Reform are spending £75,000 putting up Union flags in Nottingham

Sadly, I can't help what is in other people's minds if they are determined to see the bad in everything.

Allira

Some posters are determined that our national flags are symbols of hate.

That is their interpretation. Others may disagree.

That';s precisely why it's divisive!!!!!!

QED

Allira

^The Union Flag embodies a deeper symbolic meaning that goes beyond its aesthetic appeal. It represents a commitment to unity in diversity, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that exist within the United Kingdom. The flag serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and mutual respect among its constituent nations. As such, the Union Flag stands not only as a national emblem but also as an enduring symbol of hope for a harmonious future, where differences are celebrated rather than diminished.^

Who wrote that?

It's quite blatantly biased.

Allira 👏👏👏

Some posters are determined that our national flags are symbols of hate.

That is their interpretation. Others may disagree.

Oreo

If ordinary people ( not TR and pals ) fly the flags then there’s no problem is there?
What are posters waiting for if we can’t have them flown right now or anytime? Somebody suggested some uncertain date in the future when they may possibly be acceptable 😂
Let’s just fly them right now and enjoy seeing them.

This thread is about Nottinghamshire County Council spending £75,000 of council tax payers' money to fly the flags, which makes it different from the people who have been flying flags randomly and painting crosses on mini-roundabouts.

It's about the use of public money! Considering Reform have been bleating on about the waste of pubic money, the irony should be obvious. Maybe the council should now hold a referendum with only two options (yes/no) and one question "Do you agree that we should spend £75,000 of your money on flying Union Jacks?" If the answer is "yes", fair enough - fly them!

The Union Flag embodies a deeper symbolic meaning that goes beyond its aesthetic appeal. It represents a commitment to unity in diversity, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that exist within the United Kingdom. The flag serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and mutual respect among its constituent nations. As such, the Union Flag stands not only as a national emblem but also as an enduring symbol of hope for a harmonious future, where differences are celebrated rather than diminished.

Allira

We used to have a St George's Parade for Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies here years ago until one parent vehemently objected and it was stopped.
The children used to really enjoy it.

I went to St George's Primary School. We did a St George pageant every couple of years and always 'celebrated' St George's Day. It was lovely.

So what?

What does this have to do with the use of his flag as a hate symbol?

David49

I see noting wrong whatsoever flying The Union Jack anywhere at any time it’s a sign of national pride and unity we need a lot more of both.

I do object the St George’s Cross at anything other than sports events it’s too divisive.

No, it has no universal significance. It does not represent just national pride to many people. The current flag-flying is deliberately intended to represent jingoistic and racist values. Have a little look at social media at the sites where the flying is being co-ordinated. The organisers don't even hide their intentions. It's naivety to think they represent just national pride. Flying flags is not promoting unity - quite the opposite.

We used to have a St George's Parade for Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies here years ago until one parent vehemently objected and it was stopped.
The children used to really enjoy it.

Make no mistake: people:

these massed rows of St George’s flags, put up so high it takes proper equipment to take them down, tolerated by the council, in the lovely landscapes of CoDurham, are designed to intimidate and control.

It truly feels hatred walks this lovely piece of countryside and it’s mostly very welcoming people.

Can gransnetters not imagine themselves living literally in some cases under these flags: they have had no choice in putting them up and dare they open their mouths if they disagree?

Can those defending the flags or pretending they are not significant really not recall lessons of the past when flags have turned into horror?

I see noting wrong whatsoever flying The Union Jack anywhere at any time it’s a sign of national pride and unity we need a lot more of both.

I do object the St George’s Cross at anything other than sports events it’s too divisive.

That’s why it’s You do you Oreo.

Why would anyone care what’s in their minds Casdon 🤷🏼‍♀️

It's all rather Big Brother.

Encouraging mistrust of friends, neighbours, the wider community with suspicions abounding.

Yes, exactly so Allira.

Casdon

You do you Oreo, nobody is stopping you, and you can’t stop them judging you - some favourably, some not.

But that is what is in their minds, not Oreo's

Oreo

If ordinary people ( not TR and pals ) fly the flags then there’s no problem is there?
What are posters waiting for if we can’t have them flown right now or anytime? Somebody suggested some uncertain date in the future when they may possibly be acceptable 😂
Let’s just fly them right now and enjoy seeing them.

We all need a microchip implanted in our foreheads so that it can be scanned to ensure everything we do is for altruistic purposes.

Those who do not conform to what is deemed acceptable will be sent to Room 101 for reprogramming.

You do you Oreo, nobody is stopping you, and you can’t stop them judging you - some favourably, some not.

If ordinary people ( not TR and pals ) fly the flags then there’s no problem is there?
What are posters waiting for if we can’t have them flown right now or anytime? Somebody suggested some uncertain date in the future when they may possibly be acceptable 😂
Let’s just fly them right now and enjoy seeing them.

Casdon

People will judge though, that’s life..

Oh don't they just.

Evident on here!!

Casdon

Surely it’s about proportionality. Buying and flying a flag on traditional days and occasions wouldn’t be thought of as exceptional by anybody I wouldn’t think. If you decide now to erect a flag on your property and fly it every day people will assume you support Reform’s ideology.

We had a neighbour who had a flagpole in his garden, completed with a large Union flag.

That was in the days well before UKIP, Brexit, Reform, or anything similar.
He was just patriotic.

A friend has one too but he's not a Reform voter, the flag has been flying there outside his house for very many years.

Should he take it down?

People will judge though, that’s life..

Casdon

Surely it’s about proportionality. Buying and flying a flag on traditional days and occasions wouldn’t be thought of as exceptional by anybody I wouldn’t think. If you decide now to erect a flag on your property and fly it every day people will assume you support Reform’s ideology.

You know the saying ‘assuming makes an ass of you and me’?

Allira

And if posters thing every flag flown is a symbol of hatred and xenophobia that is very worrying.

Well, I certainly don't think that the hundreds being flown in my area, which all appeared on more or less the same day, were the result of a highly uncharacteristic burst of patriotism...