Gransnet forums

News & politics

Would you fly a flag for your country?

(823 Posts)
Sago Sun 24-Aug-25 19:27:43

I was born in England but am of Irish heritage, I am proud of both England and Ireland.

My daughter lives on the outskirts of a village that has scores of union flags flying, it lifts my spirits as we drive in.

On a recent trip to Norway I loved seeing all the homes flying their flag and wondered why we don’t have same sense of patriotism.

I will fly a flag, I’m going to order a pole and we will fly the flag my husbands grandparents flew on their flagpole on VE Day.

I am not a racist, our grandchildren are mixed race, we have friends who are Congolese, Sri Lankan, Egyptian etc.

I am however British and very proud, we need to reclaim our flag and our pride.

Allira Tue 02-Sept-25 17:14:04

Casdon

I’m sure it will be worth the effort Allira, you will definitely be doing you.

😁
I might knit one.

Allira Tue 02-Sept-25 17:19:01

Mollygo

Allira

Casdon
Allira
Apparently, it's only the English flag which is offensive.
At the risk of repeating myself, I'm going to make a patchwork one! Every country's flag, plus the Ensign.
It could take some time.

But the pleasure you will give your critics, and those who make ill informed blanket assumptions like the one below, will make your efforts doubly worthwhile.

^So if you had been in Germany in the 1930s you would have just buried your head in the sand?^

Actually, a knitted one could get soggy in the rain, although it would make a lovely blanket.

LaCrepescule Wed 03-Sept-25 07:10:11

Grannygravy is accusing other people of being disrespectful and insulting her, which is simply not true. She doesn’t like some of the opinions or criticing of her posts and has flounced off in a huff.
We are older and should know better.

GrannyGravy13 Wed 03-Sept-25 07:38:50

LaCrepescule

Grannygravy is accusing other people of being disrespectful and insulting her, which is simply not true. She doesn’t like some of the opinions or criticing of her posts and has flounced off in a huff.
We are older and should know better.

LaCrepescule

I have not flounced off in a huff I have just decided to not engage with PoliticsNerd on this thread.

I have not accused other posters of being disrespectful and insulting me just one poster was making me feel uncomfortable.

escaped Wed 03-Sept-25 07:59:07

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

Iam64 Wed 03-Sept-25 08:39:49

Post references deleted post Talk guidelines.

Caleo Wed 03-Sept-25 08:50:09

Allira

Allira

Iam64

Late to the party for a number of reasons. I’ve read through this thread and without wishing to be frivolous - I’m largely team grannygravy.

Of course some racist Tommy Robinson types are flag waving to cause trouble. The disgusting demos outside places housing asylum seekers are shameful. Don’t let thugs claim our flags

Don’t let thugs claim our flags
👏👏👏

I think that is the point some of us are trying to make; unfortunately others insist that everything is an extreme.
Fly a flag and you are a Tommy Robinson-style racist thug. Refuse to fly a flag and you are a decent, caring human being.

You are not allowed to fly the flag and be decent and caring, it is apparently not synonymous.
If you are a Christian, you are cruel and unkind and anti-immigrant, according to a couple of posts I saw! This is despite the fact that Christian groups are volunteering their help to asylum seekers and another devout Christian I know is on a pilgrimage to raise money for a charity helping people suffering from injustice and displacement.

That is true. but at the same time followers of Jesus are supposed not to let one hand know what the other hand is doing.
I don't quite follow that; if you mean they should do good in secret then how are those who need help supposed to know that the volunteers are there to help them? confused

You argue like you should. To question The Bible or any other authority is real freedom of thought.

To be fair I think Jesus meant that doing good for its own sake is right but doing good for personal advantage , I think we call it virtue waving, is bad

Oreo Wed 03-Sept-25 09:25:26

LaCrepescule

Grannygravy is accusing other people of being disrespectful and insulting her, which is simply not true. She doesn’t like some of the opinions or criticing of her posts and has flounced off in a huff.
We are older and should know better.

Totally untrue
It’s not ‘some people’ at all just one poster in fact.Nor has she flounced off the thread but is very much here.
If a poster feels they shouldn’t engage with another on here it saves time and energy and stops spats forming.

Caleo Wed 03-Sept-25 09:45:04

Oreo

LaCrepescule

Grannygravy is accusing other people of being disrespectful and insulting her, which is simply not true. She doesn’t like some of the opinions or criticing of her posts and has flounced off in a huff.
We are older and should know better.

Totally untrue
It’s not ‘some people’ at all just one poster in fact.Nor has she flounced off the thread but is very much here.
If a poster feels they shouldn’t engage with another on here it saves time and energy and stops spats forming.

