to get annoyed at the English flag being used as a symbol of racism?

[JennyPiccolo]

Just saw an advert on Ch4 for a documentary about the BNP, which featured the St George's cross a couple of times. I've seen the union jack used in the same way before, and have to admit that I associate both flags with far-right groups.

I'm not even English and it winds me up. Reclaim your identity, folks.

Could not agree more with you JennyP, I'm currently out in Canada and their patriotism compared to the UK is really striking.

They fly their flag with pride, demand Canadian produce (milk/beef/fruit/veg) and have the Maple leaf everywhere, on their pies, stuffed maple leaf ravioli - it's even in the middle of the McDonalds 'M'!

I will definitely be more patriotic for the UK from now on!!

I agree. It's sad.

There are a lot of things for which I'm proud of being English, but nowadays it's seen as something to be apologetic about.

There's a lot of negative feeling in this country about England and the English. I don't think it benefits the general morale of society hugely.

The union jack is fine to fly though - in fact it's positively ubiquitous right now in interiors mags!

But the England flag? Well it's racist innit. Just as the Cornish one must be. Or the Welsh one. Or the Catalan flag. All of which happen to be flown with pride.

YANBU but the Union Flag and the cross of St George were, unfortunately, symbols of imperialism, triumphalism and oppression long before the BNP, National Front or football hooligans got hold of them. However, we've long been reluctant flag-wavers in the UK & we don't go in much for pledging allegiance, swearing oaths or erecting tacky flag-poles in our gardens (as in the US).... our patriotism may be less overt but, in my opinion, it is less contrived & more genuine as a result.

Folk-band "Show of Hands" has a song - - about reclaiming the English flag from groups that promote inequality/racism.