Our hero meets a local who claims he's very "proud" of where he comes from, but his methods and motives are a little… questionable.
We do not serve symbols; we serve the folk. A flag that is zip-tied to a pole by a man who cannot stand his own ground is a hollow rag. True pride is found in the strength of the shields that catch us when we fall—our healers, our helpers, and our shared systems. Build the house before you fly the banner.
The punchline isn't just a joke about falling; it’s a commentary on Social Patriotism. In the UK, there is a long-standing tradition (recently championed again by various social groups and thinkers) that "true" patriotism isn't found in a flag, but in the National Health Service, the BBC, or local community libraries.
I agree. A society's values and social/political institutions which make life better for citizens are what make countries who they are.
ReplyDeleteExactly the point. We have been plagued by people with right wing views hanging flags on lampposts with the sole aim to intimidate.
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