That is my reasoning too, and that is what I do in the other interactive website I visit. I think some posters like to join in an argument solely for entertainment, not to learn anything new.

I don't disapprove of 'spats' but feel they are a waste of time.

Caleo Wed 03-Sept-25 09:48:10

Caleo

Oreo

LaCrepescule

Grannygravy is accusing other people of being disrespectful and insulting her, which is simply not true. She doesn’t like some of the opinions or criticing of her posts and has flounced off in a huff.
We are older and should know better.

Totally untrue
It’s not ‘some people’ at all just one poster in fact.Nor has she flounced off the thread but is very much here.
If a poster feels they shouldn’t engage with another on here it saves time and energy and stops spats forming.

That is my reasoning too, and that is what I do in the other interactive website I visit. I think some posters like to join in an argument solely for entertainment, not to learn anything new.

I don't disapprove of 'spats' but feel they are a waste of time.

However Gransnet is unusual in its ethos of offering moral support to posters in crisis.

I believe moral support is best when reason is involved.

escaped Wed 03-Sept-25 10:21:22

I think some posters like to join in an argument solely for entertainment, not to learn anything new.
And it usually happens around page 20 when the discussion has gone round in circles.
I'm guilty of ^joining in' sometimes to lighten the mood. Doesn't always work because then a new spat ensues! Like on the AR thread, so I'll save time and go last minute school uniform shopping for bits now.

NotSpaghetti Wed 03-Sept-25 10:55:40

Of course the Welsh flag, flown in the rural North and West of Wales was also seen by some as extremist.
The movements for Welsh independence (and Welsh language) has been a troubled one.
Do you remember the "hippy trail" into parts of Wales and fallout with the Greens?

I'm not able to remember all the complexities around Wales and the second-home burning etc but I do remember that it was not as straightforward as the media (even then) presented it.

We had family in South and North Wales. I remember their take on it all was very different.

I'm not sure comparing today's "flag waving" is at all comparable to the use of the Welsh Flag.

Allira Wed 03-Sept-25 11:41:01

LaCrepescule

Grannygravy is accusing other people of being disrespectful and insulting her, which is simply not true. She doesn’t like some of the opinions or criticing of her posts and has flounced off in a huff.
We are older and should know better.

Sorry, but it is true.
But then, GrannyGravy is not alone, it's just that it's her turn.
She has not flounced as you call it.

If someone makes personal attacks is it better to continue a slanging match or ignore? 🤔

Oreo Wed 03-Sept-25 11:41:40

escaped

^I think some posters like to join in an argument solely for entertainment, not to learn anything new.^
And it usually happens around page 20 when the discussion has gone round in circles.
I'm guilty of ^joining in' sometimes to lighten the mood. Doesn't always work because then a new spat ensues! Like on the AR thread, so I'll save time and go last minute school uniform shopping for bits now.

I’m off out now too may be more cheerful 😁

Oreo Wed 03-Sept-25 11:42:58

NotSpaghetti

Of course the Welsh flag, flown in the rural North and West of Wales was also seen by some as extremist.
The movements for Welsh independence (and Welsh language) has been a troubled one.
Do you remember the "hippy trail" into parts of Wales and fallout with the Greens?

I'm not able to remember all the complexities around Wales and the second-home burning etc but I do remember that it was not as straightforward as the media (even then) presented it.

We had family in South and North Wales. I remember their take on it all was very different.

I'm not sure comparing today's "flag waving" is at all comparable to the use of the Welsh Flag.

But we would like it to be, and it only will be if we fly it more often.

Allira Wed 03-Sept-25 11:46:25

Caleo

Allira

Allira

Iam64

Late to the party for a number of reasons. I’ve read through this thread and without wishing to be frivolous - I’m largely team grannygravy.

Of course some racist Tommy Robinson types are flag waving to cause trouble. The disgusting demos outside places housing asylum seekers are shameful. Don’t let thugs claim our flags

Don’t let thugs claim our flags
👏👏👏

I think that is the point some of us are trying to make; unfortunately others insist that everything is an extreme.
Fly a flag and you are a Tommy Robinson-style racist thug. Refuse to fly a flag and you are a decent, caring human being.

You are not allowed to fly the flag and be decent and caring, it is apparently not synonymous.
If you are a Christian, you are cruel and unkind and anti-immigrant, according to a couple of posts I saw! This is despite the fact that Christian groups are volunteering their help to asylum seekers and another devout Christian I know is on a pilgrimage to raise money for a charity helping people suffering from injustice and displacement.

That is true. but at the same time followers of Jesus are supposed not to let one hand know what the other hand is doing.
I don't quite follow that; if you mean they should do good in secret then how are those who need help supposed to know that the volunteers are there to help them? confused

You argue like you should. To question The Bible or any other authority is real freedom of thought.

