17.01.2002, Shamseeva E.
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The Russian national flag: «I know the colors but always confuse them»
One of the usual state attributes in the contemporary world are the official symbols – the state coat-of-arms, anthem and flag. The elements of state symbols – the anthem's words and the image of the coat-of-arms - are traditionally fixed by law, but this does not necessarily mean that ordinary citizens are able to faultlessly describe the state flag or sing the national anthem.
As it turned out, the overwhelming majority of people (85%) are familiar with the image of the contemporary Russian flag, while 9% found it difficult to answer the question, and only 6% gave a wrong description. People above 50 and Zyuganov followers found it most difficult to describe the flag: in these two groups, the greatest number of undecided responses were found (14% each). On the contrary, younger respondents (18-35 years old) and residents of megapolises were most likely to give a correct description of the tricolor (92% and 91%, respectively).
Many interviewees noted that although they knew what the Russian flag looked like, they always confuse the order of the colors:
- «You know the colors, but always confuse in what order they go»
(DFG, Moscow).
The respondents were likely to explain this by the fact that the tricolor is a very widespread pattern in the world. They state that in this situation, it is very difficult to single out our «own» flag from other similar ones. But in reality, the ordinary Russian citizen doesn't come across foreign flags too often. The matter is that for the majority of Russians, the modern tricolor hasn't become «imprinted" in their minds yet, and therefore it is really hard for them to identify it among similar flags:
- «The matter is that there are a great deal of tricolors – about two dozens – and it always arouses confusion. Only the order varies. Horizontal or vertical stripes is not a grave problem. But there are quite a lot of horizontally striped flags.»
(DFG, Novosibirsk).
- «It's a shame that Russia followed the others in symbols. All those tricolors.»
(DFG, Moscow).
- "
Moderator: Do you like this flag?
Sveta: What is good about it?
Ivan: It's an impersonal flag.
Natasha: Yes, impersonal, like many others.
Viktor: Many countries have similar flags." (DFG, Moscow).
- "I like the flag. The thing is that there are quite a few of them. Just different stripes"
(DFG, Novosibirsk).
- «When I see the red flag, I see Russia. When I see the American flag, I always distinguish it. But when I see those flags, which of them is Russian? All are striped.»
(DFG, Moscow).
Despite this fact, almost two-thirds of those surveyed (64%) stated that they liked the Russian flag (25%«definitely like,» 39% «rather like than dislike»). The young respondents displayed the greatest sympathy (70%), with the least sympathies – which is quite natural – voiced by those above 50 years old (51%), Zyuganov followers (45%) and people with a primary education (52%). It is quite typical that these categories were least informed about the contemporary Russian flag. So, at the discussion focus groups, it was essentially elderly people – the traditional core of the communist electorate – who spoke against the Russian tricolor. The «red banner» for them is much more habitual, and they strongly associate it with the war, rallies and demonstrations, and national sporting achievements:
- «I see the Russian flag only as red, with the hammer and sickle. This new one I don't understand.»
(DFG, Moscow).
- «The thing is that we were born with a different flag.»
(DFG, Moscow).
- "I like the old one, with which we won the war "
(open-ended question).
- "The red flag is more habitual, we went to rallies with it, but now it's not available, it can't be used anywhere. "
(open-ended question).
- «Famous hockey players spoke recently about the pride they experienced when our anthem was performed and the red banner was raised.»
(DFG, Moscow).
The arguments of those stating their sympathies for the Russian flag are quite varied. The can be conditionally divided into several groups.
The first set of reasons are esthetic: the respondents noted a good combination of colors, its attractiveness and unobtrusive image.
- "
Moderator: Do you like or dislike this flag?
Aleksey: Nothing redundant.
Sergei: Pleasant colors.
Tatiana: The simplicity of our flag is attractive.
Vitaly: The combination of colors is pleasant to the eye. No problems" (DFG, Samara).
- "Clear, unobtrusive "
(open-ended question).
- "Looks nice"
(open-ended question).
- "Beautifully set colors."
(open-ended question).
However, the overwhelming majority of those surveyed faced serious difficulties in attempting to establish the meaning of each color. All of them had heard something about what they mean, everyone offered his own version, but no one could definitely tell what they meant. The very fact of seeking an explanation to the flag colors is interesting in itself. An impression is being formed that the respondents are not likely to accept the Russian flag as an entity – they attempt to «decode» it, to rationally estimate the extent to which it conforms to the contemporary Russian state. Seeking the inner sense may serve as evidence of a certain alienation of the people from the Russian flag.
- "
Moderator: Does this flag suit our country?
Viktor: But nobody know what it means.
Natasha: They wrote something...
Viktor: They did. But who read it?
Natasha: I forgot everything. What each color means ..." (DFG, Moscow).
- "
Viktor: People don't know what it symbolizes.
Lena: But it was not just taken, it's a historical flag, they didn't invent it.
Viktor: But nobody can explain what this flag symbolizes." (DFG, Moscow).
The second set of reasons behind sympathies for the tricolor are historical. As is well-known, the modern Russian flag is a pre-revolutionary Russian naval flag. The respondents proudly noted that this very circumstances allows people to trace the succession of times and get back to their roots (at the same time, some respondents confuse the state tricolor with the St. Andrew's cross – the Russian contemporary naval flag.)
- «We have this flag as a historical fact. Russians lived with this flag and fought in many battles. So, it is the embodiment of Russia.»
(DFG, Moscow).
- «Our old Russian flag, there must be a succession.»
(open-ended question).
- «We've returned to our roots – this is the St. Andrew flag.»
(open-ended question).
