In Canada we made a beer label into our flag, we're much more laid back about every thing. cheers.

I believe in standing for your flag as a child is good ... as at that point most international matters are biased by the parents.... so maybe till highschool... but being American I still show support for my flag even though I disagree with a lot the government does... because at the end of the day I am still American... I am just waiting for the rest of the country to realize how many thing our government does wrong towards Americans and other countries.. especially other countries... I truly believe we should mind our own business

@ Craig - agreed. There is a difference between what the flag represents, and what idiots do in the name of the flag. Same with countries all over.

What respect can one have for a piece of coloured cloth. 

I feel nothing but disgust and contempt when I see people saluting or standing to a flag. It is the most ridiculous idea. 

The thing smacks of imperialist notions, extreme nationalism, paranoia and bigotry. I would enjoy getting all the flags of the world, placing them in a big pile and burning the lot. The world would be a far better place without them.

The same goes for national anthems. Usually some form of nationalist or religious brainwashing that bizarrely is deemed perfectly acceptable for primary school children.

The only things we should stand to attention for are people. People that have contributed to the world in a positive manner. Einstein, Mandela and the like; but flags-give me strength!

I agree with the guy above me.  Nationalism divides people.  Extreme nationalism kills people.  And standing in praise of a colored piece of cloth strikes of religious fanaticism.  My ideals and principles are not represented by a flag and I'm certainly not going to stand and "respect" or pledge some "allegiance" to it.

It's ridiculous. Why devote anything to something that can neither hear, see, nor talk? No thanks.

I'm fiercely loyal to my country, the United States of America (puck yeah!), but devotion to a flag is a retarded idea to me. I'm devoted to serving and protecting my country, plain and simple.

I wouldn't die for a flag. I wouldn't pledge anything to a flag. To my country? YES, no problem. Inanimate objects? No...

I think there is a line between being proud of your nationality, and becoming tgnorant to the outside world.

I see a positive and negative side to the flag-raising ceremony in CHina.

I can only say that, what Cubs and Scouts do in the UK (Of which I was one) is a good example of how it should be done.

The problem with CHina is that their ceremony is all too militarized, but then again, it does kind of instill respect in one.

Also, I thin it is used as too much of a tool to try and get the youngsters to grow up with an anti-Japan mindset etc.

People should be proud of where they came from, if they can be.  I don't like having a Nationality or title enforced on me which is exactly what the EU are trying to do with everyone.

Firstly, I am English.

Secondly, I do consider myself as British.

I do consider myself as a European.

However, I don't like the fact that driving licences, and birth certificates are having the EU Flag enforced on them instead of the British flag and the Royal Warrant.  In this respect, I want Brussels to fk off.

As an aside, we are very lucky to have the most beautiful flag in the world.  Shame the Chinese take their admiration or likeness of our flag to the point they ruin it on ocassions.

In my mind a flag is a mastering point for those of a country.
Yes I Stand fast when my country's flag is raised or lowered at the end of the day
I do not always agree with the government of the day but I stand united under the flag
This is the one thing I like about nationalism