Flying the flag

[rich_jacko]

One thing I really like about the build-up to the World Cup is seeing all the St George's Flags everywhere - on buildings, cars, you name it. It's such a shame that we don't normally get to see our national flag flying, but it cheers me up whenever I see it. Usually we're so nationally self-deprecating and negative. It makes a really nice change to see so many people taking pride and being supportive of their country - even if it is only because of a football tournament :o)

In other news, I now have double glazing. Marvellous. Just in time for summer...

Comments

[confuseddave.livejournal.com]

I have the complete opposite feeling. I feel really uncomfortable when I see the St Georges flag. The reasons are pretty complicated; having grown up in Scotland I feel no patriotism to it (the union jack, perhaps, but St Georges cross is kind of alien and "foreign") - and I'm kind of aware of the nationalistic feelings that are aroused by people who wave the St Andrews cross or paint it on their faces or whatever (having an English accent, I'm acutely aware of what it feels like to be the outsider in that crowd too). I'm generally suspicious of nationalism and patriotism. Pride of one's identity I can handle - but I think we do that pretty well in the UK as it is, and once you've got that IMHO the only things national pride can add are divisive.

Apologies of that was rumbling rambling, I appear to be slightly drunk.

[rich-jacko.livejournal.com]

I grew up in a town where the flag was a constant feature on top of the church in the park down the road, so I'm quite attached to it.

[mathcathy]

I don't like it either. Maybe it comes from living in Scotland. Maybe it's because being staunchly British about football is reminiscent of violence.

[mathcathy]

replace British with English

[confuseddave.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's just a football thing. My impression has always been that the people who most strongly identify with the paraphernalia of their nation; whether that be English, Scottish, French, American, Iranian, whatever; tend to also be the most bigoted. I don't know whether it's because it lends you a rose-tinted view of your countries achievements and actions or what, but when I think of traits I'd associated with an idealised patriot (of any nation), words like "insular" and "racist" spring to mind.

This may be effectively the same thing - a minority spoiling it for the rest - but I'm not sure it's entirely to do with football hooliganism.

I'd also like to point out that I do have a national pride - I'm intensely proud of being born and living in the UK - but I'm not ashamed to say I find romantic displays of patriotism distasteful.

[rich-jacko.livejournal.com]

Y'see, I try to forget the football, forget the hooliganism (which is only a small minority doing their level best to spoil it for the rest of us anyway).

I find it genuinely sad that so many people feel bad about seeing our flag :o(