Flying the flag

[Keepleft]

Originally Posted by Riksta

Australia Day long weekend 2008 I had the flags galore on my car going.

In this day and age in AUS, just be very careful - insurance and all that, doesn't cover civil disturbance and some militant lefties hate any form of AUS patriotisim.

Originally Posted by Windsor220

I would recommend against a southern cross tattoo. If your going to get something then do what 99GHIA did and do something a bit different.

Not a bad one that, not for everyone - but a good effort isn't it?

Originally Posted by Archilino

Isnt the southern cross tattoo a gang sign? I'm most likely wrong but i even heard it from my tattooist that alot of "white australia" youths get them.

A gang sign? Nope, to think that is just dumb, but I expect that from extreme-left militant whingers. Sure, a lot of white Australian's get it done, and I guess to be honest, some do it as a signal of their political point of view. IF its a 'gang thing'; then it is a very, very big 'gang'.

Thing is, UNLESS they break a law and come under police or ASIO attention (as they do with the latter), what are you going to do about it? Or more the point- WHY would you even worry?

A 'superiority' thing, insofar 'race'? Nope, but perhaps a signal to some pollies to ease up on the cultural change agenda. REM, some folk wear this stuff (I don't) simply because of innocent patriotisim, including youth with parents born OS. Sure there is the bogan element, that is why we have police.

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Unfortunately these days its just seen as a racism symbol.

Sure. Offence freely given I guess, cannot please everybody with milk and cookies.

Originally Posted by MethodX

Funny when it isnt even a purely Aussie symbol, its on the brazilian flag also I think..
Poor bogans lol.

Now find the Brazillian version of Great Southern Land:-)))
(Btw I like Brazil, and the Chilean army:-)

Originally Posted by Fled74

http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.co...cross-tattoos/

Personally I think it's BS; a couple of guys at work have this tatt and are really good blokes.

Agree, its not just bogan's m'fraid. Met today with a couple of women in their 50's, man they are cranky with Australia's direction - I thought PMT was bad! Rudd needs to be careful.

Originally Posted by |||

if people see a flag draped on a car driven by a proud aussie & the first thing they think of is whether or not some protocol is being broken then that's their problem not mine.

Protocol does have a legitimate place in business and in government duties, and on government buildings, but I'd also agree, the individual is free to display the flag as he or she see fit or able.

If someone chooses to deface the flag, burn it etc - then I'd not intervene personally, but would probably laugh at them. (I saw a fella do this once, problem was the flag 'stuck' to his leg a bit, twas not natural fibre:-))

Originally Posted by zdcol71

For the record and at the "risk" of starting a new thread, I am English by birth, have not taken up Australian citizenship (and will not do so as long as this country is ruled by a foreign head of state), and celebrate ,every year, being able to live in Gods own

Met a few POMS who feel this way over the years, the old class warfare, anti-royalist type, and some Irish.

Such is life.

[BENT_8]

I like to associate Australia day with our strong sporting heritage, and so it's always been the Boxing Kangaroo for me.
I'm considering getting a tatt and this is high on my list.

As for the day, i'm pulling on the Whites and taking part in 30 odd ends of Bowls at a country tournament, weather permitting
.
Not much better really, country hospitality, cold beer and great company.

[left]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

I like to associate Australia day with our strong sporting heritage, and so it's always been the Boxing Kangaroo for me.
I'm considering getting a tatt and this is high on my list.

Love the boxing kangaroo. Had a sticker of such on my car at one point but the other half (foreign born) said it's "bogan" (HATE that word) and was worried car would be vandalised so asked me to remove it :(

Saw someone the other day with a sticker of the Aussie flag on their car (Japanese ;) ) and written underneath were 3 very poignant and simple words: young and free. Like that.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BOXING-KANGAR...ht_1241wt_1167
This sticker is really cool IMO but as some others have mentioned, regrettably the Southern Cross is seen more and more as being a symbol of thuggery and anti-social racist behaviour :(

[Nappa]

unfortuntley i often see southern cross stickers on cars that are next to other stickers like "#### off we're full" and "if you dont like it... leave"
while for most people its a symbol or their national pride some hate groups have used it as a symbol for white supremecy, i suppose the nazi's ruined the use of the swatzika for many cultures.

