England expects

Even the least observant amongst us, will have noticed the steady increase in the amount of flags, bearing the cross of St George, clinging to the windows of the humble family saloon car and white transit van on our streets. And it’s not because England has won a test series again! – Euro 2004 is just around the corner.

This phenomenon has brought varying responses from people saying that it is in poor taste, especially considering the prevalence of the BNP campaigning during the recent European and local elections. The BNP, the so-called human face of the far right, has seemingly taken the flag of St George, as it’s, own. Even the RAC has expressed the opinion that they are dangerous and that they should be banned.

For many though, this overt display of loyalty is a little unpalatable and that it construed as racist. The problem stems from the fact that this flag has been taken by the far right as a symbol of their own and its display draws up all sorts of unpalatable connotations.

I attended my first England football match the other week and for one who is not in the least bit patriotic, I found myself caught up in the emotion of the night and wishing that I had something bearing the cross of St George to show my appreciation of the team – despite a humble draw with Japan.

The game at the magnificent City of Manchester stadium saw women and children, decked out in the red and white colours of England and in certain cases sitting with supporters of Japan. It was certainly a night that I felt proud to be English.

Previously I had been put off attending England matches by the stereotyped Hackett t-shirt wearing, Chelsea FC tattooed, lager lout who thinks he’s doing the nation a service by putting one up Johnny Foreigner.

It’s certainly a time for the average man or women to take pride in the flag of our nation. The Scot’s do, in their all to brief flirtations with major sporting occasions and the Millennium Stadium is a great sight with the Welsh flags billowing to the strains of Men of Harlech. So why cant we as English take pride in our flag?

If the more widespread use of the flag is by the average person in the street the least likely the far right can claim it as there own. I would rather the flag of St George be associated with my knackered old Ford Fiesta than some far- right fascist. The time is now for us all to be proud of our nation, no matter what race or colour that you are.