Companion Flag Project

ple the world over, regardless of their differences. Flags are remarkable symbols -- a unique marriage of elegance, power, and simplicity. They are displayed in virtually every population center, large or small, throughout the world. In addition to over 200 national flags, there are hundreds of provincial, state, municipal, corporate, fraternal, religious, scholastic, athletic and familial flags. Generally speaking, no two are alike. However, all have one thing in common: they symbolize our diversity and separation. They divide us. Every flag in use today draws a line of division over the world’s population: under each, there is a group of people embraced and included, while the rest of the world, by definition, is excluded. There are many important human differences manifest in our world, to be sure. There are differences of culture, nationality, race, history, language, and religion. There are political and economic differences, distinct philosophies, traditions, values, mores, etc. It is understandable and appropriate that people sharing these differences and other special qualities take pride in them, and cherish the emblems which they, or their predecessors, have chosen to represent them. Certainly, such symbols are not bad. But just as there are differences, there are identities in the human experience which are remarkable and far-reaching. The love of children, for example; the instinct and desire to live; the desire for health, knowledge, and happiness; the concern for the safety and happiness of loved ones. These are the same the world over. We humans share the same biology. We are vulnerable to illnesses and injuries. We feel sensations of pain and pleasure. We come into the world helpless, and require love, protection, and nourishment to survive and grow. Although there are differences, we dress and protect ourselves from the elements. We communicate in symbols. We have the same range of emotions. We are imperfect, and conscious of our imperfection. To a large extent, we accept and build upon the same body of
knowledge. We build buildings, bridges, hospitals; embrace rules and customs; desire many of the same foods and products. We laugh and cry at many of the same things. We create and take pleasure in art, music, poetry, and storytelling. We value and keep alive the memories of our forebears. The list, it seems, is endless. As one writer put it, human beings are like pyramids whose differences can be found only in the top few layers of stone. This may be true; but, how do we explain the fact that, in looking around us, we tend to see a threatening array of human differences? Could it be that our essential sameness is that part of the human pyramid hidden below the horizon, out of view? The flags of the world are universally accepted symbols marking and celebrating the division and separation of the world’s people. Beautiful and enduring, they are worthy of the place they hold in our hearts, to be sure; but, at the same time, it is no longer enough to just symbolize, or to just speak of, our differences. To do this is to paint only half a picture -- to describe a pyramid with reference only to its top few layers of stone. If the flags of the world are meant to represent us (and they are) -- and if we are to live under them (which we do) -- then the time has come to complete their symbolic mission. The time has come to insure that both our differences and our essential sameness -- two distinct factors which are, after all, "at work" simultaneously in our daily lives -- are depicted and honored simultaneously, as well. The Companion Flag, flown with the other flags of the world, will accomplish this goal. The Companion Flag is a reminder -- gentle, ever-present, and conspicuous -- that our lives, and the lives of people everywhere, are informed and influenced as much by our essential humanity as by circumstances, conditions, and perspectives that are distinct and idiosyncratic. Both influences are valid; neither can be denied. But the former is special. Humanity is our common bond. It is a part of each of us, yet the same for all, no matter where we live or how pronounced our differences. The Companion Flag is a symbol of our shared humanity. Its adoption will mark an historic moment of global self-recognition, mutual understanding, and respect. What are some examples of common things experienced? What are some examples of things done, held, known, or experienced in common by human beings, notwithstanding their differences? There are countless examples. We have mentioned the love of children, the instinct to survive, the desire for health, knowledge and happiness, and the concern for the safety and happiness of loved ones. These are shared aspects of the human experience: they inform our lives no matter who we are, no matter how different we are from others, no matter where we live. We have mentioned our biological identity, our shared susceptibilities to injury and illness, pleasure and pain. In examining these and other examples, it is important for each of us to consider, "How significant is this aspect of my life? What place or priority would I give this if I were to try to list all of my life's experiences in order of importance? What part does, say, the health of my child, or my ability to use and understand words and numbers, or my love of nature, play in my overall experience, in my capacity to enjoy life, to function successfully in society, or to love and support others? If one or more of these were taken away from me, how profoundly would I be affected?"

