Flags are one of the most powerful markers of national identity. Flags are flown on public and private buildings. Flags are carried by state sanctioned agents and vehicles, especially during national parades and exhibitions. Flags are an essential element in international diplomacy and yet precisely because they are so powerful (they can indeed stir the passions) they are frequently torn down, burnt and destroyed in violent protest.
Very good piece on the politics of flags - with a link to the Korea flag incident at the Olympics - by Klaus Dodds and Alasdair Pinkerton.
Reblogged this on Open Geography and commented:
Via Stuart: interesting. My father’s profession was as a “vexilollogist” (flag expert) and he wrote his PhD on political symbolism in the flags of the Third Reich.