be put off by the flag; or would you like it, because it shows that you traveled to this country for the event?

[Beardo]

As a Canadian who hopes to make it, I'd be honoured to wear the American colours on an IZ shirt...hope my Canadian spelling doesn't offend any Americans...

Seriously though...its in the States...it makes sense. Have one in Canada sometime and we'll throw a Canadian flag in the background!

[da prez]

If I was going to their country , I would like to have their flag on the logo.  We have been to several countries and returned with souvenir  patches of rides  with flags on them.
   I do not put them above the U.S. flag tho.

                        Da prez

[f6gal]

As a Canadian who hopes to make it, I'd be honoured to wear the American colours on an IZ shirt...hope my Canadian spelling doesn't offend any Americans...

Seriously though...its in the States...it makes sense. Have one in Canada sometime and we'll throw a Canadian flag in the background!

I hope to see you there!  Thanks for your input!

[f6gal]

If I was going to their country , I would like to have their flag on the logo.  We have been to several countries and returned with souvenir  patches of rides  with flags on them.
   I do not put them above the U.S. flag tho.

                        Da prez

Good points!

[Rams]

We have the first draft of the IZ artwork.  The artist feathered a U.S. flag in the background.  

The question:
Would you, as a non-U.S. member, be put off by the flag; or would you like it, because it shows that you traveled to this country for the event?

Hmm......

Seriously though...its in the States...it makes sense. Have one in Canada sometime and we'll throw a Canadian flag in the background!

This!!!    

If I was going to their country , I would like to have their flag on the logo.  We have been to several countries and returned with souvenir  patches of rides  with flags on them.
   I do not put them above the U.S. flag tho.

                        Da prez

And THIS!! 

[msb]

I agree with the head honcho and membership of the Saskatchewan VRCC chapter... no problems at all having the Stars & Stripes included on the Inzane artwork. American made bike and event is in the US. I believe most if not all of us Canucks would feel the same way. I will be riding to Morgantown next June for IZ from BC, and if I have any of my 60 cent Canadian dollars left when I arrive I'll gladly purchase IZ paraphernalia with the US flag on it....I may be taking donations for gas money to get back home though  

[f6gal]

I agree with the head honcho and membership of the Saskatchewan VRCC chapter... no problems at all having the Stars & Stripes included on the Inzane artwork. American made bike and event is in the US. I believe most if not all of us Canucks would feel the same way. I will be riding to Morgantown next June for IZ from BC, and if I have any of my 60 cent Canadian dollars left when I arrive I'll gladly purchase IZ paraphernalia with the US flag on it....I may be taking donations for gas money to get back home though  

Thanks for your thoughts.  Good point about the bike being made in the U.S.
FYI... it costs less to pre-order shirts when you register, just pick 'em up when you get there.

[icandoitfaster]

I too would be honoured to wear an Inzane shirt with the American flag on it. I am hoping to make it but still haven't been given the OK from work. Wiil members be able to purchase the shirts even if they are unable to attend?
paul

[f6gal]

I too would be honoured to wear an Inzane shirt with the American flag on it. I am hoping to make it but still haven't been given the OK from work. Wiil members be able to purchase the shirts even if they are unable to attend?
paul

Tell your boss, you've got priorities!!  LOL.
We don't typically ship InZane shirts, but if you know someone that can pick them up, you can place an order and put that in the comments.

[robin]

Sooooooo how bout a peek of the art work

[Wolfhound]

I am planning on attending again and will be honored wearing an InZane shirt again - with or without the flag.

But I like the idea and hope the design with the U.S. flag will make it.
Not to make it political here, but for me the U.S. flag stands as much for freedom as the German flag does - and since there are a bunch of idiots trying to take freedom away from us, the free world needs to stand together and show their flags with pride.

Hope to see all y'all again in June.