When these questions are asked and answered for each example of common human experience, the significance of the entire range of humanity’s shared knowledge, beliefs, experiences, etc., becomes evident. In the end, we may ask: Is our common humanity -- is everything that is done, held, known, or experienced in common by human beings, notwithstanding their differences -- a matter of sufficient importance to justify a universal symbol of its own -- something to remind us always of our common bond, and to balance those symbols that we have used for centuries to represent and highlight our diversity, our differences, and our separation? Notwithstanding our differences, we live on the same, finite planet. We depend on the sun’s energy, on clean air and water, and on the plants and animals of the earth. We farm the land, and follow many of the same principles of horticulture and husbandry. We marvel at the same stars and heavens, and are touched by the splendor and power of nature. We are affected by the same natural forces of wind, rain and storm. Our lives are geared to -- and each day is influenced by -- the earth’s weather patterns, and its seasons. Notwithstanding our differences, we age and are conscious of aging, and of our mortality. We experience aging the same: the skin wrinkles, our muscles shrink and grow flaccid, our bodies slow, our organs decline. With age we attain a special wisdom, and we experience a growing acceptance of "what is." Notwithstanding our differences, we live our lives surrounded by other human beings. We tolerate some, and develop a special fondness for others, whom we call "friends." We grow dependent upon our friends for comfort and companionship, and they, us. We seek their advice, and give advice. We make allowances for them, and overlook their shortcomings, knowing that they do this for us. We feel a loyalty towards them. Notwithstanding our differences, we are surrounded by the products and effects of humankind. Every road and footpath, every pane of glass, every belt and shoe, every building, fence, nail and garden; the airplanes overhead and the cars in the street; every curb, telephone, chair, book, shirt, cigarette, tin can, screwdriver, road sign, computer, ocean-going vessel, paper clip or flagpole -- is a product and effect of humankind. The sounds in the streets -- of cars and buses, of men and women conversing, of hammers pounding, of heavy equipment roaring to life, of babies crying, of music seeping out of homes and shops -- these are the products and effects of humankind. Even our private thoughts "play" in a language that is not of our own making, but is a product of humankind. The human experience is largely a shared experience. If, while you are reading these words, you can hear traffic noises beyond your window, or the sounds of children playing, or a television or radio playing in the background, or the hum of lights overhead, do you not think it is the same for the man reading this in Buenos Aires, Monrovia, or Frankfurt? -- or for the woman reading this in Toronto, Baghdad, or Rangoon? Notwithstanding our differences, we experience love and s*xual desire; we find mates and produce and raise children. We react to joyful or humorous events the same -- by smiling -- or by that strange, involuntary eruption in the lungs, laughter. We welcome periods of tranquility, leisure, light-heartedness and well-being, for we know that life is uncertain -- that weariness, frustration, toil, depression, grief, or longing may not be far behind. All of these aspects of human life are the same for all human beings everywhere, notwithstanding their many differences. Again, there are differences -- important ones; but just as there are differences, there are these and countless other examples of our common humanity. One is not exclusive of the other; both are "at work"; both affect us each day throughout our lives. Every book and every word is a testament to humanity’s common knowledge and shared experiences. Every pair of eyeglasses; every pill; every bottle of beer or soda; every bicycle or motor vehicle; every song, poem, weapon. From the use of spoons to the use of computers, from the knowledge of swimming to the knowledge of the principles of quantum mechanics. The bridge you cross to go to work, or over which you may travel to visit a friend or relative, is a product -- of what? Of humanity’s common knowledge of engineering, of reliable construction practices and materials, of precise measurements and mathematical formulations, of the laws of physics. Is this not true for the bridges of North Korea, Australia, Nigeria, and Belgium, as well? And can’t the same be said for the dams, tunnels, bridges and other structures throughout Peru, the United States, India, and Angola? The lives of all human beings are affected, protected, influenced and informed by humanity’s common knowledge of engineering, mathematics, design and construction practices, and the laws of physics. Yet these are but four relatively minor areas in a vast expanse of human knowledge -- a veritable ocean of shared knowledge which exists, and will continue to exist, and grow, notwithstanding our differences. It is readily apparent -- is it not? -- that