While most of these questions haven't actually been asked by visitors to the site, I think they are on the mind of many.
- Why did you create an anti-American web site?
- Why do you hate Americans and why are you putting down such a great nation?
- Why would anyone want to deny they are American?
- What's the purpose of the I AM NOT AMERICAN® t-shirt?
- What languages are on this shirt?
- I'm American and I'm offended.
- I don't want to use mail order. Which stores sell these shirts?
- I own a store and would love to sell some of these shirts. Do you have any problems with that?
- My social group / association would love a bunch of these shirts. Do you have any problems with that?
- I have seen this design or something similar being sold elsewhere. Who copied from whom?
- Why didn't you include X language?
- If you don't support Osama, Saddam and the likes, why do you feature Arabic on your shirt?
- I don't like your site, or your shirts.
- I think your shirt is disgusting and I'm going to try to organise a shirt-burning protest.
- How can you say you're not American if you are on the continent of North America?
- Why do you use American companies to produce some of your products. Isn't that hypocritical?
- Where did the new designs come from?
- What changes have been made since the original 'Canadian flag' shirt release?
- Who prints your shirts and merchandise and are they reliable?
- Okay, if you're not anti-American, why do you have a shirt that says "Proud (not to be) American"?
- Why did you create an anti-American web site?
- I didn't. You won't find any anti-anything sentiment here.
- I didn't. You won't find any anti-anything sentiment here.
- Why do you hate Americans and why are you putting down such a great nation?
- I don't hate Americans, nor am I putting anyone down. If you think that merely saying "I am not such and such" is a negative comment or a sign of hate, then you should look carefully at all those negative things you say each and every day. I AM NOT AMERICAN® is a statement of fact...plain and simple. If you view such a simple and harmless comment any other way, it is YOU that applies the negative aspect and therefore it is YOU that creates the hate.
Some of my closest friends are Americans. Just like folks from any other country, I think Americans (well, the vast majority of 'em, anyway) are nice people. It doesn't mean I want to be confused as one. Of course, I'm sure most Americans would absolutely HATE being called "Canadian" (and would most likely be quick to respond with a comment along the lines of "I am not Canadian, I am American"). As a side note, I asked some of my American friends what they thought of my web site and shirt idea...and they loved it. Some even provided translations.
(In response to an Email received)
- I don't hate Americans, nor am I putting anyone down. If you think that merely saying "I am not such and such" is a negative comment or a sign of hate, then you should look carefully at all those negative things you say each and every day. I AM NOT AMERICAN® is a statement of fact...plain and simple. If you view such a simple and harmless comment any other way, it is YOU that applies the negative aspect and therefore it is YOU that creates the hate.
- Why would anyone want to deny they are American?
- Just as someone from San Francisco may want to make it clear they are not from Los Angeles, or someone from New York that they're not from New Jersey, Canadians don't really like being called 'American'. It's a matter of personal - and national - pride. Furthermore, while the vast majority of Americans are wonderful people, they do have a less than stellar reputation internationally, either in general or as travellers. That imperfect reputation has resulted in people from other countries, mistaken as Americans, getting bad service. Many in that situation have found that just by making it known they're not from the USA, the quality of service in restaurants, hotels and elsewhere increases greatly.
- Just as someone from San Francisco may want to make it clear they are not from Los Angeles, or someone from New York that they're not from New Jersey, Canadians don't really like being called 'American'. It's a matter of personal - and national - pride. Furthermore, while the vast majority of Americans are wonderful people, they do have a less than stellar reputation internationally, either in general or as travellers. That imperfect reputation has resulted in people from other countries, mistaken as Americans, getting bad service. Many in that situation have found that just by making it known they're not from the USA, the quality of service in restaurants, hotels and elsewhere increases greatly.
- What's the purpose of the I AM NOT AMERICAN® t-shirt?
- To get a message across, that message being that the wearer is not an American. It's intended as a statement of fact and perhaps encourage conversation, once the wearer is asked where they come from. Any other meaning you may have attached to the statement on the shirt is one applied by you alone.
- To get a message across, that message being that the wearer is not an American. It's intended as a statement of fact and perhaps encourage conversation, once the wearer is asked where they come from. Any other meaning you may have attached to the statement on the shirt is one applied by you alone.
- What languages are on this shirt?
- In the first design (the original 'Canadian Flag' shirt) there were eleven. Afrikaans, Arabic (of course), Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and a regional dialect of the Slovak language. Current designs feature up to 18 languages, with additions to the original language selection being Albanian, Dutch, Greek, Italian, informal Japanese, Malaysian, Turkish, and for the geeks out there, Binary. Additional languages are planned for the very near future and offers to provide translations are always welcome.Custom designs may be made with any combination of languages.
