Are we thick or what?

Tealeaf · 09-06-2006, 10:55

Well, kick-off day has finally arrived and hopefully for England, substance shall match the hype and the team shall progress to somewhere beyond the group stage.

As usual at this time , the Cross of Saint George is flying from every white van, hanging from every other upstairs window and displayed prominently on the wall of every local boozer. Here in the capital, in my local pub, every participating nation's flag appears to be on display. Most I recognise, although I am at a loss to match the one with the machete or the one with the sword. Unlike what passes for the English flag, their name is not plastered across the flag

Why then, in our own country, do we have to desecrate our flag in this way? The English flag has never had the word "England" emblazoned across the horizontal stripe, so why is it being done now? Is it because the citizens of this country are now too thick to recognise their own flag? Is it because the Chinese factory hands would not recognise it and thus would not know which container to put it in? Is it because by lettering the middle, we are diminishing the impact of a Crusaders's symbol?

The Yanks would laugh if it was put to them that the words "USA" should be stuck right across Old Glory; our Euro-neighbours would be insulted if we were to stamp their respective names across their boring tricolours. So why, oh why, do we have to do it?

Mick · 09-06-2006, 11:01

I thought it was obvious Tealeaf the reason they write ENGLAND on the flag is so they know which way up to fly the flag:engsmil: :engsmil: :engsmil:

WillowTheWhisp · 09-06-2006, 11:46

I think you may have something with that bit about wanting to disassociate it from the Crusaders.

Margaret Pilkington · 09-06-2006, 13:33

It is not the Cross of St. George if it has 'England' on it.......it is a football favour...nothing more or less. The Cross of St. George can be respected....the football favours can not.

mthead · 09-06-2006, 13:46

Being a big footie fan,I think the reason for the word England across the middle of our nations fine flag,is to stop the PC brigade saying it is being used in a racist manor.If it has the word 'ENGLAND' inscribed across it then it is obviously football orientated.

But that is only what I think.

Margaret Pilkington · 09-06-2006, 13:58

Personally, I can't see how flying the flag of your own country can be seen as racist. Do we consider that when Asians fly their national flag from their vehicles when they have something to celebrate racist? I have never heard this criticism being levelled at anyone other that the English or more widely the British. I think it is time to stop being so thin skinned and sensitive...and become more proud about our heritage.

Tealeaf · 09-06-2006, 14:06

I don't think racism has 'owt to do with it; The flag is a simple one and it is just not neccessary to write England across the middle. The funny thing is, of all the motor vehicles flying the flag, I would guess that the split is 50/50 between those with the proper flag and those with the defaced version...but of the latter, I would guess that at least 75% are flying on Hondas, BMWs, Renaults, Fiats, etc....odd that, innit!

cashman · 09-06-2006, 14:30

think it may have england on cos the thickos probably only recognise the union jack and not attack anybody who has one. its a strange flag to a cretin.

accymel · 09-06-2006, 15:51

Personally i like it with England emblaisoned on it, it makes it stand out more & look a little more interesting than the St gearge plain altho i have a plain st georges flying at full mast in the garden & england ones everywhere else.

Each to us own, but yeh i think the england lettering is for sporting pride in our nation & lets face it thats mainly what we've got

I think its great to see the flags out supporting our nation & nice to have that pride - brightens up the place no end

chav1 · 09-06-2006, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf

I don't think racism has 'owt to do with it

i would be surprised it it wasnt because at the last world cup and european cup people were been told to remove england flags as it could be deemed as a racist act to fly them

garinda · 09-06-2006, 20:39

Wording on flags in this country is nothing new. In the seventies you used to see them with BRFC, MUFC etc. hanging over the hoardings at most grounds.

Mind you that used to be painted on the Union flag, before we realised we had our very own English flag of St. George.

I don't see anything wrong with it saying England on it.

The only down side is that the production of said flags will boost eastern economies rather than our own.

Madhatter · 09-06-2006, 21:29

It's got england on it because thats the name of our team, and thats the flag that represents the country that they represent. People flying that flag are flying that named flag because they want you to know they're flying it because they support the england team. I personally prefer the flags I put up without it but couldn't get any without. I personally don't care which flag mthead fly's, I'm just pleased he's flying it. The main reason I prefer it without is because my flags are right at the top of a three story block of flats and will remain until the end of the summer regardless of if we win. Not that we'll lose. A flag can not be racist, only peoples use of it can be racist, and most people don't use it as such.
Just fly it and support our team.

andrewb · 09-06-2006, 22:00

I think we're all suffering an identity crisis

chav1 · 12-06-2006, 18:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyfr

I think we're all suffering an identity crisis

tell me about it

ive got scottish blood , english nationality and i have recently come to suspect i may be part dog because i recently discoverd i can lick my own ba**s

garinda · 12-06-2006, 23:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by chav1

tell me about it

ive got scottish blood , english nationality and i have recently come to suspect i may be part dog because i recently discoverd i can lick my own ba**s

Does ba**s mean babas, like babies call excrement?