I noted with interest that a Cross of St George has been painted on the roundabout at the top of Udimore Rd. Notwithstanding that it’s an act of criminal damage that might well intimidate people in our community and those visiting us from abroad, there’s nothing intrinsically wrong with the Cross of St. George.
There’s nothing wrong with patriotism, distinct perhaps from empty, chest-beating nationalism. There’s nothing wrong with loving your country, its culture, its traditions, its environment and all of its people... But no amount of polyester flag-waving will make our community or our country strong. Indeed, social division is more likely to make us weak and vulnerable to the interference of our adversaries. And there’s nothing patriotic about that.
So to those who, whether inspired by current far-right campaigns or not, are feeling inflamed by patriotism, I’d like to suggest an alternative.
The best way to increase local and national pride is to help build our community. There are dozens of groups in Hastings and Rye that require support, whether it’s financial or voluntary. Giving an hour to support a youth club, football team, local festival or traditional event, may be a much more significant and impactful use of time than spray-painting a flag on a roundabout... And, personally, I think that building a strong, inclusive and harmonious community is much more patriotic.
