The world's flags given letter grades
January 1, 2008 11:58 PM Subscribe
This post was deleted for the following reason: I claim this post in the name of Tripoli. -- cortex
Not sure if this has been an FPP before, but I've definitely seen it before, via MeFi. But couldn't google it when I tried a few days ago, so thanks for reintroducing me. Great site.
posted by Meatbomb at 12:06 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by Meatbomb at 12:06 AM on January 2, 2008
Also, Tom Bosley really looks like shit.
posted by Roman Graves at 12:26 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Roman Graves at 12:26 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
Rule 1b: Do not write some stupid slogan on your flag.
British colonies and former colonies love putting widdly little coats of arms on their flags with Latin slogans like 'et cetera' and 'Caecilius est in horto' on them (e.g. Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands). This is because junior civil servants in the Crown Office of Naming Other People's Countries want to show off how valuable their Etonian education is.
posted by Meatbomb at 12:26 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
British colonies and former colonies love putting widdly little coats of arms on their flags with Latin slogans like 'et cetera' and 'Caecilius est in horto' on them (e.g. Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands). This is because junior civil servants in the Crown Office of Naming Other People's Countries want to show off how valuable their Etonian education is.
posted by Meatbomb at 12:26 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
'Caecilius est in horto'
Whoa....flashbacks of the Cambridge Latin Course.
posted by randomstriker at 12:43 AM on January 2, 2008
Whoa....flashbacks of the Cambridge Latin Course.
posted by randomstriker at 12:43 AM on January 2, 2008
I always thought it would be great if there were national competitions to redo all of the flags of the states and territories in the USA. It could be like the US quarters thing, but on a larger, and much cooler scale.
posted by parmanparman at 12:44 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by parmanparman at 12:44 AM on January 2, 2008
It's like Lore, only unfunny.
posted by Pope Guilty at 1:00 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by Pope Guilty at 1:00 AM on January 2, 2008
Looking at the flags, I think you're on to something parmanparman. It's like Montana read the criteria and was trying to get an F-.
To be fair, Canada should get in on that as well. Quebec is good and Nunavet is ok, but the rest all reek of design by committee (of 19th century British dandies).
posted by Gary at 1:00 AM on January 2, 2008
To be fair, Canada should get in on that as well. Quebec is good and Nunavet is ok, but the rest all reek of design by committee (of 19th century British dandies).
posted by Gary at 1:00 AM on January 2, 2008
The North American Vexillological Society is already half a step ahead of you, parmaparman. Here they get their thing on for a Salt Lake Tribune contest to redesign the Utah flag, although, honestly, the eventual winner isn't much better.
Much funnier than Josh Parsons' attempts at being snarky is their survey of American city flags. By the time you get to Provo or so, there's really nothing you can say that couldn't detract from the humor.
And, seriously, four stars is too many?
posted by The Bridge on the River Kai Ryssdal at 1:03 AM on January 2, 2008
Much funnier than Josh Parsons' attempts at being snarky is their survey of American city flags. By the time you get to Provo or so, there's really nothing you can say that couldn't detract from the humor.
And, seriously, four stars is too many?
posted by The Bridge on the River Kai Ryssdal at 1:03 AM on January 2, 2008
I always thought it would be great if there were national competitions to redo all of the flags of the states and territories in the USA. It could be like the US quarters thing, but on a larger, and much cooler scale.
You're going to rethink democracy when the new flag of your state is simply a picture of Tom Cruise.
posted by Pope Guilty at 1:14 AM on January 2, 2008 [3 favorites]
You're going to rethink democracy when the new flag of your state is simply a picture of Tom Cruise.
posted by Pope Guilty at 1:14 AM on January 2, 2008 [3 favorites]
The Bridge on the River Kai Ryssdal writes "And, seriously, four stars is too many?"
This criteria isn't consistent. For example Comoros with four gets the call out but Christmas Island with 5 doesn't.
posted by Mitheral at 1:20 AM on January 2, 2008
This criteria isn't consistent. For example Comoros with four gets the call out but Christmas Island with 5 doesn't.
posted by Mitheral at 1:20 AM on January 2, 2008
A mere D+ for Bhutan? Discount any judgement this moron makes.
posted by Abiezer at 1:41 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Abiezer at 1:41 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
I wonder what grade Metafilter's flag rates?
posted by taz at 2:22 AM on January 2, 2008 [4 favorites]
posted by taz at 2:22 AM on January 2, 2008 [4 favorites]
And, seriously, four stars is too many?
Unless you're NZ, and then it's fine.
posted by pompomtom at 2:35 AM on January 2, 2008
Unless you're NZ, and then it's fine.
posted by pompomtom at 2:35 AM on January 2, 2008
A mere D+ for Bhutan? Discount any judgement this moron makes.
