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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want a flag hanging from my house?

118 replies

PlumFairy2014 · 13/07/2015 16:54

We have builders working on the roof, I've just got home and they have attached a GB flag to the top of the scaffolding. AIBU to think you shouldn't do this?!
I don't entirely know why, but I don't like it. This is my home not a ship!

OP posts:
Nanny0gg · 13/07/2015 18:12

Scaffolding is usually hired by builders. They rarely own it. And as it's up against the OP's house they shouldn't be flying a flag she doesn't want.

molyholy · 13/07/2015 18:13

I'd be pissed off and would ask them to take it down.

Scout19075 · 13/07/2015 18:13

What's to explain?

Sparklingbrook · 13/07/2015 18:14

It wouldn't bother me Confused

SmillasSenseOfSnow · 13/07/2015 18:15

Shall we all wait here while Scout19075 takes the time to learn about nationalism and jingoism? The ignorance (or naiveté if we're being kind) is breathtaking.

WaggleBee · 13/07/2015 18:19

I'd at least ask them why they've put one up. Out of sheer curiosity. Personally wouldn't be happy with it but it is their scaffolding but then you're paying them so technically it's yours too for the duration but is it doing harm... Not sure what the right answer is.

I found the very strong patriotism in the USA intimidating. It felt defensive and excluding. Not towards me personally but it just gives off that feeling iyswim. Nothing wrong with being patriotic and proud of your country but there's a line.

WaggleBee · 13/07/2015 18:20

Jingoism

That's it! I haven't heard that term before. Thanks Smillas

SenecaFalls · 13/07/2015 18:21

The scaffolding is on the OP's house and the flag is on the scaffolding. It does not matter who owns the scaffolding. They should not have put it there without permission. I say this as a flag-flying (national holidays only, btw) American.

Sparklingbrook · 13/07/2015 18:24

Perhaps it serves a purpose. Stop someone poking their eye out or something? Or to stop birds flying into it/landing on it? Health and safety? Grin

SenecaFalls · 13/07/2015 18:26

Low-flying aircraft? Grin

SmillasSenseOfSnow · 13/07/2015 18:27

No problem, WaggleBee. Wink

And I was just about to say that I think the issue is whose property (ie plot of land) it is on, rather than whether it happens to be attached to a piece of scaffolding owned by the builders (or not, as the case may be). They have permission to be on the property and put up scaffolding insofar as the task requires it. Displaying a flag on the OP's property is not necessary or part of what they have been given permission to do on her property.

It's kind of like saying they could have a tea party at 10pm outside on the scaffolding because the scaffolding isn't the OP's property. They have no right to be flying a flag from it, not least when it's not even during the agreed hours of work.

Sparklingbrook · 13/07/2015 18:28

Grin Seneca. hopefully not that low.

Wantsunshine · 13/07/2015 18:30

I am shocked that so many people dislike the Union Jack. It's the countries flag. I am sure the Queen is not an uneducated oaf and she flies the flag on her house. When I go to other countries and see them fly their flag I never assume that they are wrong to fly it and should remove it.
Fair enough if you don't want builders to put a flag on your house but I don't see and issue with the flag in general.

ProcrastinatorGeneral · 13/07/2015 18:31

About these parts you tend to get advertising flags on the scaffolding. I'd much prefer seeing a pirate flag, or perhaps sails :o

OnlyLovers · 13/07/2015 18:33

I think it's weird. Not because it's a Union Jack per se; just the impulse to put up any flag on some scaffolding isn't really one I understand.

snowglobemouse · 13/07/2015 18:36

weird. are any of the builders Northern Irish?

Notso · 13/07/2015 18:38

I love flags. I'd love to fly a Union Jack (or is it Union flag) or a Saint George flag in the garden.
DH says we can't because everyone will think we are racist also he is Welsh and we live in Wales so if anything he thinks it should be a Welsh flag.

OnlyLovers · 13/07/2015 18:39

I think calling it the Union Jack used to be verboten except in the context of pirate ships, but the rules have relaxed somewhat now.

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 13/07/2015 18:40

I also though Northern Ireland/West of Scotland...

WaggleBee · 13/07/2015 18:55

Maybe they're pirates! Shock Are any of them wearing a Tricorn?

paulapompom · 13/07/2015 18:58

I have always quite envied other nations their patroitism. (Especially the USA. ) and I m really not trying to goady/controversial, it just seems like when something bad happens we all rally round and get the British grit out, but generally we are all quite isolated. Sorry op, hijacked your thread, I would just ask them if it can be removed or if it's for a purpose

CrystalCove · 13/07/2015 19:02

Ok this is odd but I really don't get this anti-union Jack and anti-St George's Cross type thing! What's wrong with flying the flag of your nation? I'm proud to be Scottish and British so I don't see flying the flag of your nation as anything to be ashamed of.

Trooperslane · 13/07/2015 19:03

Umm. Don't ask them.
TELL them to remove it immediately.

saturnvista · 13/07/2015 19:05

There are flags flying from every Unionist/Loyalist house in Northern Ireland this week and especially today. Your builders are Northern Irish/Scottish and you have been drafted into Making A Statement.

Marylou2 · 13/07/2015 19:05

Your home, your decision.But on a more general note I'm greatly saddened by the idea that our national flag is associated with so many negative sentiments. We should fly it with pride.

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