(In response to an Email received)
- In the first design (the original 'Canadian Flag' shirt) there were eleven. Afrikaans, Arabic (of course), Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and a regional dialect of the Slovak language. Current designs feature up to 18 languages, with additions to the original language selection being Albanian, Dutch, Greek, Italian, informal Japanese, Malaysian, Turkish, and for the geeks out there, Binary. Additional languages are planned for the very near future and offers to provide translations are always welcome.Custom designs may be made with any combination of languages.
- I'm American and I'm offended.
- Sorry to hear that. If you're looking for a web site that's not offensive to Americans, please follow my mystery link. No offence was intended, but I am certain you wouldn't have a problem saying "I'm not Canadian" if someone thought you were from Toronto, for example. There's no difference, except for the fact no-one has come up with the idea to print a shirt saying "I Am Not Canadian". Hey, wait! I just did, so I'll be keeping an eye out for people copying that idea, too.
- Sorry to hear that. If you're looking for a web site that's not offensive to Americans, please follow my mystery link. No offence was intended, but I am certain you wouldn't have a problem saying "I'm not Canadian" if someone thought you were from Toronto, for example. There's no difference, except for the fact no-one has come up with the idea to print a shirt saying "I Am Not Canadian". Hey, wait! I just did, so I'll be keeping an eye out for people copying that idea, too.
- I don't want to use mail order. Which stores sell these shirts?
- You can't buy them at any store at the moment. These shirts were designed and are being distributed by no-one else but me. I'm hoping you like the designs enough to buy one...or more...so I may at least be able to pay back the money I borrowed so to get them printed in the first place. People who purchased the 'first run' shirts from me have had no problems and the company that handles orders for my new designs, CafePress.com has a very good reputation. I have ordered from them myself with no problems or concerns.
- You can't buy them at any store at the moment. These shirts were designed and are being distributed by no-one else but me. I'm hoping you like the designs enough to buy one...or more...so I may at least be able to pay back the money I borrowed so to get them printed in the first place. People who purchased the 'first run' shirts from me have had no problems and the company that handles orders for my new designs, CafePress.com has a very good reputation. I have ordered from them myself with no problems or concerns.
- I own a store and would love to sell some of these shirts. Do you have any problems with that?
- Nope. In fact, I would love it, as long as they're purchased through me. There are special prices for larger orders. You can contact me via Email at questions @ iamnotamerican.com (remove the spaces first) to discuss specifics.
- Nope. In fact, I would love it, as long as they're purchased through me. There are special prices for larger orders. You can contact me via Email at questions @ iamnotamerican.com (remove the spaces first) to discuss specifics.
- My social group / association would love a bunch of these shirts. Do you have any problems with that?
- Nope. In fact, I would love it, as long as they're purchased through me. There are special prices for larger orders. You can contact me via Email at questions @ iamnotamerican.com (remove the spaces first) to discuss specifics.
- Nope. In fact, I would love it, as long as they're purchased through me. There are special prices for larger orders. You can contact me via Email at questions @ iamnotamerican.com (remove the spaces first) to discuss specifics.
- I have seen this design or something similar being sold elsewhere. Who copied from whom?
- I designed the shirts myself and have kept all my working designs on file. Since before I first printed and sold several of these shirts in 2000, I have asked - and looked - around to see if there were any I AM NOT AMERICAN® shirts out there. I couldn't find any, especially on the Internet. I delved even further when I decided to print up a larger number of these shirts with the Canadian flag design they now feature, still to find that mine was apparently the only one available. However, it doesn't surprise me at all that an unscrupulous retailer might copy either my design or my concept. I have already caught several (and had them shut down). If you have seen my design or similar shirts elsewhere, please Email me with details as to where, so I can investigate and protect my idea and investment.
- I designed the shirts myself and have kept all my working designs on file. Since before I first printed and sold several of these shirts in 2000, I have asked - and looked - around to see if there were any I AM NOT AMERICAN® shirts out there. I couldn't find any, especially on the Internet. I delved even further when I decided to print up a larger number of these shirts with the Canadian flag design they now feature, still to find that mine was apparently the only one available. However, it doesn't surprise me at all that an unscrupulous retailer might copy either my design or my concept. I have already caught several (and had them shut down). If you have seen my design or similar shirts elsewhere, please Email me with details as to where, so I can investigate and protect my idea and investment.
- Why didn't you include X language?
- This especially goes out to those who asked about Spanish. In the end, size limitations and finding someone to translate I AM NOT AMERICAN® into the required language were the two problems I faced. Now I am using CafePress.com and am able to offer a complete range of designs. Languages I am hoping to add in the future include Hebrew, Hindi, Gaelic, Punjabi and some native languages.
(In response to an Email received)
- This especially goes out to those who asked about Spanish. In the end, size limitations and finding someone to translate I AM NOT AMERICAN® into the required language were the two problems I faced. Now I am using CafePress.com and am able to offer a complete range of designs. Languages I am hoping to add in the future include Hebrew, Hindi, Gaelic, Punjabi and some native languages.
- If you don't support Usama, Saddam and the likes, why do you feature Arabic on your shirt?