A great flag needs to be easy enough for the average 12 year old to draw it. This also applies to sports logos or any icon that is trying to inspire loyalty from young people. The dragon is cool, but when its time to pull out the home made banners (wartime celebrations, protests, etc) you don't want them all looking sub-Trogdor.
posted by Gary at 2:43 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
A great flag needs to be easy enough for the average 12 year old to draw it. This also applies to sports logos or any icon that is trying to inspire loyalty from young people. The dragon is cool, but when its time to pull out the home made banners (wartime celebrations, protests, etc) you don't want them all looking sub-Trogdor.
posted by Gary at 2:43 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
Au contraire, Gary. The things you list only further emphasise the superiority of the Bhutanese flag. For the dragon is merely one outward symbol of a cohesive nation that doesn't need slick design to inspire loyalty; the Thunder Dragon is already a real presence in the hearts and blood of 12 year old Bhutanese, regardless of their drawing skills. The merest glimpse of its proud flight upon the nation's banners will stir the archers of Druk-Yul to a fierce defence of hearth and home.
Yes, That's right, I am a frothing shill for the soon-to-abdicate King of Bhutan.
posted by Abiezer at 3:10 AM on January 2, 2008 [3 favorites]
Yes, That's right, I am a frothing shill for the soon-to-abdicate King of Bhutan.
posted by Abiezer at 3:10 AM on January 2, 2008 [3 favorites]
Whoa....flashbacks of the Cambridge Latin Course.
Matella in atrio sedet.
Fun times.
posted by chrismear at 3:27 AM on January 2, 2008
Matella in atrio sedet.
Fun times.
posted by chrismear at 3:27 AM on January 2, 2008
I really liked this site until i saw that it has only awarded 50/100 to the magnificantly simple but striking flag of the Seychelles
posted by MrMerlot at 3:29 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by MrMerlot at 3:29 AM on January 2, 2008
For the sake of completeness, I would have liked to see the Welsh flag in that survey - it is one of the oldest national flags after all. I've always been partial to it. Simple and very striking, although the dragon is probably a bit squiggly for 12 year olds to draw.
posted by tim_in_oz at 4:00 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by tim_in_oz at 4:00 AM on January 2, 2008
Dude, the Faroe Islands aren't even their own country. And also, the best Scandinavian flag is undoubtedly the Swedish flag.
[NOT SWEDIST.]
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:30 AM on January 2, 2008
[NOT SWEDIST.]
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:30 AM on January 2, 2008
Oh, and, I live in Rhode Island, where our flag is pretty damned awesome. I even know a guy who has a tattoo of it!
I think Alaska would also make a pretty good tattoo, but certainly not Maryland. That flag looks like it's one of those magic eye puzzles, and I fear if I look too long in it, I will see the face of evil.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:33 AM on January 2, 2008
I think Alaska would also make a pretty good tattoo, but certainly not Maryland. That flag looks like it's one of those magic eye puzzles, and I fear if I look too long in it, I will see the face of evil.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 4:33 AM on January 2, 2008
D- ... your favorite flag sucks
posted by not_on_display at 4:40 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by not_on_display at 4:40 AM on January 2, 2008
The Rwandan flag has changed from the fugly "R" flag shown here; the new one is quite nice. Here's a page that shows some flag changes of the last few years. The Hong Kong flag is great.
posted by taz at 4:56 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by taz at 4:56 AM on January 2, 2008
Man, I wish I went to whatever school this guy went to, I mean talk about grade inflation! An 80 is an A? Who knew I had a 4.0 all along?
posted by Pollomacho at 4:57 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by Pollomacho at 4:57 AM on January 2, 2008
I must second Gary on the kids drawing the flag issue. The two most important criteria for a good flag are 1) can an eight-year old draw it? 2) is it easily identifiable flying from the stern of a ship?
Anything else is gravy. The original MeFi post inspired one of my most glorious party take-overs when I managed to turn a party at Hampshire College into a debate on and review of the world's flags.
posted by Kattullus at 5:02 AM on January 2, 2008
Anything else is gravy. The original MeFi post inspired one of my most glorious party take-overs when I managed to turn a party at Hampshire College into a debate on and review of the world's flags.
posted by Kattullus at 5:02 AM on January 2, 2008
A great flag needs to be easy enough for the average 12 year old to draw it
Why? Their loyalty is unimportant to me - what are they going to do, emigrate? Incite revolution? Commit infamous and perfidious acts with the support of a malign foreign power? HA HA HA HA HA!
