England Flag Controversies

With the USA up to its armpits in the Stars and Stripes this time of year, it makes sense to do a quick post on the issues surrounding the sudden explosion of St. George's Crosses (the flag, not this blog, dumb ass!) blanketing Blighty.

Traditionally, England supporters have waved the Union Jack to show where their loyalities rest. And as I understand it, St. George's Cross (SGC) has a history as something of an symbol of the extreme right, especially the British National Party. However, during the 1990s, the SGC flag has come to be associated with the England national football team. The flag has been flown throughout England during this World Cup, yet its history as a banner for ultra-conservatives brings controversy.

Here are just a few stories that the BBC has reported on recently:

No 10 Downing Street is to fly the England flag on World Cup match days. (This offended other British nations, especially the Scottish.)

An 11-year-old football fan has been allowed to fly an England flag from his bedroom in south Wales after initially being told to take it down. (Apparently it violated the rules of his estate.)

A fire service has banned crews from flying England flags during the World Cup because it is afraid they could offend other nationalities. (Sounds like the Confederate battle flag, doesn't it?)

A school has lifted a ban on pupils carrying England flags during this summer's World Cup after the policy "upset" the children.

A schoolboy is returning to his school in Kent after being banned for refusing to remove a stencilled red and white St George's flag from his hair.

Interesting how a piece of cloth can have such power. I hope the flag continues to be used for football (I fly one myself!) and not for nationalism and bigotry. I dont want to have to change the name of this blog!