Why do we even need a flag in the first place. Honestly, what use is the bloody thing?
THE latest round of do-we-change, don't-we-change letters to the Herald about the Australian flag has got me wondering why we even need a flag in the first place. Honestly, what use is the bloody thing? Initially flags were used in battle to identify different groups of combatants among their own soldiers, or were simply a brightly-coloured target for the other side's rocks, arrows, spears or whatever. Not a very admirable pedigree.
Later they were used in navigation, to identify where ships came from or to communicate between vessels or fortresses. They probably should have been pensioned off when radio arrived, and are even more useless these days with satellite phones, sat-nav and even the humble mobile phone.
Then, once the concept of a national flag was developed, what happened? Nations went to war to ''defend the flag'', so all the wonderful work done by ye olde worlde graphic designers simply resulted in centuries of death and destruction.
These days we have a national flag that some love and some hate, but back to my original question - what use is it? It features a Union Jack which, depending on your viewpoint, either symbolises an outdated subjugation of Australia by Britain, or simply reflects the historical development of white Australia - both are about the past, not the present. In any case, it doesn't even feature either of our official national colours of green and gold! As a national flag, ours doesn't even have a catchy nickname like ''The Star Spangled Banner'', ''Old Glory'' or simply the ''Union Jack''. As far as I know (and vexillologists, feel free to correct me) it's simply referred to as ''The Australian Flag''. Wow.
National flags can be misused. Remember when Neil Armstrong raised the American flag on the moon after claiming ''One giant leap for mankind'' when he actually meant ''One giant leap for the US of A, who are better than the Commo Russkies at launching great big rockets''? And those Cronulla rioters, who succeeded in forever associating the red, white and blue with racism and mindless violence, reducing our national flag to the same status as the rednecks' Confederate flag. Some people suggest that we use the Eureka flag instead - sure, I'd love to see a flag that is cherished by outlaw bikies all over the country flying over Parliament House.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if, at our next Olympic victory, instead of raising a technologically irrelevant, divisive and sometimes confusing piece of cloth, there was simply a great big sign that said ''AUSTRALIA''. I reckon everyone would get the message.
Matt Petersen
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Why do people question the usefulness of the Australian flag today?
The article argues flags began as battlefield identifiers and navigation aids, but with radio, sat‑nav and mobile phones their practical use has greatly diminished. Critics say the Australian flag’s symbols (like the Union Jack) reflect the past rather than modern Australia, so some people question whether it still has a useful role.
What does the Union Jack on the Australian flag signify and why is it controversial?
According to the article, the Union Jack on the Australian flag either represents historical ties to Britain or, to some critics, an outdated subjugation. That link to Britain is a central reason the flag is divisive for people debating national identity.
Does the Australian flag use the official national colours green and gold?
No. The article points out the Australian flag doesn’t feature the country’s official national colours of green and gold, which critics use to argue it isn’t fully representative of modern Australia.
Can national flags be misused or associated with negative events?
Yes. The article gives examples where flags have been misused: Neil Armstrong planting the US flag on the moon is framed as national triumph, and the Cronulla rioters associated the red, white and blue with racism and violence, showing how flags can become linked to divisive or negative events.
What are the arguments for replacing the Australian flag with a different symbol?
The article suggests some people want a flag that reflects the present rather than the past, and mentions alternatives such as the Eureka flag (which itself is controversial). It also proposes a simpler idea — using a clear sign saying 'AUSTRALIA' at events — arguing it would be less divisive and more direct.
Why do some people oppose adopting the Eureka flag as Australia’s national flag?
The article notes the Eureka flag has its own baggage: it’s cherished by certain outlaw groups like bikies in some areas, so flying it over official places such as Parliament House could be problematic and provoke controversy.
Have national flags ever been a cause of war or conflict?
The article argues that once nations adopted national flags, those symbols could become causes for war — people fought to 'defend the flag' — turning what began as graphic symbols into rallying points for centuries of conflict.
Are there modern, less divisive alternatives to using flags at international events?
The article suggests alternatives like replacing a flag with a prominent sign (for example, a big 'AUSTRALIA' sign at an Olympic victory) to avoid the perceived technological irrelevance, divisiveness and confusion that a piece of cloth can cause.
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