Jorg

[da prez]

Wolf hound   Jorg, I agree with you 100 pct. We shall not give in to the idiot  brigade.
  I will gladly shake your hand and give you a hug when we meet.
  My wife is leaving for Germany today to visit her grand daughter  in Kaiserlaughten.  We have been to Germany several times and the next trip anywhere  will be posted.

                  Da prez

[Pappy!]

I sure would like it if this question was never asked again and this comment is not meant to stir up the pot or offend anyone. It just rubbed me the wrong way when I read it. Am betting I am not alone in my thought or feelings.....am just the one who decided to express it.

[MP]

No problem with the US Flag.  If Inzane, or other get together in Canada, no problem with a Canadian flag from our dear friends north of the Border! Represents the place where the event occurred, and the pride one has in ones own country.

[Gryphon Rider]

The event is in the US; why wouldn't there be a US flag in the artwork? I would guess that if there are Canadians who might be offended by this, they probably don't ride motorcycles.  

Unfortunately, it's doubtful I'll be attending this year, although I would love to, and my daughter would love to come if only for the possibility of actually meeting her "boyfriend", who lives in Ashland, Ky.  The financial strain would be too much, especially with the current exchange rate.

Speaking of the exchange rate, this would be an excellent year for you who earn a paycheque (Oops!) paycheck in US dollars to come see the sights in my area!

[Rams]

Unfortunately, it's doubtful I'll be attending this year, although I would love to, and my daughter would love to come if only for the possibility of actually meeting her "boyfriend", who lives in Ashland, Ky.  

Hey Bud,

Boyfriend?   She isn't old enough to be interested in boys, yet!!!

Ashland isn't that far away, bring her on down, you know where I live.   

Some day, I hope to travel up your way.   Hopefully, it'll be sooner than later.

[Gryphon Rider]

Hey Bud,
Boyfriend?   She isn't old enough to be interested in boys, yet!!!
Ashland isn't that far away, bring her on down, you know where I live.    
Some day, I hope to travel up your way.   Hopefully, it'll be sooner than later.

If we were coming, we would certainly make a stop to visit.

Keep your eyes open for a 15-year-old boy with hair like something in between Joey Ramone and a 15-year-old Justin Bieber.  Never mind, you'll never see him; when he's not texting my daughter, he's playing video games in his room.  An ambitious young man!

[f6gal]

I sure would like it if this question was never asked again and this comment is not meant to stir up the pot or offend anyone. It just rubbed me the wrong way when I read it. Am betting I am not alone in my thought or feelings.....am just the one who decided to express it.

Because we are an international club and InZane is an international rally, some of the VRCC staff feel that the flag might make our non-U.S. attendees feel like outsiders.   I assure you that the staffers voicing this opinion are very patriotic; their only intent is to make everyone feel welcome. 
I asked the question because we (the VRCC staff) are in disagreement on this point.  So I decided (unilaterally) to ask the NON-U.S. members and get the answer from the horses' mouths, so to speak. 

[msb]

I sure would like it if this question was never asked again and this comment is not meant to stir up the pot or offend anyone. It just rubbed me the wrong way when I read it. Am betting I am not alone in my thought or feelings.....am just the one who decided to express it.

Because we are an international club and InZane is an international rally, some of the VRCC staff feel that the flag might make our non-U.S. attendees feel like outsiders.   I assure you that the staffers voicing this opinion are very patriotic; their only intent is to make everyone feel welcome. 
I asked the question because we (the VRCC staff) are in disagreement on this point.  So I decided (unilaterally) to ask the NON-U.S. members and get the answer from the horses' mouths, so to speak. 

Definitely better to be refered to as the horse's "mouth" than the other end of the pony I guess...     Whether or not the staff's intent to show respect to non-US members was necessary or not, it was certainly appreciated... I am a very patriotic Canadian, but am proud to show off that I ride an American-made motorcycle and travel to club events in the US. I believe it's as simple as that 

[Wolfhound]

Wolf hound   Jorg, I agree with you 100 pct. We shall not give in to the idiot  brigade.
  I will gladly shake your hand and give you a hug when we meet.
  My wife is leaving for Germany today to visit her grand daughter  in Kaiserlaughten.  We have been to Germany several times and the next trip anywhere  will be posted.