much of what is done, held, known, or experienced by human beings in common, notwithstanding their differences, is a vital part of each person’s "separate" existence -- vital to her happiness, to her success, and to the existence, happiness, and success of her loved ones? Taking nothing away from our differences -- yours, mine or anyone’s -- ask yourself this: Where would I place my capacity and desire for friendship -- or, my love of nature -- or, my ability to access information and communicate through the use of words and symbols -- or, my feelings of love for my child -- or, the fact that I was born into a world where I, or my loved ones, might someday be saved by life-saving medicines or medical procedures developed by humankind -- or, the fact that we (my loved ones and I) live in a world where countless products and know-how have been developed and shared by others which make life easier, safer, and more productive -- or, even the fact that I have in my lifetime experienced pain and disappointment and therefor can empathize with others who are injured, ill or discouraged -- where would I place these and other shared aspects of human being on the list if I were to try to list all aspects of my experience -- that is, those that are shared and those that are not -- in order of their importance? What part do these things-in-common play in my (or, later on, in my child’s) overall capacity to enjoy life, to function successfully in society, and to love and support others? Perhaps these examples would not go to the very top of the list (that’s not important); but surely each sober human being will place these and other shared aspects of the human experience relatively high on his list. Surely, these are important human qualities. The Companion Flag is a simple gesture of recognition. It stands for the proposition that that which is the same in all of us, and about us all, is an integral part in the equation of each human life. It is not the only part; it does not overshadow our differences, and, it may not even be as important to us as some of our differences; but it coexists with those differences nonetheless in an ever-present duality. The Companion Flag’s adoption will mean that the people of the world have agreed: this fact alone -- the fact of our common humanity -- is worth symbolizing: it is worthy of a tangible, ever-present reminder to be placed before our eyes, and the eyes of our children, and the eyes of all future generations, so that this -- our common bond -- might never be forgotten, dismissed, or overlooked. Is it a call to action? Does the Companion Flag stand for a specific issue, belief, or cause? Is it a call to action (or inaction)? This is very important. The success of the Companion Flag, in terms of its adoption and use, will depend upon universal acceptance and recognition of this most important characteristic. The Companion Flag does not stand for anything that is not done, held, known, or experienced in common by human beings. Thus, it does not represent any specific issue, belief, or cause. This is true no matter how critical the particular issue, belief, or cause may seem, or how heartfelt the convictions of those who embrace, or oppose, it are. A particular political viewpoint, for example (as opposed to the fact that all human beings live under, and are affected by, various political viewpoints); a particular religious or spiritual belief (as opposed to the fact that most human beings live under, and are affected by, a variety of religious and spiritual beliefs); a particular world view; a particular "answer" to a moral or ethical dilemma; a particular social or economic philosophy; a particular belief as to the justification for war, or the need for peace -- these are not beliefs held in common by human beings throughout the world. As important as they may be -- indeed, some people would say they are among the most important of all considerations -- they are still part of what separates us. They do not come within the definition of what is represented by the Companion Flag

The Companion Flag can never be seen to represent one side or another in an on-going conflict, controversy, or debate; it does not show the way when human differences collide. That which is not done, held, known, or experienced in common by human beings, notwithstanding their differences, is simply beyond its scope. The experience of being male, for example, like the experience of being female, is not shared by all human beings. Neither s*x is represented by the Companion Flag to the exclusion of the other. What is represented is the experience of being male or female in the larger context of humanity -- and all of the shared experiences of human being, regardless of s*xual form, are represented. The decision whether to resort to war or violence is another example. This is one of the most troubling of all human dilemmas. Philosophers, religious leaders, educators, judges, and politicians of every stripe have weighed in on the issue since time immemorial. It would be false of this writer to conceal his hope that the Companion Flag -- once adopted -- will make the world a more peaceful, more compassionate place; but, if this were to occur, it would