Tuesday, August 17, 2004
A flag to die for
The debate is well and truly on regarding the design of New Zealand's flag.
But the acquittal of Paul Hopkinson for burning a flag recently is an important legal milestone.
In many countries (perhaps even most), the flag is a very potent symbol. It represents the aspirations of the people, and their nationhood. In times of war, the flag must be protected at all costs - for the flag to fall is a disgrace and a sign that the battle has been lost.
People in these countries will die for their flag. Are we willing to die for ours? In that sense it does not matter what the design (although I believe the current ensign contains some powerful statements about heritage and geographic place that it would disappointing to lose). If we are not prepared to die for our flag, it does not matter what we place on it, because it really represents nothing to us of real value.
The fact that Hopkinson burnt the flag showed that he repudiated his New Zealand citizenship. And the fact that the court imposed no penalty showed it agreed that the flag no longer has any potency.
The debate is well and truly on regarding the design of New Zealand's flag.
But the acquittal of Paul Hopkinson for burning a flag recently is an important legal milestone.
In many countries (perhaps even most), the flag is a very potent symbol. It represents the aspirations of the people, and their nationhood. In times of war, the flag must be protected at all costs - for the flag to fall is a disgrace and a sign that the battle has been lost.
People in these countries will die for their flag. Are we willing to die for ours? In that sense it does not matter what the design (although I believe the current ensign contains some powerful statements about heritage and geographic place that it would disappointing to lose). If we are not prepared to die for our flag, it does not matter what we place on it, because it really represents nothing to us of real value.
The fact that Hopkinson burnt the flag showed that he repudiated his New Zealand citizenship. And the fact that the court imposed no penalty showed it agreed that the flag no longer has any potency.
