The flag that isn't neutral anymore

Careful, political opinion:

I'd never vote for a political leader who uses the country flag as his exclusive symbol.

Because suddenly it's not only about voting against or for him (I'm consciously using “him” here because I feel that this especially applies to men).

It becomes a vote for or against your flag and country: "My symbol is the flag. If you vote against me, you vote against your own country and people!"

This is not only dangerously patriotic but can split a whole nation.

I have to be very careful here with my observations as a "Gringo” living in Brazil, biased by my cultural background and the bubble of local friends.

But you can currently see this happening in Brazil.

Since the last election 4 years ago, the Brazilian flag is not neutral anymore. (I've never known it differently, as I only arrived here 2 years ago, but people tell me so).

When you see the Brazilian flag hanging from a window or in front of the house, it's a clear political statement: “I support the current president Bolsonaro.”

It's something sad to see. Many of my Brazilian friends were proud of their home country and felt admiration for their flag (the Brazilian flag is a beauty!). But now, they only associate it with political statements and social separation.

It seems to me that political leaders who use the country flag as their exclusive political symbol

- put their greed above the well-being of a nation

- actively contribute to the separation of a nation

- contribute to hate and identity issues

I don't know much about politics and am aware of political decisions' controversy and two-sidedness.

But I wouldn't vote for a political leader who uses the country flag as his symbol - regardless of the political position.

PS: On October 22, there will be new votes in Brazil.

There is a felt tensity in the nation heading to this event.

---

Follow this link to get to the LinkedIn Post and participate in the discussion.