Naslov
Flags as Objects of Civil Religion

Autori
Heimer, Željko

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, neobjavljeni rad, znanstveni

Skup
Social Structures and Institutions : The Quest for Social Justice

Mjesto i datum
Dubrovnik, Hrvatska, 16.06.2009. - 21.06.2009

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
Flag; National Flag; Civil Religion; Constitution; Flag Conduct; Flag Customs; Flag Desecration; Flag Burning; Free Speech

Sažetak
With the development of modern states detached from the Church and classical religion in general, the sociology observed the emersion of certain rituals and practices performed by the state and its leaders that set certainly objects, ideas and practices removed from profane life obtaining certain sanctity. Such phenomena are named civil religion. Flags as symbols of a state are objects par excellence of such civil religion, and this paper is focusing on certain elements defining flags as objects of civil religion. The modern states of the world, no matter if their system is based on the ideals following the French revolution and civil society, or if they are founded on more traditional even feudal system, without any exemption, have adopted the national flags even though there exists neither international requirement nor agreement that would implore them to do so. It is generally considered that flags emerged as objects functioning as enablers of military coordination on battle field, and soon evolving into objects signifying the unity of a group or the allegiance of a group to its leader. With the emergence of the nations in 18th century, the national flag has taken up a place of symbolical identification of the people and consequently of the state it stands for. In this regard, the basic laws and constitutions of modern states as a rule define at least the existence of the national flag that is identifying it and more often provide the basic description and rules of conduct towards it. Often additional country’ s legislation define further details of the design intricacies, the production methods, the usage practices and penalties for misconduct towards it. The paper considers various constitutions and basic laws regarding flags, categorizing them into six groups: - constitutions without any mention of a flag - constitutions mentioning only existence of a flag - constitutions describing flag in the most basic terms - constitutions describing flag in more details - constitutions adding explanation of symbolic/meaning - constitutions including images/construction sheets Secondly, the paper provides examples various practices of use of flags in different cultures/states, comparing what is considered proper flag conduct in some as to what is considered utter disrespect and desecration by others. Thirdly, the issue of flag desecration, such as flag burning is considered in various cultures in regard to the issue of free speech and various legislative and practical penalties for such desecration in different countries. Finally, the same aspects are being considered in the Croatian society and the Croatian legislation, providing overview of relevant Penalty Code prescriptions and recent examples of incidents of flag burning and desecration in Croatia as reported by media. The paper shows how strong symbols the national flags are and how they are differently observed as elements of civil religion in various countries. It also shows different approach in the use of flag as object expressing free speech.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Sociologija

POVEZANOST RADA