Rear Vision — How History Shaped Today Flags, “flag-shaggers” and the co-opting of historic symbols
Apr 3, 2026
Dr Dominic Bryan, a social anthropologist studying flags and identity in Northern Ireland. Laura Schofield, a graphic designer exploring visual culture and symbols. Dr Anne Platoff, a historian of flags and their cultural meanings. They discuss how national flags are repurposed by political movements. They examine visual power, territorial marking, and efforts to reclaim symbols across countries.
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Flags Carry Sacred Emotional Power
- National flags hold sacred emotional power that links individuals to collective memory and identity.
- Anne Platoff explains flags gain authority through ceremonies and shared experiences, making them potent tools for both politicians and protestors.
Context Determines What A Flag Says
- A flag's meaning depends heavily on context and the sender/receiver interpretation cycle.
- Dominic Bryan notes the same St George's flag can signal football fandom, English identity, or anti-immigrant politics depending on setting.
Reclaim The Flag By Displaying It Equally
- Use your national flag publicly to contest monopolisation by one political faction.
- Anne Platoff recounts Californians flying the American flag right-side-up at protests to assert it belongs to everyone, not just the right.