Respect your nations.

[heavensealed.livejournal.com]

As Hetalia cosplay is becoming more popular, many cosplayers are beginning to use flags as an accompanying prop. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this. It certainly adds a nice flair, as well as helping to identify the cosplay (and the series) for those who are unfamiliar with it. However, there is something about this increasingly popular use of flags that has been disturbing me as well as a number of my cosplayer friends and Hetalia fans.

This issue is the manner in which these "prop" flags are treated.

On more than one occasion I have noticed cosplayers allowing flags to drag on the floor, tying them around their necks as capes, and even using them as blankets to either cover themselves or sit on.

This is unacceptable, not just in the cosplay world but universally. Showing proper respect for your flag is also showing proper respect for your country, and any disrespect done to the flag is an injury done to that country as well. Why do you think burning flags is so highly offensive?

Any proper flag of a decent size, no matter what nation you are from or happen to be in, must be treated with proper attention. This especially applies to those flags around the size of 3x5 feet or higher.

A flag should:
-Be held up high, put on a pole or handle whenever possible.
-Be folded and/or neatly draped whenever not in use.
-Be treated with utmost reverance and appreciation.
-Be respected as you would respect yourself and the country you are cosplaying.

A flag should NOT:
-Be allowed to touch or drag on the floor. (This is why I find flags being used as blankets particularly disgusting, since the puts the flag at risk of getting dirty and being stepped on.)
-Be treated as a prop or an accessory or peice of clothing (i.e.: Cape, headband, armband, apron, blanket, etc...) or anything other than a flag.
-Be left lying around unkempt and wrinkled when not in use.

This is not just information to be used in cosplay, but goes for when using flags in any and all circumstances. So please, if you yourself use flags in Hetalia cosplay or know others who do please, please pass this information on to them. Not only will this keep your flag in good condition, but will also honor the nation which you are portraying (more so if you're cosplaying your own country!!!). If you don't care and don't want to take the time to show proper respect for a flag (or it's simply too big for you to do so), I would recommend not using a flag at all. I don't want to be condoning, but this is just common courtesy, and you run the risk of offending someone if you do not pay attention to where you flag is.

So please, respect your nations. Repect your flags.

**EDIT: For anyone with larger flags, here is a link which explains how to proprly fold it when not using it or for display."**
**EDITEDIT: I alluded to this, but I'll just add that this only applies legitimate flags. Towels, blankets or head-scarves with flag prints on it are meant to be used as towels, blankets or head-scarves, so this does not apply to them. Don't be afraid to use them as intended~! =3

Comments

[sppandaaa.livejournal.com]

The lack of respect I see for flags disgusts me completely.
People should respect their national flag as well as other countries.

[accela.livejournal.com]

Yes!!!!!!! I am so glad to see someone post this, I seriously freak out about it every convention I see Hetalia cosplayers doing that.

[sairei.livejournal.com]

Thanks for pointing this out, I completely agree.

[seatalia.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for posting this Iggy <333

[temiikon.livejournal.com]

I agree with this one-hundred percent. As not only a fellow Hetalia cosplayer/appreciator, but as an individual who has respect for my country and the other countries of the world, I am whole-heartedly appreciative of this post; the amount of people who drag flags, put them on the floor, sit on them, lay on them, take yaoi pictures on them, or otherwise disgrace the flag, is utterly disturbing and gross. People should research flag etiquette or just act with common decency and common sense before carrying a flag around with them. Cosplayers have to remember; before a flag is a prop, it is first and foremost a respected emblem.

[ex-stephani638.livejournal.com]

Thanks for posting this. It always makes me seethe when I see people disrespecting flags.

[maotaku.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this post, it was definitely in need of being pointed out. I 100% agree with you.

[riot-of-flowers.livejournal.com]

I agree 100% on this ♥ Many people can take offense on it and cause innecesary problems when everyone should be having fun.