                  Da prez

Thanks Da Prez.
Your grand daughter is living just 45 minutes from my house.
Let me know when you guys visit next and we'll take my bikes for a spin.
Looking forward to seeing you again in June 2016.
That was last June:


Jorg

[gordonv]

It's already been said, an event happening in the USA, and there's a US flag in the art work, No Problem!

Wasn't there Mt Rushmore in the Spearfish shirt? I don't hold flags above other things, and support (but wouldn't do it myself) flag burning (going too far?).

Would I buy a shirt of the USA flag? No. But seeing your nice tasteful art work from Spearfish, I can't wait to see the next one.

Like has already been said, if it was held in another country, I would sort of expect that the flag or something  representing that country, would be there in the art work too.

[Jopson]

As an Englishman living in the US, I'm proud to wear the US flag, means as much to me now as the flag of my homeland. So much so that we use them both on our dairy logo.

[The emperor has no clothes]

As an Englishman living in the US, I'm proud to wear the US flag, means as much to me now as the flag of my homeland. So much so that we use them both on our dairy logo.

Cool logo 

[Skinhead]

I sure would like it if this question was never asked again and this comment is not meant to stir up the pot or offend anyone. It just rubbed me the wrong way when I read it. Am betting I am not alone in my thought or feelings.....am just the one who decided to express it.

I agree.  I'm disappointed that the question was even asked.  It is time to stop worrying about who is offended.  If you are that offended, don't attend.  Plain and simple.

[Willow]

I sure would like it if this question was never asked again and this comment is not meant to stir up the pot or offend anyone. It just rubbed me the wrong way when I read it. Am betting I am not alone in my thought or feelings.....am just the one who decided to express it.

I agree.  I'm disappointed that the question was even asked.  It is time to stop worrying about who is offended.  If you are that offended, don't attend.  Plain and simple.

It's me that questioned it, Skinhead.  If you have your own party and don't want me there be assured I won't be anywhere near there.

My concern was whether the presentation would make the event appear to be a U. S. of A. event causing the participants from elsewhere to feel as outsiders.  If that causes you a problem I can't possibly express my feelings for your problem.

I appreciate Connie's attempt to address the concern. I appreciate the responses from the Canadian and German members who took the time to express their perspective.  

Just so you know I really don't give a rat's ass these days who is or who is not offended but I am deeply concerned for representing the VRCC as inclusive of and in need of the outside the U.S. members who have contributed to making InZane the enjoyable event that it has been.

I'll stop now so I don't get carried away.    

[The emperor has no clothes]

I sure would like it if this question was never asked again and this comment is not meant to stir up the pot or offend anyone. It just rubbed me the wrong way when I read it. Am betting I am not alone in my thought or feelings.....am just the one who decided to express it.

I agree.  I'm disappointed that the question was even asked.  It is time to stop worrying about who is offended.  If you are that offended, don't attend.  Plain and simple.

It's me that questioned it, Meathead.  If you have your own party and don't want me there be assured I won't be anywhere near there.

My concern was whether the presentation would make the event appear to be a U. S. of A. event causing the participants from elsewhere to feel as outsiders.  If that causes you a problem I can't possibly express my feelings for your problem.

I appreciate Connie's attempt to address the concern. I appreciate the responses from the Canadian and German members who took the time to express their perspective.  

Just so you know I really don't give a rat's ass these days who is or who is not offended but I am deeply concerned for representing the VRCC as inclusive of and in need of the outside the U.S. members who have contributed to making InZane the enjoyable event that it has been.

I'll stop now so I don't get carried away.    

