I have seen a number of reactions to the flags controversy. Here is one example of the more tone deaf variety.
I’ve seen others suggesting that you can measure IQ based on the number of flags flying. These all rather miss the point, or maybe prove it.
First of all, they forget that because a street has flags painted on the road markings or hanging from lamposts that the people who put them there are the ones who live there. In fact, we are seeing frequent reports like this one.
Often local residents who are happy to fly flags from home feel intimidated by what looks like a case of organised gangs intimidating others. The presumptions we see reflect a sneering attitude towards working class, estate residents.
The other misunderstanding is that because some, especially middle class people care much about the relative value of their home, so does everyone else. Yet, if you rent your home, then house values going down isn’t a primary concern. Further, for many, increased house values is a negative as it puts local home ownership out of their reach and that of their children and grandchildren.
Further, when middle class people tell you that things you consider part of your culture and identity lower their perception of you and your community, it further gives the impression that you belong to a part of society, long ago left behind by the sneering, snobbish elites. That people sneer at working class people in northern towns and estates displaying the St George’s flag is another reminder that they have not learnt their lessons from Brexit. It also tells us that the political mainstream remain a long way off recovery in those places.
To be sure, there are good reasons as to why we as Christians should have concerns about tht use of flags and national identity where it becomes about intimidation or the exclusion.of others. However, we need to beware the temptation of joining those who sneer without understanding.
Our response needs to be a better understanding of the people we are called to love, serve and witness to, and their cultures. We also need to point to your true and better hope and identity we have in Christ.
Faithroots 