propaganda technique

Flag-waving

Also called: Appeal to patriotism

Flag-waving justifies an action or idea by appealing to patriotism, national identity or group loyalty instead of evidence.

How it works

Support is framed as loyalty and disagreement as betrayal. Pride in a group is a strong emotion, and linking a policy to it makes questioning the policy feel like disloyalty.

Examples

"Any true patriot will support this spending bill."

Patriotism says nothing about whether the bill is well designed.

"Our nation has never backed down, and we won't start now."

National pride replaces an assessment of the actual situation.

How to spot it

Symbols, anthems or national pride used as reasons.
Disagreement is framed as disloyalty.
Specific costs and benefits are missing.

How to respond

Ask what the policy will actually do.
Separate loyalty to the group from support for a specific measure.
Point out that patriots can disagree.