Neil and I moved to New Jersey 3 weeks after 911. Every single house in every single neighbourhood was adorned with American Flags and some houses literally had shrines set up in their front yards.
Every single car flew at least one flag too.
We moved into our house and consciously decided "No Flags."
We'd lived in the country literally 24 hours and flying American flags everywhere, felt insincere. We hadn't earned that right. Flying a South African flag felt very wrong too. So we had no flags. It did not mean that we didn't care deeply about the tragedy of 911or that we didn't love our homeland. If anyone read it that way it was because they never bothered to ask us. We lived there nearly 3 years and our neighbours never really accepted us. That may have had nothing to do with the flags, of course.
Put it another way...
I believe I have no real leg to stand on if I protest Climate Change but think I have the right to take long haul flights and drive a 4x4. Which I do. And I sincerely question your right to protest Climate Change when you chose to have 4,3,2 or even 1 kid. Which helps me justify my choice of vehicle and my love of juicy steaks.
No amount of paper straws or hemp shopping bags puts me vaguely in the right corner.
Tim Minchin has a song..
"In defense of the Fence" and whilst it's not a perfect explanation of my views, I know I rather be a conciderate "draad sitter" than an "insincere fanatic."
So when I don't glibbly change my profile picture to #BlackLivesMatter,
I can't stop you judging me but I'd rather you asked me why. And call me out if I Fuck Up. But not on social media platforms, please. In person is better.
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