Lest We Forget
In New Zealand we are amidst a referendum on adopting a new flag. All the portents are that the country will vote against novelty. The alternative flag put forward for consideration to replace the old flag has been given a fair go in terms of how it was chosen in the first place as the alternative and also in the way that it has been promoted and advertised around the shop.
But a large section of the public are unmoved. This has been bitterly disappointing to many amongst the Chattering Classes who have approached the issue as if the debate over a flag was in fact a debate about marketing strategies. In fact, the Prime Minister who has led the charge to change the flag, has overtly approached the question of a replacement flag as a marketing tactic for NZ Inc.
All the polls indicate that the referendum will result in the old flag being retained, and the alternative rejected. We imagine this will come as a great shock to many. After all, many talking heads and celebs have been co-opted into the change campaign. TV ads have been run with opinionistas urging us to change. We have remained unmoved. It's a good feeling to be part of the silent majority for a change.
One opinionista has blamed petty politics for the rejection. Audrey Young has a point:
