NationStates Jolt Archive


flag burning

People without names
08-02-2006, 18:50
flag burning, WHY?

what is up with flag burning and the middle east, when ever an action in the "western world" that upsets them, they have this huge flag burning fest.

does that make them feel better about the matter, "you pissed me off, im going to burn your nations flag"

especially today, they do it so often, its not even a shock, maybe in the 50's, but not today
Psychotic Mongooses
08-02-2006, 18:51
flag burning, WHY?

what is up with flag burning and the middle east, when ever an action in the "western world" that upsets them, they have this huge flag burning fest.

does that make them feel better about the matter, "you pissed me off, im going to burn your nations flag"

especially today, they do it so often, its not even a shock, maybe in the 50's, but not today

Would you rather they vented their displeasure in other ways? Maybe, bombings perhaps?
Jurgencube
08-02-2006, 18:52
Well they are a good 50 years behind us anyway. And well I suppose they think nationalism is important and flag buring is an ultimate way to get at us...:rolleyes:
Free Soviets
08-02-2006, 18:52
cause it's fun for the whole family.

and it pisses off americans for some reason.
People without names
08-02-2006, 18:53
Would you rather they vented their displeasure in other ways? Maybe, bombings perhaps?
they do that along side of flag burning

they probably even make bombs out of the flags
[NS]Simonist
08-02-2006, 18:53
flag burning, WHY?

what is up with flag burning and the middle east, when ever an action in the "western world" that upsets them, they have this huge flag burning fest.

does that make them feel better about the matter, "you pissed me off, im going to burn your nations flag"

especially today, they do it so often, its not even a shock, maybe in the 50's, but not today
Better flag burning than people burning, don't you think? 'Cause I don't know about you, but I think I'd be a little perturbed if they started just grabbing random Americans or Europeans or whatever the recent offending country is, and just light them up.

If you've ever tried to burn a flag yourself, especially within eyesight of a police station, let alone news cameras, you'd understand a little better. It's a freakin rush.
The odd one
08-02-2006, 18:56
flag burning, WHY?

what is up with flag burning and the middle east, when ever an action in the "western world" that upsets them, they have this huge flag burning fest.

does that make them feel better about the matter, "you pissed me off, im going to burn your nations flag"

especially today, they do it so often, its not even a shock, maybe in the 50's, but not today
a flag is an icon of whatever country/group/whatever else it it represents. flags should be shown the same amount of respect as would be shown to what it represents, hence not letting the flag touch the ground, saluting a flag as it goes up a flagpole, etc. by burning a nation's flag these people are showing their disdaion for that country in the most direct manner possible.

to sum up, burning a flag is basically burning a piece of the country whose flag it is.
Downwithya
08-02-2006, 18:56
Well.... I'm from Denmark...
I can understand if they are pissed... but those drawings where inside our own laws of freedom of speach and press....
And my GOD... they don't have a little self-ironi?... It's a freekin' drawing for gods sake....
I'm a bit afraid of bombings.... it's ok for me that they burn our flag... couldn't care less.... but.. when they begin to burn down our embassy downthere... Jesus...

*mumblefreekin'drawingmumble*
Psychotic Mongooses
08-02-2006, 18:58
a flag is an icon of whatever country/group/whatever else it it represents. flags should be shown the same amount of respect as would be shown to what it represents, hence not letting the flag touch the ground, saluting a flag as it goes up a flagpole, etc. by burning a nation's flag these people are showing their disdaion for that country in the most direct manner possible.

to sum up, burning a flag is basically burning a piece of the country whose flag it is.

A flag's a flag. People read into it more then they should. Thats the problem.
Kryozerkia
08-02-2006, 18:58
Yes it is stupid.

But, so I don't get forumbanned... for my opinion on the matter, go here: IFLCP (http://ai-rants.blogger.com).
Randomlittleisland
08-02-2006, 18:59
Flag burning? Sure, why not?