[left]

Originally Posted by Nappa

i suppose the nazi's ruined the use of the swatzika for many cultures.

ITA. A lot of people wouldnt even know it as being a Hindu symbol for thousands of years prior. First thought for most is Nazi...

[JC807]

Originally Posted by Keepleft

Met today with a couple of women in their 50's, man they are cranky with Australia's direction - Rudd needs to be careful.

they possibly have the same problems with immigration policy as lots of bogans out there, but...wait a minute, shouldn't they just leave?

after all, lots of bogans have one of those stickers:

Originally Posted by Nappa

"if you dont like it... leave"

can't these people see the irony?

[Brent]

I've got no problem with people displaying the Australian flag, especially on significant days such as Australia Day. However, with doing so comes responsibility. The national flag is the highest and most noble symbol of a country and its people, so if you're going to display it, then for heaven's sake do it with some decorum. Draping it over your sunburned noggin whilst wandering half cut, VB can in hand, along a road/beach etc whilst yelling sexual innuendo to every passing female is not showing respect. Nor is having it wrapped all over your car whilst doing burnouts in the pub carpark.

Be proud of it. Honour it. Respect it.

[FTE72]

/\/\/\/\Great Post Brent. Thats the guts of it.

[loosey]

I'm not a fan of all the southern cross tattoos and stickers that I see around either, it has become more prominent since the Cronulla incident. If you're going to try and be patriotic be original too.
As for flags on cars, I'm not going to put any on my car because it's not even Australian and some racist bogan will probably have a problem with me displaying them on it and damage them or my car.

[Keepleft]

Originally Posted by JC807

they possibly have the same problems with immigration policy as lots of bogans out there, but...wait a minute, shouldn't they just leave?

So, *anyone* who opposes Australia's wide-open immigration policy is 'bogan'?!

Okaaaay....

You have you opinion, I have mine, and lemme be very clear however; politically speaking;- I will always walk_right_through_the_opposing_opinion on this subject.

Originally Posted by motionless_xe

I'm not a fan of all the southern cross tattoos and stickers that I see around either, it has become more prominent since the Cronulla incident.

This is the 'political signal' I refer in my post above, (sometimes), I think you are correct though, the thing is, what should be done about it? I say *nothing*, UNLESS an idiot, or group of drunken idiots play-up or riot, then - its police time.

If you're going to try and be patriotic be original too. As for flags on cars, I'm not going to put any on my car because it's not even Australian and some racist bogan will probably have a problem with me displaying them on it and damage them or my car.

And the same thing applies in reverse as well,- Aussie flag adorned vehicles are also damaged! A reason why I'd be very careful about displaying flags (+tatts) on cars in this place, and even on ones person - in the 'wrong' area or time of day.

[Airmon]

I don't agree with alot of the views here. While things can be taken to the extreme, displaying your national pride on your national day in whichever way you see fitting should be an acceptable things to do.
People who behave in the manner which many in this thread have displayed a detest for, do so regardless of the day. The fact that they do it on Australia day and happen to be 'white' makes it different how?

Some people put flags all over their car, some people go to the pub, some have a BBQ and some head to the beach. Things they associate with Australia. Its their choice, and a free country. If you don't like what they are doing you aren't required to join in.

Personally I'll be throwing the flag over my car, putting a bunch of cheap Aussie flag stickers all over it and going for a cruise with my mates down to the beach, will probably finish up with a BBQ.
Actually the plan is to go one better. Weather permitting I'll be painting an Australian flag onto a car and driving that around.

Its also Funny how alot here dislike people using the southern cross symbol as only bogans use it, and people who think they are superior.

