I always feel that if I haven't posted for a couple of weeks I should follow it up with something worthwhile.
Sorry, that won't be happening. I have a sliver of time in which to get my thoughts down, so this will have to do.
I will admit that I've been toying with the idea of wrapping up AliBlahBlah. Five years is a long time. My life is getting crazy, my migraines are caused by stress, they are happening with increasing, debilitating frequency, and I'm really having to try to cut back on my to do list. Plus there is a lot going on right now that I'm not sure I can write about, and will definitely struggle to put a positive spin on.
On the other hand, I agree that you are not done with blogging as long as you are still composing posts in your head, and that's still going on, so I'm at a crossroads. Plus, William and Kate are coming HERE! next weekend, and not only that, they will be hanging out at my husband's place of work and we may have wangled ourselves a psuedo invite - and how can an Expat blogger pass up that juicy morsel?
In the meantime, on this 4th of July weekend, my first as a bone fide Amercun, I bring you an odd difference between the two countries. Flag-worship.
We were at a party recently with a giant Amercun flag waving in the breeze. Tis the season after all. Lucy is a tomboy in every sense of the word, and her new game is called 'ka-cha!' which is basically her running around karate-chopping thin air and making elaborately fierce poses. We need to teach her to yell "bow to your sensei!!" then the entertainment would be complete.
This is what happened: Lucy was running around ka-cha!ing and - maybe on purpose, maybe by accident - she 'ka-cha'd' the Stars and Stripes (which was hanging a bold 10 inches from the ground).
All hell let loose.
She was reprimanded by EVERY American present - except me. They were kind but firm, the American flag was sacrosanct, and had to be treated with respect, it represented the country and all who sailed in her. Meanwhile I'm thinking 'are you kidding me, she's two, please hold the civics lesson until she can use a toilet unassisted.'
I don't think there is anything in the British non-constitution that is held so reverently. The monarchy, the flag (of which there are many), even tea - they are all treated with a healthy disrespect. While these things are taken seriously, they are not followed zealously or overtly. The reaction to Lucy hong-kong-phoeeying the flag was really surprising to me - even after 15 years of living here. LK took both girls to one side and gave them a talking to. He later told me he was brought up to believe that if the flag accidentally touched the ground it would have to be burnt. Really? Even he would not be nudged on the position that Lucy needed to be told, in no uncertain terms, that what she had done was wrong.
Wow.
After having gone through my Naturalization, and all it entailed, I do know why the flag is important to the concept of Nationhood. It stands for the country in more of a way than a head of State can. It represents the country, the unification of the separate States. We The People etc etc. Except this is also a country that prides itself on 'question authority' (you see it on every other bumper sticker shouting at you from the freeway). Maybe that's just California - but again, maybe that's why I'm surprised.
I think I still have some Naturalizing to do.
16 comments:
Wow. I had no idea either that her action would provoke such a severe (and, to me, extreme) reaction. Surely there are so many other things that are truly offensive, that we should be teaching our chidren???
I love your blog! Your writing is so evocative, interesting and entertaining. I hope you won't give it up. And, pretty please, dish all the royal detail!
From Dana, an English Mum near Boston.
Given her maple leaf hat in Canada, perhaps Kate will provide Lucy with a different type of opportunity to ka-cha! a flag!
Maybe I'm just feeling blog-sensitive myself, but that flag story makes me want to just pack up and leave. Do we really take ourselves that seriously? Help.
Wow! I knew the flag was to be respected, but hadn't realised quite how strongly. The irony is I have an American flag tablecloth that we use on July 4th. Hope I haven't been upsetting the neighbours!
This lurker loves reading whatever you write! And I think you should ask all the party-goers if they have any stars-and-stripes undies. Although I will admit to feeling guilty about not leaving the front porch light on to keep our flag illuminated - conserve energy or follow my girl scout upbringing?
I respect the flag as a symbol, but it isn't an idol or religious icon. It's a bit of fabric for goodness sake. It gets printed onto napkins. Fair enough if someone thought she would do it some harm or pull it down, but really?
You don't need to burn a flag that accidentally touches the ground. It hasn't been desecrated. You are supposed to dispose of the flag respectfully (which usually means by burning, but sometimes by burying) if it gets damaged, but it'd be a silly overreaction to burn it over a bit of dirt.
Thanks for all your comments, especially the de-lurkers. So far the girls have shown no further signs of anarchy.....
Sorry, I'm going to be the differing opinion. I don't think you should yell or punish the child, I believe they should be taught to respect the flag. And why shouldn't respect start early? I, too was taught if the flag hit the ground it was disrespectful and should be burned, guessing that wasn't just a regional thing (here in the Midwest)! Don't really know if it's still the rule, I'm sure the local VFW would know!
I'm godsmacked. Even if I'd witnessed the whole thing, I'd still be shaking my head in disbelief.
The flag issue always feels a little like the arguments about icons between Catholics and e.g. Calvinists. It means everything if you are involved in it, but is mystifying for those outside.
In much the same way as religion, I guess your kids will choose their own way when they can. Both feet firmly on one side of the pond or one on each side.
Anarchy: bring it on!
Fascinating topic. I think my gut reaction would have been the same as your husband. I was definitely brought up (in a very liberal, hippie household btw) to respect the flag, and I would have been reprimanded as a child had I done what Lucy did. And I also thought a flag wasn't supposed to touch the ground! I'd never really thought about this before.
But more importantly...I can not believe that you might get to be in the same room as Will and Kate!!!! I am seriously obsessed with them right now and will want to hear every detail if you get to see them. Please don't give up blogging now!
First, please don't stop blogging! I LOVE your blog! I love hearing about the girls, and what you're up to. Love all the pictures, too. Second, if that flag was properly displayed, no two-year-old could have gotten near it! My Dad displays the flag in front of his house, properly lit 24/7, and always has. Even he will let the grandkids take it down once in awhile and parade around the yard with it. Yes, we tell them to be respectful and don't drag it on the ground. But criminey sakes, people, lighten up! Of course, I'm a mother of 19-month-old toddlers, and we destroy other peoples' property with abandon!
I always enjoy your writing. Keep it up if it's an outlet. Toss it if it's a drain on you.
My MIL is a flag=sacred symbol person. I can remember playing with a small flag as a kid and being thrilled/scared when I would drop it on the ground. (Although I don't remember getting reprimanded.)
That's okay because she is still young. She maybe had no idea about her actions for the moment. Just explain it to her and I know she will understand.
Superb article and great passing blog too! Thank you for all your advice.
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