The real issue here is why do so many people in the Middle East actually own foreign flags? Do they stockpile them in case that country pisses them off or do they just have a really quick mail order system?
Downwithya
08-02-2006, 19:00
they are easely made my textiles or paper...
Lunatic Goofballs
08-02-2006, 19:04
Vetnamese buddhists really knew how to protest!

They set themselves on fire!

I miss that.
Santa Barbara
08-02-2006, 19:07
A flag is a material product. You purchase it at a fucking store. If it's yours, you can burn it, although you might violate fire hazard safety laws depending on when and where and how you burn it.

I hate that shit where people act like the flag IS the country.
People without names
08-02-2006, 19:07
Vetnamese buddhists really knew how to protest!

They set themselves on fire!

I miss that.

really

it was shocking, it sent their message
didnt hurt anyone but themselves
they werent listed as terrorist after it
Kzord
08-02-2006, 19:11
Burning flags and being insulted by the burning of flags are both the result of regarding people as citizens of their nations, not as individuals. They're pretty equal in my mind.
The odd one
08-02-2006, 19:14
A flag's a flag. People read into it more then they should. Thats the problem.
it goes back to a time when flags weren't mass produced, they were carefully put together, if you need a custom made flag put together you'll find out that this is still the case. back in the way back when burning someone else's flag would involve stealing their only one from them. when you get a flag specially put together, with fringe and high quality materials used in making it seeing it burned is really insulting.

a flag isn't just a flag, flags have symbolic meanings beyond just which geographical borders you live within, they represent ideologies, history, tradition. a flag is more than just a piece of cloth and deserves respect.
Cotland
08-02-2006, 19:15
I'm Norwegian, and watching those terrorists (yes, I consider everyone who burns the flag of my country, the crest of my country and the embassies of my country terrorists, and thus worthy of nothing other than a bullet in their brains or a rope around their neck) burn my countrys flag pisses me off. Not as much as seeing those fucking bastard terrorists burn and loot our embassy or attack our soldiers (who are trying to help their habla arses), all because of a few fucking CARTOONS though.

(Appologies for swearing, but I'm pissed... with good reason! If you're a muslim and offended by this... DROP DEAD!)
Psychotic Mongooses
08-02-2006, 19:16
it goes back to a time when flags weren't mass produced, they were carefully put together, if you need a custom made flag put together you'll find out that this is still the case. back in the way back when burning someone else's flag would involve stealing their only one from them. when you get a flag specially put together, with fringe and high quality materials used in making it seeing it burned is really insulting.

a flag isn't just a flag, flags have symbolic meanings beyond just which geographical borders you live within, they represent ideologies, history, tradition. a flag is more than just a piece of cloth and deserves respect.

Take your flag and travel North. See the problem?

A flag is a flag. People attribute sentiments and emotions to it. That's what the problem is- not the cloth itself.
Ifreann
08-02-2006, 19:16
I don't really think that a flag deserves respect. Not letting a flag touch the ground is a bit stupid, a little dirt won't stop it fulfilling it's purpose.
But the idea behind flag burning is to show your hate(or disdain or somthing) for that nation or group.
Santa Barbara
08-02-2006, 19:17
I'm Norwegian, and watching those terrorists (yes, I consider everyone who burns the flag of my country, the crest of my country and the embassies of my country terrorists, and thus worthy of nothing other than a bullet in their brains or a rope around their neck) burn my countrys flag pisses me off. Not as much as seeing those fucking bastard terrorists burn and loot our embassy or attack our soldiers (who are trying to help their habla arses), all because of a few fucking CARTOONS though.

(Appologies for swearing, but I'm pissed... with good reason! If you're a muslim and offended by this... DROP DEAD!)

