Australia - you're standing in it

andy-mac wrote:

blackers wrote:

zenagain wrote:

And if you're lucky enough to have a garden, if you don't plant natives in abundance, you should. It's un-Australian not to.

I think we're pretty much in agreeance Benskii, right down to the plants. Aussie flags as capes are just fuggin' ugly (unless you just won gold) but the innocuous flag here and there isn't so bad I reckon.

benskii wrote:

Yep I reckon we are. I appreciate your stories that helped shift my perspective.reckon.

Nice work lads. 100% agree with you on the flag Zen.

Watching boardriders event.
Great to see Oz flag flying in this scenario...

Welcome to being normal

andy-mac wrote:

Watching boardriders event.
Great to see Oz flag flying in this scenario...

I find it a bit weird in that scenario. And to be honest makes me a little uncomfortable. When I lived in the US it always seemed weird to me to see the flag everywhere. Not the innocuous flag here and there, but everywhere, and it seemed to engender a sense of nationalism that doesn't sit with easily with me.

I understand and support people in the defence force flying the flag. And I understand it on Aus day and national level sporting events like the cricket etc. But flying it at the local board riders event seems weird to me. Like the US obsession with it being everywhere.

I think the discomfort I have with it being everywhere is that we rally around the flag as a symbol of national unity. But inherent in that is some extent of international disunity. It's why flags are so important in war. So at a local event that has nothing to do with the RSL or the defence force, it doesn't jive with me.

Anyway, just an inconsequential perspective of random punter.

benskii
- The Problem

the boardriders event includes international teams - so a little national pride i guess

burleigh wrote:

benskii wrote:

burleigh wrote:

If you’re Australian and don’t feel a sense of pride when you see the Aussie flag then you are the problem.
If you would prefer to wave a Palestinian flag then you deserve a kick in the head

Noted, thanks.

benskii
- The Problem

At least you’re not waving a Palestine flag around Australia.

No but I do find this image from 2018 one of the more inspiring images of any flag.

Setting aside what you may think about the two countries and their interminable conflict, I've never seen a better illustration of the underdog standing up for their own people. Literally slinging rocks at a nuclear power in protest of a blockade while your own land burns around you.

To me flags make an important symbol that should be treated with respect and reserved for important moments and for those with a specific connection to it.

cd wrote:

the boardriders event includes international teams - so a little national pride i guess

Oh yep totally in that case. An international event has me on board.