Flag etiquette: Be responsible; don't go with the flow

Check out our writings in The Hanoi Times' Words on the Street column to discover what's brewing around the Vietnamese capital's tea tables.

Several people have painted the national flag on the doors and walls of their homes in honor of National Day on September 2, after the idea of "painting the national flag on every roof" came up on social media. While there is pride and patriotism behind this activity, individuals are advised to exercise caution in when and where to display the national flag to preserve its symbolic meaning. The Hanoi Times' "Words on the Street" column discusses ways to honor the national flag and express patriotism in this issue.

Pictures of people painting the flag on doors, walls, and rooftops nationwide have flooded social media in recent days.

The fad gained traction in early August and is believed to have started with Le Quang Vu, a TikToker from northern Vinh Phuc province.

Seeing the red corrugated iron roof, Le Quang Vu had the idea to paint a five-pointed yellow star on it, creating a 150-square-meter national flag painting. With the help of a friend, Vu completed the work in one day, measuring, calculating on the computer, and using a flycam to align the angle so the flag would be displayed properly.

His rooftop flag was captured on video and posted to social media, unexpectedly garnering 2.8 million views and more than 100,000 likes and comments in a short time.

Vu told the media, "I didn't think my work would receive so much support from everyone. My main goal is to inspire the community to love the country and demonstrate the enduring patriotism of every Vietnamese."

Some other young people followed suit, painting flags on the roof and sharing them on social media, sparking a flurry of "rooftop flag painting" across Vietnam. Many even painted flags on tile roofs and rolling doors.

 While this trend is a way for young people and people across the country to express their patriotism and national pride, many are concerned that the flag may be displayed incorrectly, such as the yellow star being painted upside down or in inappropriate places, besides environmental and public health concerns if painted with inferior quality paint. In addition, these "flags" will eventually fade, sustain damage, and tarnish the perception of the national flag.

Climbing onto the roof to paint the flag also poses a risk of accidents to people because the corrugated iron roofs are slippery, steep, and high.

The fact that individuals stand, sit, and lie on the "flag" in order to snap photos and boast about their feats on social media is another concern. This detracts from the national symbol's solemnity and is seen as insulting to it.

It is right to display the national flag in a dignified setting and on solemn occasions, said Pham Mai Hung, Vice President of the Vietnam Historical Science Association.

"Each family in my neighborhood receives a national flag from the People's Committee to fly on important anniversaries. Of course, people hang it in the most respectable, prominent, and respectable place, such as in front of their house. This is a beautiful custom and deed," Hung said.

He stressed that people must be aware of their duty to protect the national flag after hanging it and that this must be done out of a sense of patriotism and pride in the country.

"Rather than following a fad, I believe we hang the flag out of civic duty," Hung said, adding that displaying the flag contributes to a greater public understanding of the nation's significant historical moments.

The anthem and flag tend to be associated with special occasions and commemorations and aren't always on display, so Hung thought it inappropriate to paint them in a permanent place in someone's home.

The practice of painting the country's flag on doors, walls, and rooftops is something that Quach Beem, a young musician, disagreed with.

He thought it could be a fleeting social media trend. A freshly painted flag on the roof might look stunning when it's first finished, but it's not certain that people will be able to keep it up over time.

"It is important to exhibit patriotism properly. To demonstrate our patriotism, we can give to charity, do good deeds, and protect the environment. These are significant, realistic, and long-term expressions of patriotism, besides upholding the dignity and respect of the national flag, "Quach Beem said.