*hugs*
Cony

(Your post about how to fold a flag got my attention but the link has your text copied on it and there's no HTTP address).

[riot-of-flowers.livejournal.com]

Ah, ignore that, you have alread fixed it.

[pentha.livejournal.com]

Be allowed to touch or drag on the floor.

I've heard that this one is big in America, but what about people who come from countries where this is no big issue?

[musubi7.livejournal.com]

it's still common courtesy.

[mitsukirox101.livejournal.com]

Thank You!

I find this very shameful of people, especially the whole sitting/blanket thing! If you were true fan of your countries you would repesct their flag too, (this occured to me when I saw the people at the washington meet-up hang the prussia flag but yeah ^_^b)

it's like they forget there's the acutall country before hetalia -__-|||

[mecchayumyum.livejournal.com]

I must know where you got your icon from!

[shigureblack.livejournal.com]

Thank you for bringing up a great point! ^^

[doctor-zingle.livejournal.com]

On more than one occasion I have noticed cosplayers allowing flags to drag on the floor, tying them around their necks as capes, and even using them as blankets to either cover themselves or sit on.

I use mine as a napkin, personally.

[mimes.livejournal.com]

TERRORIST.

[tokene.livejournal.com]

I agree completely, kudos for you taking the time to post this up.

[lumos.livejournal.com]

Alright, I'm probably going to get hate for saying this, but I'm going to anyway. First off, I DO AGREE ABOUT BEING RESPECTFUL. Yes, flags are symbolic and important emblems of a country, they shouldn't be purposely dragged on the floor, sat on, etc.

However, as far as the "cape" and "blanket" issues go. I think there should be a little leniency as far as taking pictures go. Am I saying someone should tie the flag around their neck and run around like a "superhero" with a cape? No. But if you're draping it around your shoulders, head, whatever, to take a picture, I don't believe that should be a huge issue. They aren't trying to purposely disrespect a flag. While people can disagree about calling a flag a "prop", that's its "part" of the cosplay.

I think as long as you take care of it and don't purposely mess it, (and that you properly store it afterward) you can be allowed to do a little more with it than just hold it on a pole.

I apologize if I've offended anyone, but that's my personal opinion. I have utmost respect for my country and all others, I'm not trying to be disrespectful.

[saramon.livejournal.com]

Er, sorry, but I agree - I mean, the yaoi with flags is really kind of scary, but just playing with the flag for pictures? I really don't think it's that disrespectful. A flag is just a piece of cloth, when you come right down to it - I'm patriotic as hell, but I don't mind messing around with American flags. People I know in the MILITARY don't mind messing around with American flags, although they joke about how you have to burn it once it touches the ground. In other words, all it is IS a symbol - I would say that disrespect is only disrespect when it's intentional, in this case.

Question

[green-phantom4.livejournal.com]

I very much appreciate this post, and I have a question about smaller flags (The kind some put on cars, the hand-held kind). Besides not letting the fabric itself come in contact with the ground, is there anything one should know about handling these?

[heavensealed.livejournal.com]

Well, as I said, this is mostly for the larger flags. The smaller ones often aren't made of the same material, so I think there's a lot of leniency. I've seen people use them as hair accessories, which I find a bit offensive, but I can't really think of anything else. Keeping them off the ground would be fine, IMO. Thanks for asking!

[anasyrma.livejournal.com]

I am gayer for this post than I'd like to admit.

