The flag of patriots

They say there is a thin line that separates genius from insanity.

I have also observed that it is a thin line that divides patriots from historical legalists in the same way that some people are confused about Nationalism versus Protectionism.

For several weeks, I along with some friends of mine who consider ourselves as “nationalists” have had our knickers in a twist discussing the legality or illegality of artistically expressing our love for cars and country, by incorporating aspects of the Philippine flag in the same way that American car designers have incorporated their “Stars and Stripes” to their automotive paint jobs.

One thing that can be said about Americans is that they are the epitome of patriotism. They proudly display the Stars and Stripes on flagpoles, windows, entry-ways, and just about any place available including the hood, the roof and the trunk of a Corvette. But their patriotism does not end there. They serve their country at home and abroad, they buy “American” and export American. Why else do you think we have been Americanized!

Clearly patriotism is a state of being – being proud, being in love about your country, the nation and its people. Patriots are proud to say it, proud to declare it and proud to show it. Most importantly it is a way of life. It’s not seasonal or occasional like when a holiday like Independence Day or National Heroes Day takes place. Or when you celebrate “Flag Day”.

Actually that’s when the debate began. A prominent cabinet member who is also a nationalist was criticized for “debasing, insulting and commercializing” the Philippine flag because a message was printed over a photo of the “flag” which were distributed in poster form all over Metro Manila. Of course the issue died as quickly as it came to life because it was all part of the seasonal or occasional type of patriotism that historical legalists display.

Since then we have noticed a continuing stream of artistic expressions on shirts, jackets, logos etc that are clearly inspired by the Philippine flag as well as a growing expression of nationalism. Instead of containing their nationalistic sentiments to flags and lapel pins a younger generation of Filipinos have been showing their colors in sporting outfits as well as fashion. The most visible being the logo of MTV-Philippines that displays the Philippine “colors”.

This of course has raised concerns and the question: what about the law?

Yes, what about the law? Is it about the spirit of the law or the text of the law that should guide us concerning the Philippine flag, patriotic expression, and freedom of expression as well as the freedom of artistic expression? As it stands the traditionalists and the legalists would have us maintain a “flat” rectangular still life symbol of our country. They want a no ifs - no buts adherence to a law that is more about fear than fervor and more about rules than respect.

The situation is very similar to the debate over how the Bible should be treated at home and its proper use. The traditionalists have long held the Bible as a “Holy” book and as such, there should be a “special place” for the Bible. In fact in many Filipino homes you will find the Bible placed at an altar alongside different statues of saints, rosaries, dried flowers and unlit candles.

The traditionalists find it very disturbing to see how “Evangelicals” or Christians carry their Bibles everywhere, in their cars, at work, in church, even at the malls. Even more disturbing to the traditionalists is how Christians and Evangelicals underline, highlight, fold, mark, or write notes on their Bibles like College students taking a four-year course. To some it’s sacrilegious.

Whether it’s the Bible or the Philippine flag, the question that confronts us is should we place these things on altars or special places and turn them into lifeless idols that have no relevance, value or impact in our daily lives? Should they simply be mere symbols?

Torn and tattered flags in the battlefield fought for and held high by bleeding men is far more valuable than a thousand unappreciated banners on a boulevard. A well read and worn bible that has been given life in the hearts of men and women is of greater value than a 100-year old antique that has never been opened or read. A gold leaf leather bound Bible used for display purposes will never heal a wound or save a soul. It simply gathers dust. 

I personally think that the concept of “law” and “respect” are contrary to each other. I may follow the law about flags because I fear the law, but the law will not necessarily bring out my respect for the flag or even the law. On the other hand no law will ever be necessary for me to respect the flag if I actually do respect it.

Whatever the socio-political reasons are, it is evident that there is a growing number of Filipinos who are rediscovering their patriotism. They say that when people find themselves as refugees or foreigners in a strange land, they ultimately miss the old country and eventually become more patriotic. The world economic crisis has certainly contributed to a growing trend towards what some call “protectionism” but what is actually “nationalism”.

It is ironic that for most of our childhood years, the one thing we Filipinos share is singing the National anthem and showing respect for the country through the flag. We in fact have been raised to love and respect the Philippine flag only to discover that laws have been passed that make loving the flag and showing our innermost passion, artistry and nationalism a crime.

The real crime to me is when people try to stop the few and the proud from showing how much we love the Philippines.