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German Nationalism: Bad for Poland, Good for Chinese Flag Manufacturers

July 5, 2006 at 1:10 AM | 0 Comments

Patriotism's been on the rise in Germany the last couple of weeks, but orderliness still remains paramount. With the Nationalmannschaft getting all the way to the semifinals, flag manufacturers and suppliers reported unprecedented sales and many hours of overtime. Radio bulletins, meanwhile, have been running all week about the need to be extra careful securing flags to car windows. Everyone now knows the drill: If a car flag escapes and lands on the windscreen of a car behind, causing an accident, the flag owner is liable.

Fortunately, that hasn't stopped some police cars from flying the black, red and gold; perhaps the frequency of flags flying off cars helped contribute to the huge demand. Moreover, even before the disastrous (for the home-team and flag-makers) Germany-Italy semi-final, it's been more and more common to find bedraggled German flags lying by the roadside. After the German's 2-0 loss result last night, we guess the shops will be selling the remaining car flags at 50% off.

[Image via El Benson/Flickr]

Related stories:
10 Uses for an English Flag [BBC]
German Fans Beepin' Proud [Jaunted]