A prime example of the famous Scandinavian tolerance, open mindedness and peacefulness. Good job. :rolleyes:
Cotland
08-02-2006, 19:23
A prime example of the famous Scandinavian tolerance, open mindedness and peacefulness. Good job. :rolleyes:
It's a fair guess to say that the tolerance bit has gone down quite a bit in Norway (and possibly Denmark) after this whole affair.
People without names
08-02-2006, 19:25
A prime example of the famous Scandinavian tolerance, open mindedness and peacefulness. Good job. :rolleyes:

hey now, the post deserves something, it did include an apology
Pantygraigwen
08-02-2006, 19:26
flag burning, WHY?

what is up with flag burning and the middle east, when ever an action in the "western world" that upsets them, they have this huge flag burning fest.

does that make them feel better about the matter, "you pissed me off, im going to burn your nations flag"

especially today, they do it so often, its not even a shock, maybe in the 50's, but not today

It's a respect, honour kind of thing, symbology being slightly more important in less enlightened nations...

like the US, which has a segment of the population always up in arms about flag burning. Especially flag burning by natives.

Me, they can burn my countries flag wherever and whenever they want. It's just a symbol.
The odd one
08-02-2006, 19:27
Take your flag and travel North. See the problem?

A flag is a flag. People attribute sentiments and emotions to it. That's what the problem is- not the cloth itself.
im not just talking about national flags. it's not just countries who can have flags, you know. take my scout group as an example. we have a unique flag specially made for our group, we've had the flag for over 60 years. it has history, it's part of a tradition. im not equating my group with a country, im just showing how a flag can be important to people.

im not saying that mass produced rags with national colours on them should be revered or anything, im just pointing out that flags can have an importance beyond simple marking out of territory.
Free Soviets
08-02-2006, 19:32
they werent listed as terrorist after it

though clearly they should be; they are suicide bombers after all
People without names
08-02-2006, 19:33
though clearly they should be; they are suicide bombers after all

they were more of suicide flamers
Lunatic Goofballs
08-02-2006, 19:35
though clearly they should be; they are suicide bombers after all

Maybe if they ran around screaming or trying to hug people.

But they mostly just sat there and burned.
Free Soviets
08-02-2006, 19:37
Maybe if they ran around screaming or trying to hug people.

But they mostly just sat there and burned.

only marginally effective suicide bombers, then
H N Fiddlebottoms VIII
08-02-2006, 20:59
The real issue here is why do so many people in the Middle East actually own foreign flags? Do they stockpile them in case that country pisses them off or do they just have a really quick mail order system?
I imagine that there must be a thriving market in flag futures in the Middle East, with everyone who currently owns stocks of Danish flags making a killing right now (bet those people who traded their Danish flags for French ones in an attempt to cash in on the riots last year are feeling silly now).
Sel Appa
08-02-2006, 22:39
flag burning, WHY?

what is up with flag burning and the middle east, when ever an action in the "western world" that upsets them, they have this huge flag burning fest.

does that make them feel better about the matter, "you pissed me off, im going to burn your nations flag"

especially today, they do it so often, its not even a shock, maybe in the 50's, but not today
Muslims are interesting. They'll sing Death, Death, Death to the Infidels and as soon as we poke fun at them they go psycho.
Hard work and freedom
08-02-2006, 23:03
Flag burning? Sure, why not?

The real issue here is why do so many people in the Middle East actually own foreign flags? Do they stockpile them in case that country pisses them off or do they just have a really quick mail order system?


Jep, I have a pretty good buissiness going on by mailordering flags
Hard work and freedom
08-02-2006, 23:04
Well.... I'm from Denmark...
I can understand if they are pissed... but those drawings where inside our own laws of freedom of speach and press....
And my GOD... they don't have a little self-ironi?... It's a freekin' drawing for gods sake....
I'm a bit afraid of bombings.... it's ok for me that they burn our flag... couldn't care less.... but.. when they begin to burn down our embassy downthere... Jesus...

