The Flag | The Walrus

"A flag is certain the wind admires it -the breeze flaunting it so its crowns, leaves, crosses, bands of colour, or stars float in air, ready to be honoured, deferred to. In turn the flag at times pats the wind streaming past, confirming they stand together, believing the wind thinks of itself as Tunisian wind orAmerican wind. To people who live under the flag open in its glory, or relaxed against"

"a pole or propped in a corner, the coloured cloth means only one thing although that one thing depends on who beholds it: this banner unites us against our enemies elsewhere, or this banner unites us against enemies amongst us. Flying the flag can mean some of us know that our authorities, our supposed experts, are wrong in what they tell us, that they secretly serve other flags or particular wallets."

A flag and the wind are depicted as mutually affirming one another, with the breeze flaunting the cloth and the flag seeming to pat the passing wind, each claiming a national identity. The coloured cloth conveys different meanings to different observers, signalling unity against enemies abroad or enemies at home. Flying the flag can express distrust of authorities or confidence in elected and scientific institutions, depending on perspective. On close inspection the flag's fibres become a dense mist that blurs economic distinctions. The mist obscures the rich, the indebted, and the poor, hiding evidence of whom the flag serves.

Read at The Walrus