result, not from people being told what to do, or think, but from a heightened and enlivened sense of their common humanity. The Companion Flag is not a peace flag, or an anti-war flag. Pacifism is not a belief held in common by human beings, no more than ardent militarism is. By the same token, it should be obvious that the Companion Flag is not a war flag either -- although, if adopted, it would be carried into war by each side as a companion to the flags which mark their differences and separation. There is no philosophy of sameness; there is only the fact of sameness, and its inevitable effect on our minds and hearts: compassion, and a tendency towards greater understanding. The idea behind the Companion Flag is that the fact of our common humanity, by itself, is a matter of sufficient importance to justify a permanent and conspicuous symbol -- something tangible to confirm and remind us all, and especially our children, and all the world’s future generations, that, in addition to our very visible and sometimes problematic differences, we, as human beings, are informed by a vast matrix of shared feelings, behaviors, experiences, and knowledge. To symbolize that bond, we have chosen a simple, white flag, with a single band of color across the top -- an unpretentious banner to join and balance-out (without diminishing) those symbols which we have used for centuries to proclaim and celebrate our affiliations and allegiances, our differences and separation. To that end, the Companion Flag stands for the idea that, indeed, our common humanity is important, and is something worth recognizing. But, beyond that, it does not stand for any issue or cause, and it is not a call to action (or inaction). Remember always, the Companion Flag stands for everything that is done, held, known, or experienced in common by human beings, notwithstanding their differences. That there are, have been, and always will be important differences among human beings throughout the world, and even in the same cities, towns, and villages, is beyond question. The Companion Flag does not speak to those differences. It is not meant to down-play or diminish them, nor dampen the pride or satisfaction which any person, or any group of people (be it a nation, a race, or any other affiliated group), might justly feel on account of their uniqueness and difference from others. How is it displayed? The Companion Flag is a "companion" symbol. It is not meant to be flown alone. In fact, to fly the Companion Flag by itself would be to symbolically ignore important and undeniable differences among people, nations, etc., and thus fall into the same trap of "painting only half a picture." The Companion Flag must be displayed with the other flags of the world, on the same pole. It is certainly not meant to replace, overshadow, or in any way detract from the beauty or significance of those flags; rather, it is intended to complete and bring into gentle balance the symbolism of all flags. Together, the various flags of the world and the Companion Flag will depict with far greater accuracy than is otherwise possible -- the lives and experiences of people living under them. The Companion Flag, for its part, will not speak to their differences or special qualities, but will remind them (and us) that, in many important respects, we, as human beings, are the same regardless of our differences, and no matter how we, or our children, may choose to deal with one another in the years ahead. To aid in its introduction and adoption, it is suggested that the following explanatory note be attached at (or near) the base of the pole where the Companion Flag is flown. This note should be laminated or placed in a clear plastic envelope or enclosure to protect it from the weather, then attached at a height convenient to both children and adults. The Companion Flag. The Companion Flag represents "everything that is done, held, known, or experienced in common by human beings, notwithstanding their differences." It is flown only with the other flags of the world, on the same pole -- never alone. Together, the Companion Flag and its host flag convey an unmistakable message to the world: "Here we are proud of our differences and our heritage, but we are mindful, too, of our essential humanity and all that we share in common with people everywhere." Fly the Companion Flag

Perhaps the best way to introduce the Companion Flag to the world is to fly it yourself. “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

A flag pole is great, but you don't need one to display the Companion Flag. If you live in a home or apartment, you can hang your host flag and a Companion Flag from a inexpensive wooden flagstaff, or even tape flag images in your window! If you live, work, or go to a school in a building with a flag pole, or if you patronize a business with a flag pole, you have a wonderful opportunity to become a Companion Flag Ambassador! Knowing whom to ask and when, of course, is important; and for some people it’s helpful to find friends or colleagues who will join you and voice their support. But in the end, it comes down to asking: “Can we fly the Companion Flag here? Can I take a few moments of your time to tell you about it?"