Fuck the kiddies - the useless little shits.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 5:03 AM on January 2, 2008
Why? Their loyalty is unimportant to me - what are they going to do, emigrate? Incite revolution? Commit infamous and perfidious acts with the support of a malign foreign power? HA HA HA HA HA!
Fuck the kiddies - the useless little shits.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 5:03 AM on January 2, 2008
WTF is a "graven image" anyway?
The stupid gunt.
posted by genghis at 5:10 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
The stupid gunt.
posted by genghis at 5:10 AM on January 2, 2008 [1 favorite]
the quidnunc kid: Their loyalty is unimportant to me
Remember that they're the only poor bastards who're forced to draw the damn thing. Mind you, if kids designed a flag we'd end up with something resembling a mixture of the flags of Nepal and Bhutan with unicorns and F-16s thrown in.
posted by Kattullus at 5:20 AM on January 2, 2008
Remember that they're the only poor bastards who're forced to draw the damn thing. Mind you, if kids designed a flag we'd end up with something resembling a mixture of the flags of Nepal and Bhutan with unicorns and F-16s thrown in.
posted by Kattullus at 5:20 AM on January 2, 2008
Much funnier than Josh Parsons' attempts at being snarky is their survey of American city flags.
Those are particularly lousy renditions of the DC and Chicago flags. Personally, I think Chicago's looks better, but I was born there.)
Witcha's flag looks like a Wehrmact Battle Flag. Portland's isn't bad, other than the 1970's color pallet. Phoenix is a logo from a video game, right?
Knowing that Colorado Springs has been conquered by the Decepticons explains a great deal. Wilmington should be paying royalties to Sweden (scrolls) and Tallahassee and Charlotte need to make our their checks to Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. Detroit seems to have assembled their flag wrong.
But Mesa, AZ wins.
posted by eriko at 5:22 AM on January 2, 2008
Those are particularly lousy renditions of the DC and Chicago flags. Personally, I think Chicago's looks better, but I was born there.)
Witcha's flag looks like a Wehrmact Battle Flag. Portland's isn't bad, other than the 1970's color pallet. Phoenix is a logo from a video game, right?
Knowing that Colorado Springs has been conquered by the Decepticons explains a great deal. Wilmington should be paying royalties to Sweden (scrolls) and Tallahassee and Charlotte need to make our their checks to Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. Detroit seems to have assembled their flag wrong.
But Mesa, AZ wins.
posted by eriko at 5:22 AM on January 2, 2008
It could be like the US quarters thing, but on a larger, and much cooler scale.
Some of the quarter designs reflected the worst kind of governmental design, just like some of these flags. Like Florida's quarter has a space shuttle, a galleon, and a beach with palm trees. I'm surprised they didn't fit a manatee in there.
posted by smackfu at 5:41 AM on January 2, 2008
Some of the quarter designs reflected the worst kind of governmental design, just like some of these flags. Like Florida's quarter has a space shuttle, a galleon, and a beach with palm trees. I'm surprised they didn't fit a manatee in there.
posted by smackfu at 5:41 AM on January 2, 2008
i wanted the oregon state quarter to honor assisted suicide by featuring a gravestone with a bottle of pills on top.
posted by bruce at 6:04 AM on January 2, 2008
posted by bruce at 6:04 AM on January 2, 2008
Much funnier than Josh Parsons' attempts at being snarky is their survey of American city flags. By the time you get to Provo or so, there's really nothing you can say that couldn't detract from the humor.
No kidding. When I got to Arlington at #58 I thought "surely they can't get any worse than this" (why do so many Texas city flags look like corporate logos, anyway?), but they did, they did. The bottom few are astonishing in their awfulness.
But Mesa, AZ wins.
"Great People, Quality Service!" Yeah, but Pocatello truly deserves its last place. A flag worse than that would cause the universe to fall in on itself.
posted by languagehat at 6:09 AM on January 2, 2008
No kidding. When I got to Arlington at #58 I thought "surely they can't get any worse than this" (why do so many Texas city flags look like corporate logos, anyway?), but they did, they did. The bottom few are astonishing in their awfulness.
But Mesa, AZ wins.
"Great People, Quality Service!" Yeah, but Pocatello truly deserves its last place. A flag worse than that would cause the universe to fall in on itself.
posted by languagehat at 6:09 AM on January 2, 2008
But Mesa, AZ wins.
Come to Mesa, have it your way-sa!™
posted by kittyprecious at 6:14 AM on January 2, 2008
Come to Mesa, have it your way-sa!™
posted by kittyprecious at 6:14 AM on January 2, 2008
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posted by sushiwiththejury at 12:04 AM on January 2, 2008