To be fair I think Jesus meant that doing good for its own sake is right but doing good for personal advantage , I think we call it virtue waving, is bad

Difficult one, Caleo

Doing good, helping others might give one a sense of personal satisfaction eg helping in a foodbank, working for a charity. Some people do spread the word because they want there to be more awareness, both to those who might need help and to those who could offer to help.

Virtue signalling is different I think.
WWJD? Spread the word!

Caleo Wed 03-Sept-25 13:22:54

Allira

Caleo

Allira

Allira

Iam64

Late to the party for a number of reasons. I’ve read through this thread and without wishing to be frivolous - I’m largely team grannygravy.

Of course some racist Tommy Robinson types are flag waving to cause trouble. The disgusting demos outside places housing asylum seekers are shameful. Don’t let thugs claim our flags

Don’t let thugs claim our flags
👏👏👏

I think that is the point some of us are trying to make; unfortunately others insist that everything is an extreme.
Fly a flag and you are a Tommy Robinson-style racist thug. Refuse to fly a flag and you are a decent, caring human being.

You are not allowed to fly the flag and be decent and caring, it is apparently not synonymous.
If you are a Christian, you are cruel and unkind and anti-immigrant, according to a couple of posts I saw! This is despite the fact that Christian groups are volunteering their help to asylum seekers and another devout Christian I know is on a pilgrimage to raise money for a charity helping people suffering from injustice and displacement.

That is true. but at the same time followers of Jesus are supposed not to let one hand know what the other hand is doing.
I don't quite follow that; if you mean they should do good in secret then how are those who need help supposed to know that the volunteers are there to help them? confused

You argue like you should. To question The Bible or any other authority is real freedom of thought.

To be fair I think Jesus meant that doing good for its own sake is right but doing good for personal advantage , I think we call it virtue waving, is bad

Difficult one, Caleo

Doing good, helping others might give one a sense of personal satisfaction eg helping in a foodbank, working for a charity. Some people do spread the word because they want there to be more awareness, both to those who might need help and to those who could offer to help.

Virtue signalling is different I think.
WWJD? Spread the word!

I read that the essence of the teaching about virtue began with the OT prophets , and is that what matters to be virtuous is the intention to help others, not the bare action.

There is still a problem when someone who wants to do good and be good simply does not know how to do good actions.

I note that the Good Samaritan not only had good intentions but also knew what the injured Jew needed.

Allira Wed 03-Sept-25 13:25:59

I believe moral support is best when reason is involved.

We must all remember that!

Chocolatelovinggran Wed 03-Sept-25 13:35:49

So, to return to the original question, no I wouldn't fly a flag, but I don't sing the National Anthem either, as a lifelong republican, although I do stand when is is played, as it respectful.
I'm sure my stance on either of these issues is of no interest to anyone, and I have no thoughts on anyone else's stand on either matter.
I do dislike painting on crossings, roundabouts because it costs the Local Authority money to remove - money which could and should be better spent elsewhere.

PoliticsNerd Wed 03-Sept-25 16:04:00

Caleo

Caleo

Oreo

LaCrepescule

Grannygravy is accusing other people of being disrespectful and insulting her, which is simply not true. She doesn’t like some of the opinions or criticing of her posts and has flounced off in a huff.
We are older and should know better.

Totally untrue
It’s not ‘some people’ at all just one poster in fact.Nor has she flounced off the thread but is very much here.
If a poster feels they shouldn’t engage with another on here it saves time and energy and stops spats forming.

That is my reasoning too, and that is what I do in the other interactive website I visit. I think some posters like to join in an argument solely for entertainment, not to learn anything new.

I don't disapprove of 'spats' but feel they are a waste of time.

However Gransnet is unusual in its ethos of offering moral support to posters in crisis.

I believe moral support is best when reason is involved.

And who judges that morality.

Oreo Wed 03-Sept-25 16:12:23

Just been out today and there were four large Union flags tied securely high up on lamp posts.Looked festive and nice😃

Spinnaker Wed 03-Sept-25 16:28:56

Well I haven't got a flag to fly but I do have my brew from this, if that counts 😂

Allira Wed 03-Sept-25 17:06:52

Oreo

Just been out today and there were four large Union flags tied securely high up on lamp posts.Looked festive and nice😃

I've been out this afternoon and only seen two - both have been there for many years.

Allira Wed 03-Sept-25 17:07:54

Spinnaker

Well I haven't got a flag to fly but I do have my brew from this, if that counts 😂

I like your tiles!! 😀

Spinnaker Wed 03-Sept-25 18:01:05

Thank you Allira 😂