*mumblefreekin'drawingmumble*


Det er faktisk også lidt skræmmende
Hard work and freedom
08-02-2006, 23:09
A prime example of the famous Scandinavian tolerance, open mindedness and peacefulness. Good job. :rolleyes:


I believe you are judging an entire population by the act of one person, that doesnt seem very tolerant, openminded nor peacefull to me
Damor
08-02-2006, 23:10
If I had a country, and people burned my flag, I'd sell them more flags at a discount. And lighter fluid.
What the myrth do I care about them burning a flag. I'll even throw in a flag carpet they can wipe their feet on.
Tactical Grace
08-02-2006, 23:34
What's the difference between drawing a cartoon and burning a flag? In both cases, there is a symbollic insult.
Swilatia
08-02-2006, 23:42
burn flags. I do it with the EU all the time
Tactical Grace
08-02-2006, 23:45
burn flags. I do it with the EU all the time
:mad:

*Suppresses American instincts*

Well, you have that right.
The Similized world
08-02-2006, 23:54
I think flag-burning is perfectly acceptable. It gets the point across quite nicely, without injuring anything but a few cases of misplaced pride.

Burning an embassy is probably one of the most extreme things one can do. It's a very, very small step from declaring war. Demonstrating infront of an embassy is perfectly acceptable, but actually attacking an embassy is something entirely different.
One's society is responsible for the safety of other nation's embassies. Boycotts, demonstrations, cutting diplomatic relations & whatnot, is all good. But attacking, or allowing an attack on something one's society have agreed to safeguard, is nothing short of backstabbing & an outright assault on the forign nation in question.

Oh well... If the Danes didn't have a generally bad impression of Muslims prior to this, I bet they do now. I think it would be wise to consider what can be achieved. The ME makes up for about 1% of Denmarks exports. In many areas, Danish forign aid makes up for a whole hell of a lot more than that.
The Danish minority in ME nations is virtually non-existent. The Muslim minority in Denmark makes up for, if I recall correctly, some 5-7% of the population.

If some of those rioting wankers think they're helping anyone, they're sorely mistaking. The harm they cause is inconsequential to everyone but themselves & the Muslim minoprity in Denmark.

Nicely done.

Still, getting the Danish PM & Forign Minister to issue formal apologies is, however absurd, quite impressive. Seeing how anti-muslim the bulk of the society is, I certainly didn't see that coming.
Hard work and freedom
09-02-2006, 00:04
I think flag-burning is perfectly acceptable. It gets the point across quite nicely, without injuring anything but a few cases of misplaced pride.

Burning an embassy is probably one of the most extreme things one can do. It's a very, very small step from declaring war. Demonstrating infront of an embassy is perfectly acceptable, but actually attacking an embassy is something entirely different.
One's society is responsible for the safety of other nation's embassies. Boycotts, demonstrations, cutting diplomatic relations & whatnot, is all good. But attacking, or allowing an attack on something one's society have agreed to safeguard, is nothing short of backstabbing & an outright assault on the forign nation in question.

Oh well... If the Danes didn't have a generally bad impression of Muslims prior to this, I bet they do now. I think it would be wise to consider what can be achieved. The ME makes up for about 1% of Denmarks exports. In many areas, Danish forign aid makes up for a whole hell of a lot more than that.
The Danish minority in ME nations is virtually non-existent. The Muslim minority in Denmark makes up for, if I recall correctly, some 5-7% of the population.

If some of those rioting wankers think they're helping anyone, they're sorely mistaking. The harm they cause is inconsequential to everyone but themselves & the Muslim minoprity in Denmark.

Nicely done.

Still, getting the Danish PM & Forign Minister to issue formal apologies is, however absurd, quite impressive. Seeing how anti-muslim the bulk of the society is, I certainly didn't see that coming.


So right, I bet you the right-wingparties have a good wind now, sadly enough

By the way, where did you find those figures about our little country, they are all correct

Greeetings
Genaia3
09-02-2006, 00:16
I reckon those cartoonists just had shares in the Danish flag industry.

Lets face it, it's hardly like this infantile reaction wasn't forseeable.