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What's in a Flag? The Protestant Community's Identity, Symbols, and Protests in Belfast
Author(s) -
Mastors Elena,
Drumhiller Nicole
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
peace and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1468-0130
pISSN - 0149-0508
DOI - 10.1111/pech.12091
Subject(s) - protestantism , flag (linear algebra) , politics , identity (music) , law , political science , sociology , public administration , gender studies , media studies , art , mathematics , pure mathematics , algebra over a field , aesthetics
The British Union flag flew 365 days a year over Belfast City Hall and on designated days plus four specified days at the Ulster Hall and Duncrue Complex. This policy was challenged by the Sinn Féin party, prompting the city council to review the policy. Members of the city council consulted with the community, debated, and ultimately decided in December 2012 to change the policy in favor of designated days at the city council. They also removed the flag at the other two venues. This sparked protests from the Protestant community, some turning violent. The consultative process, the debates surrounding the change in the flag policy, and the reasons for the prolonged and at times violence response by the Protestant community is the result of conflict between both religious and political identity groups. This article examines these protests through the lens of cultural identity within divided communities.