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Australia should have a new flag!
As Australia Day looms this issue often comes up for debate also.
Now some, like me, are of English heritage but most are not. We are a very multi-cultural nation and to keep this out-dated flag seems like it is part of our inability to become independent from Britain.
And, yes I am fully aware that our defence personal (thank you for your service) moan each time this is discussed But fact is how do we recognise the original land-owners?
How do we complete our separation from those that not only left us long ago but caused much damage while they were here?
How do we become of age?
For too many years I have advocated we should replace the union jack (British flag) with the Indigenous flag. So keep the Southern Cross and just change that top left hand corner.
Would appreciate your suggestions for a new flag? And any angst you may experience if this/any change were to happen to our flag?
How do we generate National pride as an independent nation and cut unhealthy ties to the Brits?
Closing Statement from Kate Blake
Very interesting discussion thanks folks! Although a few voiced concern the majority understood and agreed that a change is needed. They convinced me that a more neutral flag would be preferred.
And our Olympic colours came up trumps - so it should be gold and green! And by a huge majority people are keen to have a kangaroo - the suggestion range from a joey to a boxer. As the instigator of this debate I prefer a kangaroo with a joey in her pouch to remind us that we need to continue nurturing all those migrants and refugees that make our nation so great. Would have liked some Indigenous input but know that they are also fond of kangaroos, yum!
TED thanks once again for the forum to ponder these issues.
Lejan . 30+
if I was Australian, I think, I would love this one:
http://image.spreadshirt.net/image-server/v1/designs/14948154,width=178,height=178/Kaenguru-Baby--Sydney-.png
The whole world knows that this sign belongs to you, inseparably. Admittedly, it is a road sign and its shape quite difficult to fasten on a flagpole, yet imagine if it would become Australia's flag, it would already be at many places throughout the whole country, an this for free! :o)
Also this could be the first flag which was able to change over time. Starting anew with a baby-kangaroo, like the one on the picture, symbolizing the freshness as an independent nation, and growing 'older' in several steps and shapes until it finally reaches adulthood and the silhouette that we all know... :o)
Germany sees your nation as very likeable and I think, most nations do. And so far I did not come across any person who didn't like kangaroos, so, you do the math ... :o)
Yet whatever flag you choose, I think, it will suit you... :o)
Kate Blake 50+
edward long 100+
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkHzvhsMGhI
Kate Blake 50+
Ed Schulte 50+
From this Canadian's perspective .....as the old saying goes "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" and that seems to work wrt to the ongoing association with Brits and the ex-pates here so far.
As for Canada keeping the connection with the Queen ....I support it ......its one of the fewer id's left that keep us separate from being just some "dumb cousin to USA" in the eyes of global press....(and lets face it ...although Americans say they renounce royalty ...they have the next thing to it in Royal families such as ...Kennedy's ....Bushes.......Clintons ......)
Bottom line is I see/hear/feel/ Australians not as being represented by some marks and colours on a flag ...but a fairly open minded group capable of doing things right and calling bs...BS ...when they see it. ...and adjusting to the changing world with Intelligence and Respect for others ....and skipping the "We are the Greatest Nation in the World" attitude which has done so many others in. That would be "becoming of NO age" but becoming of Presence!!
Cheers!! Be Well Be Present Cheers!!
Kate Blake 50+
Much thanks for your input, have a nice day.
Ed Schulte 50+
I wouldn't say it is "enthusiasm" so much ...more so...an opportunity to practice tolerance
Kate Blake 50+
george lockwood 30+
Kate Blake 50+
Whilst the UK seems quite unaware of our existence economically and in every other way.
By changing the flag eg taking their union jack off our flag and voting in a Republic we may finally come of age. Not sure that will stop us from following UK and America by sending our troops off to any war you feel like declaring this week. But at least we might reach a teenage level and then hopefully start the independence struggle from there. NZ seem to have more independence in their decision making.
Salim Solaiman 50+
Why it is there ?
What purpose it is serving now?
Isn't it there only to remind the legacy of Colonial Lords ?
Kate Blake 50+
Yes is the answer to the third one, and it's not a very pleasant reminder for most holding onto this outdated useless system!
Mathew Naismith 10+
Change the flag hmmmmmm a very hard concept to handle especially for those who have served under the present flag. For me however yes change the flag because really we are not a part of the empire any more however one should also change the constitution at the same time as they do constitute the something.
The flag to me should stay the same except for the union jack of course; replace it with the Southern Cross as it was flown over the brief fight for independents but of course it would make the flag awfully drab.
Love
Mathew
Kate Blake 50+
Kiwi Ken below has persuaded me that a large kangaroo in green and gold might be more readily recognisable and significant. A dark drab flag does not really say it for this land.
Random Chance 30+
I can send you a new flag.
It might be a bootlegged copy, but it will be new and have the original logo and labels.
And it will be cheap.
Maybe we should get rid of flags.
After all, what are they really good for?
They bury people with them in the Un-united States.
Krisztián Pintér 200+
Ken brown 30+
Kate Blake 50+
Ken brown 30+
Edited = If your going to break then break completely, having the Southern cross won't show a new entity but rather a holdover from the past, just look at Canada's simple Maple leaf, it stands out, it can be picked out of the crowd straight away. I think a lot Aussie's might not want to break as there still might be filial loyalty left in a lot of peoples hearts.
We'll probably follow.
Kate Blake 50+