My Take | A national flag should be a symbol of unity not of prejudice and divisiveness
Sadly it is difficult to dissociate the flags flying across England from a political position that in its most extreme embraces racism and hate speech
Hong Kong was decked out in red for national day this month, displaying thousands of flags representing China and the city, as part of celebrations intended to promote patriotism.
National flags are flying seemingly everywhere in England, too, also in the name of national pride. But their proliferation in recent months has been much more controversial.
The union jack and England’s flag of St George fly not only from public buildings but also houses, gardens, and, in a movement that began in the summer, lamp posts, railings and bridges. They have also appeared in the windows of people’s homes.
Even the white markings on some roundabouts and pedestrian crossings have literally been “flagged” with red paint turning them into St George crosses.
The trend has led to months of hand wringing and debate. Advocates of the flag flying claim they are simply showing support for their community and country. But at a time of growing anti-immigrant sentiment and the prominence of the flags at far-right protests, the trend can be seen as provocative and divisive, denoting prejudice rather than pride.
There are no laws against flying flags in the UK, unlike in Hong Kong and other parts of the world. The raising of them on poles erected in people’s gardens has become popular over the years.