I’ve had a problem with the flag since I was a kid—a story for another time—and from 2005 onwards, my relationship with that objectively-attractive piece of visual communication has been, at the very least, “complicated”—there’s another story here too, that I’ll also save for later.
So color me surprised; this particular wave of protests seems to be indirectly bringing about a cessation of hostilities between us, maybe even a thaw. If a bit of nationalist mythology could ever signify anything more, it’s what you’re doing right now, Lebanon. A signifier is finding its referent.
This was from Seattle’s show of solidarity with the #LebanonProtests tonight. It felt good. I like this clip because I can’t remember any protest involving Lebanese people that didn’t crack me up at some point.
More stories for other times.
