Legacy St George | This is England and Beyond - St George's Flag Today | 2
Oct 30, 2025
As the Cross of St George once again fills the streets, the complex meanings behind the flag come to light. From its historical ties to the Crusades and colonialism, to its rise in football culture, the conversation navigates the flag's divisive legacy. Afua and Peter explore how nostalgia shaped English identity abroad while addressing why some feel excluded by its modern representation. They ponder whether the flag can be reclaimed for inclusivity and question if true national solidarity can exist without addressing deep-rooted inequalities.
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Flag's Ubiquity Sparks Debate
- Afua Hirsch observes St George's flag is everywhere and triggers mixed reactions across communities.
- The flag's visibility now prompts questions about meaning beyond mere celebration.
Crusades To Colonies: Symbolic Continuity
- Peter Frankopan links St George imagery to colonialism and crusading expansion.
- He argues crusading ideas later shaped imperial attitudes of 'bringing civilisation.'
Colonial Emigrés Preserve Nostalgia
- Afua traces US revival of St George to colonial descendants using it to assert Anglo-Saxon superiority.
- Organisations like the Royal Society of St. George explicitly connected patriotism with race.