in feeling that now the English flag has unsettling connotatins

[peacelily]

I'm afraid when I see the English flag emblazoned accross the front of a white van or on a number plate it brings to mind thoughts images of the BNP and other nasty racist activities.

It's a shame I think that I have these automatic thoughts but the way society's become that's the way I feel.

Don't mean to start an incendiary thread just intersted in other peoples view points.

DH has the Scottish flag on his license plate, but then he had no problems announcing my Englishness to the row watching Braveheart at the local cinema ......

I don't really know where I stand on this one - I don't find individual national pride divisive, but I know there are sections of society where it can be a rallying point for trouble... vive la difference, I say.

For some reason, the cross of St George has been appropriated by a certain section of the population with an aggressive brand of "national pride".

I don't really like any kind of flag on display in a non-official kind of way. Nationalism of any degree makes me uncomfortable.

I agree though that it is sad that the St George flag has become so associated with the BNP. Not right at all.

I think it's less associated with the BNP than it used to be tbh.

But perhaps that's because I'm older than you. I don't know if I am, I'm 42, but when I was growing up you literally never saw the English flag unless it was in connection with an NF rally or something. Ever since the European cup in the early 90's when it was appropriated more by football fans, it has actually lost some of the fascist connotations it used ot have, IMO (though not all)

i miss the union jack it's prettier

That's interesting little bella, I'm 34 nearly and I feel it's got worse especially in places like oldham/Burnley etc.

Real segregation and open displays of nationalism.

my dh doesn't like the union jack, as apparently its linked to Rangers football club, whereas i always liked it as it made me nostalgic for tye street parties etc of 1977

Ohhh I think that it is getting better and that it is being 'reclaimed' away from all of the bigots.

I saw a house festooned with the English flag during recently. It was the weekend of the lovely BNP festival that was taking place nearby.

I almost did an emergency stop when I saw it and narrowed my eyes at them. Then I saw that the flags were for the olympics I felt awful. Those bastards have taken over our flag and made me feel that I couldn't use it if I wanted to.

Round our way come world/european cup everyone is wearing the England flag; black, white, asian and it makes me smile.

didn't they have the union jack for the olymics!? i didn't see

A friends of mine got asked to take his St Georges flag down at one of the Olympic hockey matches (was either Sydney or Atlanta) as it isn't a recognised flag at the Olympics..

Whenever I see the English flag on cars/houses I just assume they are footie fans..

Except an ex neighbour who has 2 flag poles on the front of their house, which they fly the English or Dutch flag on any memorable occasion or sporting occasion.

I'm not British so don't really know about the use of the flag, but would like to ask another question.

How do people feel about their national flag being used as a logo on trainers, underwear, beach towels, t-shirts, etc.?
I was brought up to believe you always treated the flag with respect, and it only flys from a flag pole from sunrise to sunset, and is taken down and stored respectfully.
So I find the use of the flag distasteful otherwise, but no one I know seems to have a problem with it.
Am I odd?

LOL yes, tbh I do find you a little odd potoftea!

totally agreee with nooonki