Everybody in the flag burning thread seems to have a fairly different idea on what a flag represents to them. So I figured that make a thread where you can discuss what you think flags stand for to you.
For me I hate flags, I think flags represent segregation and nationalism. There is a fine (some would say non exsistant) line between nationalism and racism and before any kind of peace on a global scale can be achieved this mentality, and the respect for the flag, must disappear.
Respect for the flag can't just disappear. Flag is every country's universal symbol which distinguishes it from other countries. And why don't you remove a flag from your profile if you dislike it that much. I wish there was a Serbian flag here on AG. But there isn't so I have nonexistent country flag on my profile. Add Serbian flag please. I'll respect it. : )
Well, for me flags only represent the country and it's style. Like India has a sun because it's hot, Sweden has a blue/yellow which means blue sky and yellow sun in the summer, ect, ect, ect...
Serbia and Montenegro are separate countries now. Which means the country of Serbia and Montenegro does not exist.
I believe flags like Milos said, distinguish a country from another. Flags are a part of a country's identity and represent something about the country.
Not to ruin your fun of discussing the Serbic flag missing on AG, but make a topic about it in the suggestions, and go back on topic?
Hmm, well, let me see... Danes are rather proud of our flag, we got it during war because God gave it to us (the legend says), it is also said to be one of the oldest flags, and the first to use the cross on it (I have no sources to link to, so I can't say it is a fact). It is probably the strongest part of our national feeling, which made the flag burnings during the Mohammed crisis a lot worse to us. (Even to the extent of some people being angry that the flags were burned, when we had done nothing serious > >
but make a topic about it in the suggestions, and go back on topic?
They did several months ago.
Well I dislike my litle union flag on my profile because I don;t see my self as British. I'm English and the flag od Saint George is what I identify myself with. I wouldn;'t care if someone burnt it and I wouldn't buy a pole and fly it in my garden either. (though I do put it up when the football is on) Then again the 3 lions is just as powerful a symbol of Enlgand. Flags are a quick way to represent a country like a standard in battle.
Personally I dislike the St George's cross. All I think of is skinheads and racists. If you need to display a flag to show your patriotism, it shows how little in your country there is to be proud of. The English have never had a national dress, or a national holiday for St George. We have always been a quietly confident nation. I despise the sense of 18th century nationalism you get in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
I understand the whole representing. Like a quick label but they have been turned into a horrible thing by overly patriotic rascist. That is what shapes my oppinion. I also hope that eventually we wont see ourselve as different countries but just as Earth. And the obsession people have with their nations flag represents the mentality that will denie that.