[BIGJB]

Originally Posted by Brent

Be proud of it. Honour it. Respect it.

No truer words have been said on this forum.
Oh and 100% agree with the rest of the post as well.

[Wally]

All this patriotic fervour, flag waving, tatoos,..... Australia Day used to be just a day off work. I hope we don't become too BillyBob American in the process.

[Pinch]

I am not for the overt, neo-nationalist use of either the Flag, or the Southern Cross as tools of intimidation, or as an indication of some sort of anglo supremacy over other races.

Sure most people who sport it dont hold those ultra-right views. But a lot do, and it seems to be increasing. For me, I see draping yourself in the flag, with a "F off we are full shirt" and hassling anyone who looks different as distinctly un-Australian.

For me, Australia is a land of respect and freedom. The great irony is that some of the "love it or leave it" crew might do well to take some of their own advice. If they do not love the freedom and diversity of Australia, including the make up of its citizens, then I agree, they should leave. What are they waiting for?

Don't get me wrong, I love a beer and BBQ as much as the next bloke (pot belly confirms). I love my missus, my mates, the beach, my boats, and my cars. I love having a beer with the bloke down the pub or a bit of cricket down the park. I love saying sawasdee khrub to the local Thai restauranteur, and chatting to the local Italian cafe owners in my pidgin Italian. I love the fact that a fair amount of immigrant workers came and helped create the Snowy Scheme in harshly rugged terrain. I love how we all come together it times of great joy such as sporting achievements, and in times of great pain like Victoria's Black Saturday. I love it that we ALL do this together. Anglo. Celtic. Asian. European. Sub-continental. Meditteranean etc.

There are bad seeds from every corner of the globe. Always has. Always will be. Unfortunately. To me this is not an indication that multi-culturism doesn't work. Evidence of our great nation has shown that it largely does.

The main issue for me is that in my area, neo-nationalism has seemingly taken over. This may or may not be the case in many of my fellow neighbours' hearts. But its the perception. As such the flags are not flying on my cars this year, nor can I wear my 10 year old Eureka Flag shirt for fear of my intentions being misconstued. I espouse the ideal of standing up against the establishment when administrative authority is being wielded unjustly. I have great respect for those that have died fighting injustice and evil under any flag, be it the Eureka or the Australian flag. To die fighting for your beliefs is the greatest sacrifice you can make.

For some to turn those symbols into a symbol of intimidation or aggression because of their policies or hard-line views on multiculturalism or immigration policy, and take out those frustrations on other citizens not of an anglo appearance. That is like a dagger through my heart.

Until things quieten down a bit, my patriotism might only be publically declared in ways such as this. I will still fly the flag from my boat on Australia Day - but then boats have always been a more permanent vessel (pardon the pun) for flying the flag.

Happy Australia Day everyone. Have a great one, no matter how you celebrate!

[loosey]

Very well said Pinch. +1 To almost everything you've written.

[xbgs351]

Originally Posted by Brent

I've got no problem with people displaying the Australian flag, especially on significant days such as Australia Day. However, with doing so comes responsibility. The national flag is the highest and most noble symbol of a country and its people, so if you're going to display it, then for heaven's sake do it with some decorum. Draping it over your sunburned noggin whilst wandering half cut, VB can in hand, along a road/beach etc whilst yelling sexual innuendo to every passing female is not showing respect. Nor is having it wrapped all over your car whilst doing burnouts in the pub carpark.

Be proud of it. Honour it. Respect it.

You are too kind. I would have said sunburnt neck.

[cozza1]

I find it interesting that alot of people are letting the minority dictate what and how they display flags, tattoos and other symbols of our country. I see your point but i will display my boxing kangaroo tatt and [our] Australian flag with pride and dignity to show the minority it can be done with respect and peace.... hope you all have a relaxed and peaceful aussie day.

