Originally posted by RussRuss,
A massive, quite appalling, generalisation.
Contrast that with this, try to imagine an American being ashamed of the Stars and Stripes? In America, I'm always impressed by the flags from many houses in the suburbs - the pride in their na ...[text shortened]... ant 'business' to attend to in the pub. (8.30am start, anyone?)
Thats the point, which you then agree with later in your post. I am not saying that waving a St George cross makes you a thug, what I am saying is it can make a lot of people think you are. What that flag has become synoynous with representing, as you call it the "thug" and the "racist".
The US example is interesting, since I think it is still illegal in the US to degrade the flag. It would be interesting to see what a similar law would do to the perception of the "English" Flag. Maybe we should ensure that the St George is only used in a "positive" form?
As things currently stand, whether wrong or right the St George Cross flag has a very tarnished image.
Andrew
Originally posted by belgianfreakIt can be a bit scary down south!
Talking about the US flag, if you go to areas like Virginia they still fly the Confederate flag. What's that all about? Did nobody tell them they lost? Is it in support of the Confederate ideals (of which the only one I knowis that they supported slavery)?
latexbishop-i had no idea that the StGeorges cross is used by right-wing parties in england. however-in ireland and scotland, the union jack is used by right wingers (loyalists), and the irish flag by the left wing republicans. however-the leftwing republican's are flying a flag representing the peace between the republicans and loyalists. should they get a new flag?...
Originally posted by geniusI did not know that religion and politics sit so nicely in N. Ireland, protostant loyalists are all right wing, catholic republicans are all left wing LOL.
latexbishop-i had no idea that the StGeorges cross is used by right-wing parties in england. however-in ireland and scotland, the union jack is used by right wingers (loyalists), and the irish flag by the left wing republicans. however-the leftwing republican's are flying a flag representing the peace between the republicans and loyalists. should they get a new flag?...
Northern Ireland and Scotland both have their own flag, so what is a Scotsman with a St Andrews' Flag? Is he liberal?
Seroiusly, though I tend not to get involved with discussions surrounding Anglo-Irish politics, it just ignites too much emotion in people. But, yes I agree with you, in both cases flags are being used to represent bad things and in many ways attempt to ligitimise them.
its like, I blew up all those people in your name, thats what they are saying when they parade a national flag. So does NI need a new flag - of course it does, just in the same way South Africa got one when it tried to sorts its house out.
Andrew
Originally posted by belgianfreakAs a Southerner, I can answer your inquiry about the Confederate flag. For the most part, 90% of us who dispaly the Confederate Battle Flag, as it is correctly called, do so in honor of our ancestors who fought against the invading Yankee Army. The CBF was flown on the battlefield dduring actual combat. While slavery was only a part of the reason for the war, the major reason was that the South wanted self-government. Only 5% of southerners who fought owned slaves. Slavery would have eventually been abolished with the birth of the industrial age. It is the assholes like the KKK and skin heads who have hijacked the CBF and used it to promulgate their views. That is why the CBF is loked down upon by some, especially when history is skewed as it is in our public schools. Yes, we lost the war, but that doesn't diminish the pride we feel for our soldiers who nearly defeated a much more superior force. Ya'll come back now, hear?...😵
Talking about the US flag, if you go to areas like Virginia they still fly the Confederate flag. What's that all about? Did nobody tell them they lost? Is it in support of the Confederate ideals (of which the only one I know is that they supported slavery!)?
Originally posted by latex bishopLatex Bishop, have you ever been "down south"?...if so, and it was scarey, tell me about it because I don't know what you mean. Southerners, for the most part, are the friendliest Americans you will ever encounter. Where I'm from strangers still wave to each other. I did not see that too often in Europe or NYC. Don't believe everything the media portrays about the South, and don't judge the South by "The Dukes of Hazard"...hop on a plane, come to Tennessee, and I'll turn you on to a shot of Jack Daniels and a chaw of 'baccy.....Cheers... 😵
It can be a bit scary down south!
Originally posted by chancremechanicWhy do you identify so strongly with soldiers in a war that ended more than 138 years ago, which was fought for many vague reasons, and has more euphemistic names than, er, John Thomas (War Between the States etc.)?
As a Southerner, I can answer your inquiry about the Confederate flag. For the most part, 90% of us who dispaly the Confederate Battle Flag, as it is correctly called, do so in honor of our ancestors who fought against the invading ...[text shortened]... eated a much more superior force. Ya'll come back now, hear?...😵
Originally posted by royalchickenBecause both of my great-great grandfathers fought in the Confederate Army/Cavalry. And, the Civil War was a defining period for the U.S. in terms of becoming the great nation that we are today. I guess the only answer that you may undestand in reference to your question is that you have to be a "rebel" in blood to understand.
Why do you identify so strongly with soldiers in a war that ended more than 138 years ago, which was fought for many vague reasons, and has more euphemistic names than, er, John Thomas (War Between the States etc.)?
Originally posted by royalchickenI wear my poppy with pride.
Why do you identify so strongly with soldiers in a war that ended more than 138 years ago, which was fought for many vague reasons, and has more euphemistic names than, er, John Thomas (War Between the States etc.)?
This is the truth.
You can not see the hurt.Medals for body bags?I want our kids home.
Originally posted by chancremechanicYes, on an extended vacation in the states in '94 I was able to travel through Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. I am only joshing really, but it is a very different place to say the Northern East Coast states. I think I worked out that I have managed to travel through 40 states now, but I still want to go to Alaska at some point.
Latex Bishop, have you ever been "down south"?...if so, and it was scarey, tell me about it because I don't know what you mean. Southerners, for the most part, are the friendliest Americans you will ever encounter. Where I'm from strangers still wave to each other. I did not see that too often in Europe or NYC. Don't believe everything the me ...[text shortened]... ennessee, and I'll turn you on to a shot of Jack Daniels and a chaw of 'baccy.....Cheers... 😵
I have been through Tennessee, but I did not have time to stop anywhere as I had to get the train up to Chicargo to meet people.
Andrew
It is the assholes like the KKK and skin heads who have hijacked the CBF and used it to promulgate their views.Just like the skinheads and hooligans have hijacked the St. George Cross - I can relate to what you are saying there.
Is there a feeling that the US would be significantly different if the Confederate army had won? If so, how?