Is there a code I can grab? I'm afraid wordpress doesn't allow me to copy and paste it on one of my side bars. If anyone knows how this could be done...
At the risk of being labelled a 'mastubatory fuck wit', I think the armband idea is not a good one. Think of Mussolini and Hitler - they were really keen on the use of armbands.
The kids who are actually engaged in revolution pin a simple square piece of red felt to their shirts, as a symbol of resistance to the neo-conservative tyranny. Perhaps we should just join with them.
Actually, Anon, I'm not sure I want to have anything to do with this "revolution" you speak of.
The red maple leaf is a focused idea - the suppression of democracy under the Harper government. This is manifested in the tight secrecy, gagging the armed forces and the public service, the policy of using minders to shadow government scientists, constantly misleading the public, contempt of Parliament, that sort of thing.
That explains the maple leaf, the image Canadians associate with their country, which is commonly in red. The colour is not intended to connote the political spectrum. In fact this whole thing is to reach out to all Canadians who find this government's actions democratically abusive.
The red square of cloth is already associated with a movement that a good percentage of the people I'm hoping to reach would probably reject. The colour itself affords it a partisan political focus at the extreme left of the spectrum. So, no thanks.
And, as for the sigificance of an armband, sure less savory movements have worn them in the past but that doesn't trouble me. The black armband, of course, is a traditional badge of mourning. And inverted flag is a traditional signal of distress. All this armband does is quietly convey a mourning for a Canadian democracy we once cherished that has been trampled on by the current government. It's an expression of resistance, of loyalty to our earlier Canadian values.
Would a head band with an upsidedown maple leaf have the same ring. I have a problem with the black arm band. With a head band religious groups and people who would want to refer to Hitler would have less desire to complain...do you think?
I actually have no problem at all with the armband idea. It's not a red armband with a white field and a swastika. Not even remotely similar. It will not be worn in mass parades or anything similar to fascist events of the past.
It's a black armband, the universal symbol of mourning.
The armband is also more utilitarian. It can be worn over shirts, jackets and coats. It can be worn indoors and outdoors. Headbands have a frivolous connotation. I don't think there should be anything remotely light-hearted in this.
done!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you Paul Morrison, I don't have a blog but thinking, lapel pin, bumper sticker . . . . .
ReplyDeleteIs there a code I can grab? I'm afraid wordpress doesn't allow me to copy and paste it on one of my side bars. If anyone knows how this could be done...
ReplyDeleteI have put this up on my web site - http://www.jpaulmorrison.com/Canada_distress.png - would this help?
ReplyDeleteI definitely want a couple of those armbands
ReplyDeleteThere are much higher quality versions of the upside down Canada flag you can find with a simple google search.
ReplyDeleteNo problem - mine was strictly low-tech... If you would care to post a cleaner image, I would be happy to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://ipolitics_assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/A-environmental-1024x622.jpg
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of being labelled a 'mastubatory fuck wit', I think the armband idea is not a good one. Think of Mussolini and Hitler - they were really keen on the use of armbands.
ReplyDeleteThe kids who are actually engaged in revolution pin a simple square piece of red felt to their shirts, as a symbol of resistance to the neo-conservative tyranny. Perhaps we should just join with them.
sassy said...
ReplyDeleteThank you Paul Morrison, I don't have a blog but thinking, lapel pin, bumper sticker . . . . .
Are you fracking kidding me? You want to accessorize the revolution?
Pin a red square to your shirt and hit the streets. The revolution will not be accessorized.
Are you fracking kidding me? You want to accessorize the revolution?
ReplyDeletePin a red square to your shirt and hit the streets. The revolution will not be accessorized.
Yes boss, is there anything else? :)
Actually, Anon, I'm not sure I want to have anything to do with this "revolution" you speak of.
ReplyDeleteThe red maple leaf is a focused idea - the suppression of democracy under the Harper government. This is manifested in the tight secrecy, gagging the armed forces and the public service, the policy of using minders to shadow government scientists, constantly misleading the public, contempt of Parliament, that sort of thing.
That explains the maple leaf, the image Canadians associate with their country, which is commonly in red. The colour is not intended to connote the political spectrum. In fact this whole thing is to reach out to all Canadians who find this government's actions democratically abusive.
The red square of cloth is already associated with a movement that a good percentage of the people I'm hoping to reach would probably reject. The colour itself affords it a partisan political focus at the extreme left of the spectrum. So, no thanks.
And, as for the sigificance of an armband, sure less savory movements have worn them in the past but that doesn't trouble me. The black armband, of course, is a traditional badge of mourning. And inverted flag is a traditional signal of distress. All this armband does is quietly convey a mourning for a Canadian democracy we once cherished that has been trampled on by the current government. It's an expression of resistance, of loyalty to our earlier Canadian values.
I have no problem with that.
I am in. I will use this post to document the harm done.
ReplyDeleteWould a head band with an upsidedown maple leaf have the same ring. I have a problem with the black arm band. With a head band religious groups and people who would want to refer to Hitler would have less desire to complain...do you think?
ReplyDeleteI actually have no problem at all with the armband idea. It's not a red armband with a white field and a swastika. Not even remotely similar. It will not be worn in mass parades or anything similar to fascist events of the past.
ReplyDeleteIt's a black armband, the universal symbol of mourning.
The armband is also more utilitarian. It can be worn over shirts, jackets and coats. It can be worn indoors and outdoors. Headbands have a frivolous connotation. I don't think there should be anything remotely light-hearted in this.