Uh... I know us "heads" all look alike, but come on now. I have no issue with the question, with the flag, with the foreign attendees, with anything.  (if I ever have a party, rest assured Willow I would want you there) 

[Willow]

I sure would like it if this question was never asked again and this comment is not meant to stir up the pot or offend anyone. It just rubbed me the wrong way when I read it. Am betting I am not alone in my thought or feelings.....am just the one who decided to express it.

I agree.  I'm disappointed that the question was even asked.  It is time to stop worrying about who is offended.  If you are that offended, don't attend.  Plain and simple.

It's me that questioned it, Meathead.  If you have your own party and don't want me there be assured I won't be anywhere near there.

My concern was whether the presentation would make the event appear to be a U. S. of A. event causing the participants from elsewhere to feel as outsiders.  If that causes you a problem I can't possibly express my feelings for your problem.

I appreciate Connie's attempt to address the concern. I appreciate the responses from the Canadian and German members who took the time to express their perspective.  

Just so you know I really don't give a rat's ass these days who is or who is not offended but I am deeply concerned for representing the VRCC as inclusive of and in need of the outside the U.S. members who have contributed to making InZane the enjoyable event that it has been.

I'll stop now so I don't get carried away.    

Uh... I know us "heads" all look alike, but come on now. I have no issue with the question, with the flag, with the foreign attendees, with anything.  (if I ever have a party, rest assured Willow I would want you there) 

I apologize, Meathead.  I've corrected my typing error. 

You're not the first one to notice that I get my heads confused.

[The emperor has no clothes]

No apology necessary .  It seemed kind of funny after I realized what happened. But at first I was thinking, did I say something that I don't remember saying ?

[Skinhead]

In my quote of Pappy's post, I agreed with his thoughts, and also that I didn't intend to stir the pot as well, but apparently I did.  If I have a party all are invited, I will leave it to them to decide if they would like to attend.  Never meant to give the impression that all weren't welcome, and if I had read Connie's later comment before responding, I probably would not have commented.  

Sorry you got dragged into this Meathead.

[The emperor has no clothes]

In my quote of Pappy's post, I agreed with his thoughts, and also that I didn't intend to stir the pot as well, but apparently I did.  If I have a party all are invited, I will leave it to them to decide if they would like to attend.  Never meant to give the impression that all weren't welcome, and if I had read Connie's later comment before responding, I probably would not have commented.  

Sorry you got dragged into this Meathead.

No problem. We are all big boys here.  As far as Pappys comment and your agreement with it, I think what you guys are not taking into consideration is we are a diverse group from different countries. I think Willows concern for our fellow members not feeling like outsiders at our yearly get together is appropriate . So far it seems a non issue with our non USA members. 

[Beardo]

In my quote of Pappy's post, I agreed with his thoughts, and also that I didn't intend to stir the pot as well, but apparently I did.  If I have a party all are invited, I will leave it to them to decide if they would like to attend.  Never meant to give the impression that all weren't welcome, and if I had read Connie's later comment before responding, I probably would not have commented.  

Sorry you got dragged into this Meathead.

No problem. We are all big boys here.  As far as Pappys comment and your agreement with it, I think what you guys are not taking into consideration is we are a diverse group from different countries. I think Willows concern for our fellow members not feeling like outsiders at our yearly get together is appropriate . So far it seems a non issue with our non USA members. 

I cant stand political correctness and I typically don't care too much about offending people...so I get some of those sentiments on here. 

While the answers received indicate the question probably didn't need to be asked....I still appreciate that it was.

Thanks.

[Jopson]

No problem. We are all big boys here.   As far as Pappys comment and your agreement with it, I think what you guys are not taking into consideration is we are a diverse group from different countries. I think Willows concern for our fellow members not feeling like outsiders at our yearly get together is appropriate . So far it seems a non issue with our non USA members.  
[/quote]

I certainly didn't feel like an outsider at IZ 15! Having a "funny accent" certainly helps break the ice when meeting people

Cool logo  
[/quote]
Thanks Meathead, it took ages to design, studied flag etiquette for a good while to make sure we didn't screw anything up!!

