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Originally Posted by etccarmageddon
this bit is a direct quote from the NTL spokesperson.
"We work in many multicultural areas and in different countries within Britain so we want to maintain a professional image and a sense of impartiality"
so what has multi culturism go to do with the English flag? is it against some cultures to see the English flag roll up at their doorstep or pass down their street?
I can't believe these other "cultures" the NTL PC team claim exist would be so petty and pathetic.
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I think a lot of people are over simplifying this by dragging it down to the level of gutter press xenophobia and paranoia (for example The Sun).
NTL have stated they are implementing this as a matter of impartiality and professionalism. They are not saying people shouldn't be allowed to boast the English flag if they want to. They're just not allowing it to be done on or in conjunction with their livery, by their staff, at their expense during working hours. It's quite simple. During your working hours you are expected to behave as an employee - on their terms.
As to the question of what multiculturalism has to do with the English flag I think you'll find that there are quite a few second and third generation immigrants to the UK (specifically England) who recall, with less than a wistful tear, the days of dear old Blighty as an aggressive, conquering empire builder. I think NTL are being responsible to their sensitivities given the current climate of mistrust generated by opportunist scaremongers such as "The Sun".
Whether NTL are doing this for social or economic reasons is largely irrelevant, the fact is they are doing it. Some elements of society will be reciprocal in that regard and others will be scathing in their attacks on a perceived bending of the knee to the "pc team".
The bottom line is that there are a very large number of people who view the flying of the England flag as triumphalist and threatening. Unfortunately legitimate supporters are lumped in with racists and fascists in their opinion as there are no clear lines of distinction. This has come about because certain right wing groups have hijacked the flag for nefarious purposes.
That these groups were able to do so with minimal intervention on the part of Government went some way to undermining the worth of the flag as a national symbol - it became "tainted" and instead of being a subject of national pride it is now viewed by many with suspicion and, to a certain degree, fear.
Without wishing to demean the subject I think due consideration should be given to those citizens who suffer more than not being allowed to celebrate their national team / nationality during working hours.
What about the many dozens of innocent England fans who are deprived of their very nationality for the duration of football campaigns where their passports are confiscated just because they appear on a suspect list? Who is fighting their corner?