Who hates the Union Flag?

Namak · 4 Sep 2009 at 23:06

I'm reasonably patriotic but I really dislike the design of our flag. Surely I am not alone in this? I almost feel embarrassed by it at international sporting events.

It's nothing to do with the unfortunate nationalistic associations it has picked up, I just find it really brash and tasteless. Why can't we have something interesting like the Welsh or Canadian flag? Or something iconic, simple and understated like the Japanese?

At least we don't have an unoriginal tricolour flag I guess.

Namak · 4 Sep 2009 at 23:15

skippi90 said:
It's a flag. It does it's job.

Well it kinda symbolises out country so I imagine it has an impact on the worldwide perceptions of out nation. So in that sense I reckon it is reasonably important. And it's very "in your face" and seems a bit dated which I guess is what I don't like. I appear to be very much in the minority at the moment though

Namak · 4 Sep 2009 at 23:17

rghjones said:
I love the Union Jack - no other country has anything like it and it's instantly recognisable even when small (ie cornered on a Commonwealth flag).

It's only the Union Jack when your at sea otherwise it's just the Union flag. although as an Island I guess we are always at sea

Namak · 4 Sep 2009 at 23:22

eddiemcgarrigle said:
I can't stand the damn thing, it stands for unionism and I'm a staunch Republican. Saltire and Lion Rampant for the win.

That's actually the one thing I like about it

The sybolism of the idea behind it - the unity of the countries that make up Britain. Feel a bit sorry for Wales though!

Namak · 4 Sep 2009 at 23:25

whitecrook said:
LOL. Are you proposing we modernise the flag, to keep up with the trends or what? Thats utterly retarded.

Nah you can't change it now. Not unless we have good reason like Scotland leaving the Union. Its seems a bit cruel to kick them out for asthetic reasons so unless they decide to leave I we are stuck with it (for better or worse depending on opinion).

I just cringe a bit when I see it and wondered if I was alone in that response.

Namak · 4 Sep 2009 at 23:40

Lopéz said:
It's a shame that we are so timid about our flag in the UK. Most countries across the world are incredibly proud of theirs.

I do agree with this despite my opinions on the asthetics. Particularly with the St George's Cross, which is much more simple and therefore elegant in my eyes.

Namak · 4 Sep 2009 at 23:52

BigglesPiP said:
No, it's only a union jack when it is a jack. A jack being the name for a small flag on the bow of a boat.

All other times in all other locations it is a flag, because it is a flag.

you mean Billie Piper in Doctor Who lied to me???!!?! :eek:

Namak · 6 Sep 2009 at 13:50

Wales - the centre of the British Empire

Namak · 6 Sep 2009 at 20:41

So to summarise this thread....

- I am not completely alone in thinking it is a bit brash
- A lot of people like it
- A lot of people don't care
- Some people care FAR too much and take any criticism on its aesthetics as a personal affront/instant cause for deportation
- Everyone feels sorry for the Welsh

- Dragons are cool

Thanks guys!