Britain's Restive Patriots Put Out More Flags

The title of Evelyn Waugh’s wartime novel Put Out More Flags refers to a superficial and self-serving patriotism that takes the place of genuine effort or sacrifice. Waugh used the phrase, taken from a saying by an ancient Chinese sage, to satirize the pursuit of trivialities and self-interest by Britain’s upper and middle classes in the early days of World War II. His cynicism is no less fitting in considering the latest bout of enthusiasm for festooning the country with symbols of national pride.

In the past two months, groups of people (mostly youngish men) have assembled unbidden to hang St. George’s Cross and Union Jack flags from street lamps, motorway bridges and building facades across Britain. The red cross on a white background that is the emblem of St. George, England’s patron saint, has also been painted on road markings such as pedestrian crossings and mini-roundabouts. The campaign, coordinated via social media under the banner of Operation Raise the Colours, presents itself as a celebration of patriotic pride.