Around The World Today Series 8, Episode 2 - Flags, Fast Fashion & False Patriotism

Terry Davies
14 minutes ago
3 min read

July 2025 Around The World Today Series 8 Episode 2 By Terry D

The Changing Face of Global Leadership: Challenges, Trends, and What the Future Holds.

Introduction: Hello and welcome to Around the World Today. I’m your host, Terry Davies, and this is Series 8, Episode 2 — “Flags, Fast Fashion & False Patriotism.”

This week, we’re diving into a story that’s been sparking debate online, on the streets, and in our national press — all centred around a young woman, a Union Jack dress, and the strange, often contradictory ways we in Britain treat our national flag.

We’ve seen the usual online outrage, especially from the usual corners — Reform UK, right-wing commentators, and yes, even Tommy Robinson supporters. But here’s the thing: what does patriotism really mean? Is it about draping yourself in a flag from a fast fashion store? Or is it something deeper — more meaningful — that goes beyond borders and symbols?

Today, we’re going to peel back the layers of performative patriotism, explore what the flag actually represents, and ask some uncomfortable questions about who gets to define “respect.”

We’ll also reflect on what Jesus had to say about nations, borders, and the call to love our neighbour. Because when symbols become more important than people, we lose sight of what truly matters.

So stay with us, because this isn’t just about one dress — it’s about what kind of nation we want to be.

Ways To Tune In:

🇬🇧 When Patriotism Becomes Performance

I shared a comment on the Sky News Facebook page that read:

“Isn’t it funny how the same people who claim to care so deeply about the flag are the ones wearing it as a dress or plastering it across a bargain-bin T-shirt? Patriotism isn’t about wrapping yourself in symbols; it’s about understanding what they stand for.”

What followed was an outcry from right-wing circles—Reform UK, the Tories, and even Tommy Robinson’s online echo chamber. But their anger misses the point.

You can’t demand respect for the flag while simultaneously trivialising it. Wearing it as clothing, turning it into kitsch, and slapping it on disposable fashion often cheapens the very ideals it's supposed to represent.

🪖 What Do Veterans Think?

Many veterans and service families express discomfort at seeing the Union Jack worn as a fashion item. In their view, it’s not a costume—it’s a symbol of sacrifice. The UK Ministry of Defence does not ban such use, but organisations like the Royal British Legion encourage reflection on how symbols of national service are displayed.

Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Hill, a former British Army officer injured in Afghanistan, once said in a BBC interview:

"The flag carries weight. It’s draped over coffins. It marks sites of national tragedy. Wearing it casually often detaches us from its real meaning."

✝️ What Did Christ Say About Nations?

In our faith-based segment, we also reflect on how Jesus approached the concept of nationality, borders, and tribalism. In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus shares the Parable of the Good Samaritan—a direct challenge to the idea that we should care only for "our own."

Elsewhere, in John 18:36, Jesus reminds Pilate:

“My kingdom is not of this world.”

These teachings speak clearly: the kingdom of God isn’t bound by nation, flag, or political ideology. Compassion, mercy, and justice should override nationalism every time.

👗 Flags in Fast Fashion: Harmless or Harmful?

Fast fashion thrives on taking powerful symbols and reducing them to trends. In 1997, Geri Halliwell’s iconic Union Jack dress at the BRIT Awards became a pop culture moment—but even she later admitted it was a bit of fun, not a political statement.

Today, brands mass-produce Union Jack T-shirts for £5, made in factories far removed from British values or fair working conditions. That raises another question: Is it patriotic to wear a flag made under exploitative labour overseas?

🗣️ Let’s Redefine Patriotism

True patriotism doesn’t shout the loudest or wave the biggest flag. It shows up in how we care for our neighbours, how we defend the rights of the vulnerable, and how we reflect on our national story—warts and all.

This episode isn’t about shaming people who love the flag. It’s about reminding us that symbols should never replace substance.

🔗 References

Royal British Legion – Use of Symbols
BBC News – “The Power and Politics of Flags” (2022)
UK Ministry of Defence guidelines on military symbolism
Scripture references: Luke 10:25–37, John 18:36
Hill, Stewart (2021), Wounded Soldier, Healing Journey, BBC Radio 4 interview
The Conversation – “Fast Fashion, Patriotism and the Problem with Political Clothing” (2023)
GQ UK – “Revisiting Geri Halliwell’s Union Jack Dress” (2022)