Damn you.

another pov

[anasyrma.livejournal.com]

final: I mean I SORT OF AGREE
final: BUT SORT OF REALLY DON'T
final: I mean if you used the flag pole as a buttsex tool
final: WHICH I AM SURE SOME COSPLAYERS HAVE
final: THAT IS JUST WEIRD

anasyrma: ffffffffff
anasyrma: ffffffffff
anasyrma: ffff
anasyrma: ff
anasyrma: ff
anasyrma: f

final: AND A LITTLE UNNECESSARY
final: BUT I MEAN if you sat on it I would be like o okay
final: FLAG HAS MULTIPLE USES YAY
final: But like if you farted on the flag
final: then like
final: well
final: that's kinda mean but okay also
final: WHY WOULD YOU TELL ME YOU FARTED ON IT

final: o that person clarified what kind of flag she meant
final: I GUESS I 75% AGREE
final: /changes opinion halfway

[vivi314.livejournal.com]

Good point, but I wouldn't call it shameful on their part. It might be ignoring other people's sensibilities about how the flag is treated, but let's just think of it: it's simply a symbolic piece of cloth, whose importance is entirely subjective. I love my country as much as the next person, yet don't feel offended if the flag touches the ground or is used as a picnic blanket; even when people are burning flags, because my own personal sensitivity about flags is close to zero, which is NOT the case of many people.
So I guess it is nice that you point out these precautions, and that they should be taken, because the symblism can be of importance to people. I wouldn't call it as extremely offensive as this post seems to imply, though.

[heavensealed.livejournal.com]

A symbol is used to represent something, in this case, a country. Therefore, disrespecting the flag is disrespecting the country. It isn't just a peice of cloth.

[eri-desu.livejournal.com]

I completely agree with this! >:T

Question: What if the flag you're using as a prop is actually a handkerchief flag? Still bad to use it in it's handkerchief manner or is that passable? What about flag towels?

Just asking, not because I have one, but because I'm thinking of all the Bandit Keith's out there using their America hankies on their heads...

[heavensealed.livejournal.com]

If it's supposed to be use for that, of course there's no disrespect. If it's a flag blanket, use it as a blanket. If it's a towel, it's a towel. A handkerchief is a handkerchief. That's what it's used for. =3

[bluemyst19.livejournal.com]

THIS.

Thank you for this. Seriously.

[muishiki.livejournal.com]

(sorry to be randomly butting in like this, but)
would that kdrama be the one about Queen Seondeok?

[picnicbird.livejournal.com]

Very much agreement. I understand cosplay is cosplay and people are prone to running around excited and blind to the world, but Hetalia is somewhat of a different animal when compared to other fandoms. It itself has its foundations in real life, real issues, and as such ignorance regarding sensitive issues should probably be addressed/rectified.

Thanks for the pointers.

[digitalhopper.livejournal.com]

I already said this to you personally. But thank you SO MUCH for posting this!!!!

[captainoo.livejournal.com]

Thank you so so so much for saying and posting this.

_{You think this would be common sense and knowledge. But apparently it's not.}

[gab-rey.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with you. Thanks for pointing that out.

[mcmitters.livejournal.com]

Ah, thank you for posting this... Every time I see a flag miss used in a cosplay photo, my inner Girl Scout cries, but I've never really had the guts to say anything about it.
I don't necessarily think people should not use flags at all, but I think there does need to be a bit more decorum should be involved.

*sighs*

[extremlygirly.livejournal.com]

gonna be honest, I don't like flags a props anyway, because if you can't make it obvious who you are, or aren't willing to explain then carting a flag around is not gonna make a world of difference.

I could see maybe an America cos player having a stars and stripes bandanna or a Canadian cos player (like me) sewing a maple leaf on their shirt/hoodie , but carting around the flag is gaudy at best and not needed really. Subtly is key. Besides its easier to keep a hold of a bandanna.

As for treating the flags with respect, I have learned from where i am from that touching a flag is only alright if its on a flag pole and in your way, other wise its there to flap in the breeze. If taking it down you fold it and are reverent.
Does this mean i get my panties in a bunch when I see the flag being used? No not really. If they choose to show such disrespect, then fine, their choice. I find that nagging someone about it only makes it worse anyway.

I appreciate this post, it make sense.

SORRY could not help it

[anasyrma.livejournal.com]

YOU'RE NOT A REAL AMERICAN
YOU'RE NOT EVEN WEARING A FLAG ON YOUR HEAD