[Riksta]

Originally Posted by Brent

Nor is having it wrapped all over your car whilst doing burnouts in the pub carpark.

Even though I'll have flags all over my car, I won't be doing that kind of thing.

[seduced_xr]

Originally Posted by max

What IS an aussie restaurant? Let's face it they are mostly American, European or Asian. (Got to celebrate that diversity!) I doubt if anyone connected with the resaurant would have nicked your flags. They are too busy running a business. Anyway why would they bother? It was probably some passing bogans.

well i didnt want to go there but it was a small indian restaurant in willetton if you must know..

[SKITZD]

I put two flags on my ute yesterday in the tray for this next couple of days purely because I'm proud to be Australian and love this wonderful country. After Australia day I will retire the flags again for another year. I do agree though bout the southern cross tatts and stickers, I heard that was all a part of gang type thing.

[FPVF6X201]

Originally Posted by max

. Where do you get the flags that attach to the back windows?

Dunno about Adelaide, but in Sydney BWS liquor stores are giving them away.

[Ghiadude]

Originally Posted by Pinch

I am not for the overt, neo-nationalist use of either the Flag, or the Southern Cross as tools of intimidation, or as an indication of some sort of anglo supremacy over other races.

Sure most people who sport it dont hold those ultra-right views. But a lot do, and it seems to be increasing. For me, I see draping yourself in the flag, with a "F off we are full shirt" and hassling anyone who looks different as distinctly un-Australian.

For me, Australia is a land of respect and freedom. The great irony is that some of the "love it or leave it" crew might do well to take some of their own advice. If they do not love the freedom and diversity of Australia, including the make up of its citizens, then I agree, they should leave. What are they waiting for?

Don't get me wrong, I love a beer and BBQ as much as the next bloke (pot belly confirms). I love my missus, my mates, the beach, my boats, and my cars. I love having a beer with the bloke down the pub or a bit of cricket down the park. I love saying sawasdee khrub to the local Thai restauranteur, and chatting to the local Italian cafe owners in my pidgin Italian. I love the fact that a fair amount of immigrant workers came and helped create the Snowy Scheme in harshly rugged terrain. I love how we all come together it times of great joy such as sporting achievements, and in times of great pain like Victoria's Black Saturday. I love it that we ALL do this together. Anglo. Celtic. Asian. European. Sub-continental. Meditteranean etc.

There are bad seeds from every corner of the globe. Always has. Always will be. Unfortunately. To me this is not an indication that multi-culturism doesn't work. Evidence of our great nation has shown that it largely does.

The main issue for me is that in my area, neo-nationalism has seemingly taken over. This may or may not be the case in many of my fellow neighbours' hearts. But its the perception. As such the flags are not flying on my cars this year, nor can I wear my 10 year old Eureka Flag shirt for fear of my intentions being misconstued. I espouse the ideal of standing up against the establishment when administrative authority is being wielded unjustly. I have great respect for those that have died fighting injustice and evil under any flag, be it the Eureka or the Australian flag. To die fighting for your beliefs is the greatest sacrifice you can make.

For some to turn those symbols into a symbol of intimidation or aggression because of their policies or hard-line views on multiculturalism or immigration policy, and take out those frustrations on other citizens not of an anglo appearance. That is like a dagger through my heart.

Until things quieten down a bit, my patriotism might only be publically declared in ways such as this. I will still fly the flag from my boat on Australia Day - but then boats have always been a more permanent vessel (pardon the pun) for flying the flag.

Happy Australia Day everyone. Have a great one, no matter how you celebrate!

Very well said and thought out. Enjoy your day in the sun everyone.

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by max

Lately I see a lot of cars getting around flying twin Australian flags usually clipped onto the top of back door sills either side. When I was a kid, many forms of visible patriotism was the norm. Nowadays I see it sometimes associated with utes fitted with bullbars, huge spotlights, RM Williams mudfaps, decals and the old buffalo horn emblem. I'm not sure what the intent of the drivers is. Just plain and simply proud to be Australian? Or does it go deeper into some form of demonstration of supremacy? With Australia Day coming up, what's a balanced outward show of national pride?

