Some moments abroad catch us off guard, even when we think we’re prepared. That’s what happened to one Australian woman named Mia when she visited the United States and noticed something she couldn’t ignore. Everywhere she looked, she saw American flags waving from porches, trucks, and even couch cushions.

In a lighthearted TikTok video, Mia shared her surprise about the sheer number of flags lining a quiet suburban street. She explained that back home in Australia, you rarely see the national flag unless it’s hanging on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The difference felt so striking that she joked she could probably draw the American flag from memory.

Her playful remark didn’t land softly with everyone, though. Many Americans felt she was criticizing their patriotism, and the clip quickly sparked a wave of heated responses. Even Texas Governor Greg Abbott chimed in, telling her to “go back to Australia.”

Still, not every reaction was negative. Some viewers admitted they’d felt the same culture shock when first visiting the U.S. Others pointed out that flag-themed shirts, beer cans, and decorations do seem to go far beyond traditional displays.

Before long, Mia’s TikTok account disappeared, likely due to the intense backlash she faced. Yet the conversation her video sparked continues to spread across social media, with people debating how much patriotism is “too much.”

Whether you agree with her or not, Mia’s story is a reminder that every country carries its pride differently—and sometimes those differences show us more about ourselves than we expect.