- Why do I feature Italian, French or Chinese? My goal was to have a shirt good for use almost anywhere. I would have loved putting more languages on the design but space - and people who could provide the translations - were limited.
- Why do I feature Italian, French or Chinese? My goal was to have a shirt good for use almost anywhere. I would have loved putting more languages on the design but space - and people who could provide the translations - were limited.
- I don't like your site, or your shirts.
- Thanks for your comments, though I am sorry you feel that way. However, I would like to point out that if you are offended by a mere statement of fact, then it is YOU that created the offense, not I, since you have turned a simple comment into one with a darker meaning. Having said that, one of the marvels of the internet is that if you don't like a web site, you don't have to visit. Of course, if you don't like my designs, you don't have to buy one of the shirts. Thanks for dropping by this time, though. Be safe and please accept my very best wishes to you and your family. Especially if you're American.
- I think your shirt is disgusting and I'm going to try to organise a shirt-burning protest.
- Sure, you are. Of course, if you want to demonstrate that you don't encourage freedom of speech, you go right ahead. Unfortunately for you however, considering this shirt is not available in stores, you'd be hard-pressed finding any shirts to burn.
(In response to an Email received)
- Sure, you are. Of course, if you want to demonstrate that you don't encourage freedom of speech, you go right ahead. Unfortunately for you however, considering this shirt is not available in stores, you'd be hard-pressed finding any shirts to burn.
- How can you say you're not American if you are on the continent of North America?
- It is generally accepted that an 'American' is someone from the United States. People from countries all around the world think of an 'American' as someone from the United States of America. Even people from the United States call themselves 'Americans'. Of course, let's not forget the saying "God Bless America" - it certainly isn't intended to refer to the American continents. Therefore, the meaning of this shirt is "I am not (from the United States of America)". But you already knew that, didn't you?
(In response to an Email received)
- It is generally accepted that an 'American' is someone from the United States. People from countries all around the world think of an 'American' as someone from the United States of America. Even people from the United States call themselves 'Americans'. Of course, let's not forget the saying "God Bless America" - it certainly isn't intended to refer to the American continents. Therefore, the meaning of this shirt is "I am not (from the United States of America)". But you already knew that, didn't you?
- Why do you use American companies to produce some of your products. Isn't that hypocritical?
- No. In the beginning, it was intentional irony. An American company producing T-shirts that say I AM NOT AMERICAN®. Hmm. Although I would have preferred to go with Canadian made all the way, when I printed my original 'Canadian Flag' design, the t-shirt supplier (in Vancouver, B.C. by the way) was unable to provide me with all Canadian made. I decided then to go with 'Made in the USA' shirts.
Now of course, it results from the fact that no Canadian company can provide the ability to offer such a large range of merchandise and unique I AM NOT AMERICAN® designs without requiring me to produce and hold a large inventory - something I could never afford to do. The moment I can do that using a Canadian company, I will.
- No. In the beginning, it was intentional irony. An American company producing T-shirts that say I AM NOT AMERICAN®. Hmm. Although I would have preferred to go with Canadian made all the way, when I printed my original 'Canadian Flag' design, the t-shirt supplier (in Vancouver, B.C. by the way) was unable to provide me with all Canadian made. I decided then to go with 'Made in the USA' shirts.
- Where did the new designs come from?
- The five main designs are all my early concepts, with the 'Canadian Flag' design being the first to be printed on a larger scale. Due to financial and practical limitations, I was unable to produce my other designs until I heard about the CafePress.com system. I am now able to produce my other original designs along with custom designs and individual languages.
- What changes have been made since the original 'Canadian flag' shirt release?
- I have added a number of new translations as well as making two minor grammatical corrections. I have attempted to tidy up the designs a little as well, making them more compact on the T-shirts.
- Who prints your shirts and merchandise and are they reliable?
- CafePress.com is a company that prints original designs on merchandise as ordered at a very reasonable cost. As a result, I do not have to pay for a large number of shirts to be printed and hope they sell. You order a shirt and they print a shirt. You order a coffee mug and they print a coffee mug. As for being reliable, they have a good reputation for good service and quality products and offer a 30-day money back guarantee if you're not happy. I have ordered several items myself (even my own designs) and am quite pleased with the quality.
- Okay, if you're not anti-American, why do you have a shirt that says "Proud (not to be) American"?
- In December of 2003, a survey appeared in a major US newspaper and one of the points was that Americans were critical of Canadians showing the 'Maple Leaf' when travelling overseas. Respondents to the survey complained that Canadians wanted to separate themselves from Americans and seem to have totally ignored the fact that maybe the flag waving was just out of national pride. Of course, it seems to be perfectly okay for AMERICANS to show their flag and to chant "U-S-A, U-S-A" overseas, but that was apparently too was beside the point. Anyway, shortly after reading about this survey, the "Proud (not to be) American" design was born while on my way to work.