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Disability Pride Flag? (with questions)
Aug. 11th, 2011 05:04 pm(cross-posted from ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
disability)
Back on July 31, Dave Hingsburger, author of "Rolling around in my Head," blogged about the International Maritime Signal Flag "Foxtrot" (a red 'diamond' on a white square field), and its meaning: "I'm Disabled; Communicate with me." And announced that he would be using that as his "Disability Pride Flag" to wave at parades, and hang out his window.
Here's a link: Wave Your Flag
I have mixed feelings -- five of them, as a matter of fact:
1. I like the idea of a disability pride flag.
2. I like the idea of a disability pride flag that is an abstract symbol (rather than something like the wheelchair access icon -- which privileges visible, mobility-based disabilities over others)
3. I don't like the idea of appropriating an existing flag, which already has its own set of meanings (which vary by context, and is complicated by the fact that NATO has decided that, for them, each flag means something different). If I'm going to wave a flag to show my pride in my community, I want it to be unique.
4. Besides, the flag's original meaning for "Disabled" is "I'm stuck. I need help!"
5. I see this as a challenge to come up with my own flag design. (*grin*) Hence, the questions.
---
A) Should I start with the maritime signal flag idea, and modify it (I've already come up with two designs by combining two different flags, but I'm not sure I'm happy with them), or should I start from scratch?
B) Each element on a flag usually represents a key idea or belief. My ideas for a Disability Pride flag are: eccentricity (in the literal sense -- we're "off-center" in our wider communities, and need to find our own way through), self-advocacy, adaptability, and community. What are yours?
C) Now, this is pure fun -- what are your favorite flag colors?
disability)Back on July 31, Dave Hingsburger, author of "Rolling around in my Head," blogged about the International Maritime Signal Flag "Foxtrot" (a red 'diamond' on a white square field), and its meaning: "I'm Disabled; Communicate with me." And announced that he would be using that as his "Disability Pride Flag" to wave at parades, and hang out his window.
Here's a link: Wave Your Flag
I have mixed feelings -- five of them, as a matter of fact:
1. I like the idea of a disability pride flag.
2. I like the idea of a disability pride flag that is an abstract symbol (rather than something like the wheelchair access icon -- which privileges visible, mobility-based disabilities over others)
3. I don't like the idea of appropriating an existing flag, which already has its own set of meanings (which vary by context, and is complicated by the fact that NATO has decided that, for them, each flag means something different). If I'm going to wave a flag to show my pride in my community, I want it to be unique.
4. Besides, the flag's original meaning for "Disabled" is "I'm stuck. I need help!"
5. I see this as a challenge to come up with my own flag design. (*grin*) Hence, the questions.
---
A) Should I start with the maritime signal flag idea, and modify it (I've already come up with two designs by combining two different flags, but I'm not sure I'm happy with them), or should I start from scratch?
B) Each element on a flag usually represents a key idea or belief. My ideas for a Disability Pride flag are: eccentricity (in the literal sense -- we're "off-center" in our wider communities, and need to find our own way through), self-advocacy, adaptability, and community. What are yours?
C) Now, this is pure fun -- what are your favorite flag colors?
