England's run to the World Cup semi-finals has turned even reluctant households into flag-wavers, and for Charlotte Cripps, watching her young daughters become overnight patriots has stirred up some distinctly mixed feelings.
Writing about her 10-year-old's newfound love of St George's Cross, Cripps admitted she wasn't sure how she felt about a symbol she's more used to seeing at far-right marches than on her own car window.
It's a tension Independent readers clearly recognise. Many pushed back on the idea that patriotism needs an apology at all, arguing that loving your country is no different from any other kind of pride.
Others said the discomfort makes sense, given how hard Reform UK and the far right have worked to make the flag their own – and saw this summer's tournament as the perfect moment to take it back.
It's a debate that goes well beyond football. Here's what you had to say:
Writing about her 10-year-old's newfound love of St George's Cross, Cripps admitted she wasn't sure how she felt about a symbol she's more used to seeing at far-right marches than on her own car window.
It's a tension Independent readers clearly recognise. Many pushed back on the idea that patriotism needs an apology at all, arguing that loving your country is no different from any other kind of pride.
Others said the discomfort makes sense, given how hard Reform UK and the far right have worked to make the flag their own – and saw this summer's tournament as the perfect moment to take it back.
It's a debate that goes well beyond football. Here's what you had to say:
18 days ago