It saddens me deeply to know that people look at a car with an Aussie flag or sticker and think it might be connected with racism. I'm sad because it's a connection that some people make these days. It hurts because I love this country and hate to think that people have a negative connotations springing to mind when they see our icons... unfortunately it's a reality these days. I would love to blame the media on this, but I know there is an element out there doing their own PR on this issue. :

By the way... does anyone know where I can get a "******** Off We're Full" Shirt? My girlfriend is Filipino Aussie (been here since she was 3) and wants one desperately. The irony would be fantastic!

[schnoods]

I feel that I need to point out that the southern cross appears on various flags. They all might be slightly different but they are essentially the same things. Australia may be unique in the fact that we have 4 stars with 7 points and one with 5 whereas most other countries just have 5 pointed stars... but it's a bit of a matter of same/same really. Hardly any Australians seem to even realize that the Southern Cross appears in any form on any other flag other than Australias.

Australia:


New Zealand:(minus one star)


Papua New Guinea:


Tokelau: (minus one star)


Western Samoa:


It's something to think about before inking your body with something that is supposedly "Australian."

Im all for being Patriotic, but there are some who wear it as "false pride". But in all seriousness, there is a big rise in "Australianism", particularly with the younger generation, more flags being worn, more people turining up to pay respect on Anzac day dawn services.

I cant see it being a bad thing at all, as long as it extends more than an image of the flag.

[trippytaka]

Originally Posted by schnoods

I cant see it being a bad thing at all, as long as it extends more than an image of the flag.

Exactly... it's not just a flag. It's a way of life. A way of life that allows people freedom to contribute to our society as they biuld a life for themselves and their family.

[XBROO]

Gees I'm glad I live in Queensland, where we can fly the flag and don't have to worry about people getting offended. All it means to us is that we love Australia, what is wrong with that?

[schnoods]

Originally Posted by XBROO

Gees I'm glad I live in Queensland, where we can fly the flag and don't have to worry about people getting offended. All it means to us is that we love Australia, what is wrong with that?

Nothing at all.

just probably the 1 percent who take it a bit too far, where anyone doesnt "look australian" will cop a mouthful and perhaps more..

In Perth, we have the skyworks. Basically on the forshore of the swan river is lined with parks etc, a heap of people with good times, family and friends and then the biggest fireworks display we have in Perth each year.

In recent years violence has escalated and quite a few arrest has been made. Mainly alcohol and assault related. This year there is a total ban on alcohol, there always was in public but now it will be zero tolerance.

then there was the infamous Cronulla riots, again a very small minority, but some people take patriotism a little too far and in the wrong direction.

But i love Australia too and everything great about it. Best part would be our "tolerance" instead of seggregation. The flag is supposed to bring us together though, not separate as the very small minority assume.

[XBROO]

Yeah I get crap about my last name it's polish. it's one of those long names ending in ski. But I just turn around an say "My grandfather fought in WWI, my dad, his brother(my uncle) and grandfather in WWII and my eldest brother in Nam. And I can show you the registries to prove it. And on my mums side she's PNG her father(my other grandfather) was a fussy wussy angel. So you think your still more Australian then me?" And that usaully shuts them up.

[PDIDDY]

Originally Posted by FPVwannabe

Dunno about Adelaide, but in Sydney BWS liquor stores are giving them away.

Yep, got mine yesterday with my carton. :
How patriotic is that?? Free Aussie flag with an Aussie's favourite passtime! :baby bott

[T3ts50]

My mum was born in Lebanon. A couple of years back she went over there for a holiday. When she came back to Aus, someone asked her if it was good going back home again. My mum then replied, that Australia is her home. She has been here since she was 16, got married here and had three kids who were all born and raised here. Some people think because of the colour of our skin that we are not Australian.