With due respect to each other's opinions, I would  say that the display of a national flag is not a contributory cause nor is it an implied notion that one wishes to be in a different place.  However , not everyone is in the same position of comfort to daily display nor speak of their country of origin as others; people come to that position at different times. Hence the differing of opinions. For some based on their experiences  displaying any salient artifact which would point then as being different is not acceptable, unless the occasion merits the  use of or display of that said object. Some  artifacts maybe more appliable at certain times than some. In this case, I do not readily believe that the display of person's national flag is centered on one event. In reviewing the Canadian chartered of rights and Freedom, it allows for substantial leeway in these matters. I cannot with full conviction surmise possible reasons as to the initial qustion of this thread. Ther maybe differnt factors within that context to answer that question. I would like to reflect on the dispaly of national artifacts on the canadian context.
The flag in many ways could be simply a display of  affiliation, pride, support and gesture of national pride. Many ethnic restaurants, display a flag of a country and many people do wear  clothing apparel which may display a country's affiliation. At times it is simply just that and no more. Suffice to say , that displaying a flag or not has been a contentious issue for some. I have witnessed where some people do not take offense or raise an issue when one displays a Union Jack yet when a flag of a lesser know place is displayed, it is like 'why are you displaying THAT flag?" Keep in mind to that there are certain religions which are aganist any display of national icons.
I do not believe that the displaying of flags nor the wearing of  national flags is that big of a deal to contribute to  a divided society. I mean, the infamous question is always present (where are you from?0 despite the flag or clothes you are wearing. After 34 years in this country, do you think waving a Canadian flag will make me any more Canadian? It eh happening so.
In some of my presentations to multicultural groups, and to primarily young Canadian audiences, I begin with the question as to how long they have lived in Canada , their answers usually reveal that I have lived  longer here compared to them . What  does that make me in terms of status? So you see the issues of 'flagging yuh flag to me is not a contributory factor to disunity and a matter of pride and dare I say in this context an opportunity to educate others.
I often wonder at times when  I see flags flying from bamboo poles in various  places like at Maracas Falls, or by certain river side if that is a desecration of the place or if it signifies a special religious rite or event? Nevertheless it matters  little to me in terms of it's significance. I respect why it was proably placed there but I do not see that flag as a sign of divisiveness. Wait nah coming to think about it, ah wonder if ah take meh banner and but it in meh office if people go feel offended? ah mean I remeber back in uinversity days all meh record collection were of black artists , yuh know once ah woman wanted to know if ah prejudice aganist white artists?
There are much more systemic barriers to divisiveness than the display of a flag. IF IS WAS NOT FOR THE 'FLIPPING WINTER'  meh banner with ah been loud and up front on meh car. From a personal perspective, More people on my staff are now aware of meh contry of origin. Now if they could fly their British flag and various other Euro flags in their office, am I not entitled to display mine? meh banner at home now; banner going to office tomorrow. Rain does shine breeze does blow and I waving meh flag fuh so; yes ah have a provincial and a canadian flag ah go display them too in meh office. Equal rights and justice.