- «It's historically justified as the flag of the Russian state.»
(open-ended question).
Yet some focus group participants believe that the Russian tricolor doesn't represent the historical succession of times, but on the contrary is a symbol of the transitional period the nation is now experiencing. They tend to see it as lack of a definite state identity for Russia.
- "
Galina: «It's one of many. This flag doesn't represent Russia's colors.
Grigory: «But for this very reason it is best suited to Russia, because our country became one of many. And the flag is also one of many.» (DFG, Novosibirsk).
- «No anthem or flag can suit Russia now, because the nation is at the crossroads. And nobody knows what will come out of it.»
(DFG, Moscow).
Two-thirds (63%) believe that a respectful attitude towards the flag now prevails in Russia. As little as 10% of those surveyed say it is not respected, with another 27% undecided on the issue. At the discussion focus groups, the moderators asked a question: «Should people who tear and burn Russian flags at rallies and demonstrations be punished? And if they should, what should be the punishment?» In the course of discussion, opinions were split. Some firmly believe that because the flag is one of the state symbols, disrespectful attitudes towards it are completely unacceptable. In the opinion of these respondents, the law must provide punishment for such deeds:
- "
Vasily: This is anti-constitutional.
Oleg: I believe that public destruction of the state flag is a state offence." (DFG, Moscow).
- "As a Russian citizen, I have no right to destroy the Russian flag. I must respect my state."
(DFG, Moscow).
- "The state is power, that's why we must punish disrespect, and the punishment forms may vary."
(DFG, Novosibirsk).
Other DFG participants are less firm in their beliefs. Some of them hold that disrespect for the flag is not a crime that should be seriously punished. Others, who tend to see it as a minor crime, maintain that drastic punishment is not a solution to this problem. At the same time, all discussion participants unanimously speak in favor of moral condemnation of those destroying the Russian flag, and raising young people in the spirit of respect for state symbols.
- "
Moderator: Should the public burning of the state flag be punished?
Sergei: No, we came to democracy, why should we go back to totalitarianism? Punishing for such things... Sorry, this is a trifle compared with other things.
Galina: I wouldn't say it should necessarily be punished. But this deed must be assessed.
Ålena: So that the children should understand" (DFG, Novosibirsk).
- «A question was raised here about demonstrators tearing the flags. I don't think they should be punished. No. I feel negative about it, but they shouldn't be punished for this. You can't make people respect the state symbols. Respect must be deserved.»
(DFG, Novosibirsk).
- «Formerly, we knew that the KGB existed: if you tear the flag, they'll catch you, and you'll «wash away.» They did what they were supposed to do, and nobody made an attempt. But now we have a democracy, everything is allowed, but people should be educated from childhood. And only then should some measures be taken.»
(DFG, Samara).
The overwhelming majority of those interviewed believe that increasing respect for the state symbols, especially for the flag, is absolutely necessary now. However, they note that this is «two-way traffic»: respect for the state and its symbols will grow only when the state become more respectful of its citizens:
- «When the state begin to respect people, people will respect the Russian flag.»
(open-ended question).
- «If the authorities begin to respect the people, the people will respond.»
(open-ended question).
In the opinion of respondents, in order to gain respect for the state and its attributes, the state must care for the people, increase living standards and create jobs.
- "Public welfare should be raised "
(open-ended question).
- "Increase living standards, raise belief in the state.»
(open-ended question).
- "Give people jobs, improve their situation."
(open-ended question).
Revival of the country as a strong power is seen as a necessary condition for increasing public respect for state symbols.
- «The nation should be raised from its knees, then everything will be okay with the flag.»
(open-ended question).
As the focus group participants note, Russian citizens are not respectful enough of the state flag to hang it out on a balcony on a national holiday. Our society, in their opinion, is unable to do this so far, as people don't feel patriotic and proud of their nation – the feeling, as they believe, that was experienced in Soviet times. Some DFG participants also stressed that they would gladly hang out the flag on every holiday, but only if the state would really provide for their welfare.
- "
Moderator: Would you hang the Russian flag on your balcony or near the door?
Ivan: We have no tradition of doing so.
Lena: We're not patriotic.
Oleg: It's gone together with the communists" (DFG, Moscow).
- "
Moderator: Would you hang out the flag on a holiday or a celebration on your own initiative?
Galina: It would be ridiculous.
Ålena: Not yet. I don't feel I need to. We have no national holidays for the people to feel it...
Aleksandr: «I won't. This, just like faith, must be in your soul. Faith is faith in your soul, not a paint.» (DFG, Novosibirsk).
- "
Sergei: I won't either. Because the people are not ready for it. If I do it, nobody would understand me.
Aleksey: Putting a small flag in your kitchen – with pleasure." (DFG, Samara).
- "
Sergei: I would hang out the flag if my family was well-off, if the state cared about it. Why shouldn't we hang out the flag in the state's honor? I would do it on any holiday!
Vitaly: Pride in the country. Sergei is right in saying that if a man was satisfied with his life, he would be proud of his nation and hang out the flag. An emotional surge – our country is the best. But now, you know, not everything is good yet. Some live, others attempt to live.» (DFG, Samara).
So, if some focus groups participants try to explain their refusal to display the flag by the argument that patriotism is a deeply intimate feeling, others wouldn't do so for purely rational reasons. Displaying the flag, they say, is similar to a manifestation of gratitude to the state, but as long as the current Russian state doesn't deserve high marks, such manifestations of patriotic feelings would seem inappropriate. The new Russian state, they say, must prove its legitimacy by continuous care for its citizens, which would raise the prestige of its symbols, and the tricolor in particular.
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