[gordonv]

It also sounds like we are all trying to be too much like Canadian's. Apologizing and worrying about what others feel??  

Hay, isn't that why the question came up? Like Willow mentioned, is a USA flag making it a US event, where it should be viewed as a VRCC event instead?

Almost the same as our BC Valhalla Rally. It's now just a Valhalla Rally. We had pretty much the same attendance from the US and Canada, and the last 4 years it's been held in the US. Mostly for a change of scenery, but more because the weather was nicer.

Just trying to keep thinks light and pleasant and humorous.

[Rams]

As I read the initial opening question, I was some what displeased, maybe it was the way it was phrased, not sure but, I decided that I was probably feeling that displeasure  because I'm tired of us (in that I mean US) having to be so PC and (politically speaking) being apologized for.    So, I backed up and edited my initial post on the topic.

The edit shows the way I really feel on the topic, political correctness aside.    Now, if that offends anyone, they probably won't come to my party either but, I won't apologize for that.    Honestly, I was surprised the question was even asked but, I'm not nearly as concerned about it as Admin seems to be.   I don't think they (or Carl) is necessarily wrong, I just don't see it as an issue and as it turns out, doesn't seem to be.

If an Inzane is held in another country and I'm able to attend, I have no problem with their flag being part of the logo (not that I am being asked my opinion on that either).   I would assume anyone attending an Inzane in the US to feel the same way but, if that offends someone, so be it.  I guess it comes down to if someone won't attend because our flag is represented, then I don't really care if they come.     

[PharmBoy]

Speaking of being offended, I sure am glad that I attend college back when students didn't get their little feelings hurt so easily.  I have found that my being offended hasn't accounted for much in my life.  I felt offended when I had to keep my head in some book virtually 24/7 to finally get a pharmacy degree and I was really offended when "Uncle Sam" suggested that I travel half way around the world to fight in a war that I really had no interest in (except that I wanted to survive and come home to the greatest country in the world).  I have also been offended at most of the things that our government has done for the last seven years, but to no avail.  So, when you are offended at something, put on your "big boy" pants and trudge on when there is nothing you can do about it.

[Beardo]

Speaking of being offended, I sure am glad that I attend college back when students didn't get their little feelings hurt so easily.  I have found that my being offended hasn't accounted for much in my life.  I felt offended when I had to keep my head in some book virtually 24/7 to finally get a pharmacy degree and I was really offended when "Uncle Sam" suggested that I travel half way around the world to fight in a war that I really had no interest in (except that I wanted to survive and come home to the greatest country in the world).  I have also been offended at most of the things that our government has done for the last seven years, but to no avail.  So, when you are offended at something, put on your "big boy" pants and trudge on when there is nothing you can do about it.

I'm getting confused.  Are you talking about the ones who f6gal tried not to offend but weren't offended at all or the ones who hate having to worry about offending people who were actually offended? 

[Willow]

Just so we get back on track (or end) this discussion, Connie's original post had nothing to do with offense.  She used the term put off and the concern was whether the use of our national flag in the event graphic would cause others to feel that they were outsiders to the event.  It was never among those of us who make VRCC decisions a question of whether the flag of the United States of America offends people.

Our friends from Canada and Germany have answered Connie's question.  The rest of us, quite honestly, were not asked for our opinion.  If the thread did had not been started by the president of the VRCC I would personally lock it at this point.  It has served its purpose.

See you all in West Virginia.   

[kiwibiker]

Hi
As a New Zealander (Kiwi) u should put your flag on the Logo, Hope to be in the US later this year, We have a 67cent dollar, so be tenting.
Ken

[pitbull]

If I was able to attend Inzane I would buy a shirt with the American flag on it, and wear it with pride back here in the UK.

After all, the event is held in the US, so why not show the flag.

There's a possibility I might be going to Canada later this year and I'll definitely buy something with a Canadian flag on it , just to say,,,,"I've been there".