In People Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don’t Deserve to Have One, Banksy has deliberately rotated the red cross, a move that can be interpreted as a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—one of the most widely recognized symbols of Christianity. Religious imagery has often played a role in his work, as seen in his 2017 Grappling Hook sculpture, which made a powerful statement about the West Bank barrier or depictions of the holy mother in Toxic Mary. By intertwining religious motifs with social critique, Banksy encourages viewers to question the symbols of faith, nationhood, and the automatic allegiances that people adopt without reflection.

Toxic Mary, 2003

The flag, once a marker of historical and religious significance, is now most commonly used at royal celebrations and sporting events—particularly football matches, where fans frequently paint their faces with its emblem. Banksy’s work critiques society’s deep-rooted obsession with sport, drawing parallels between the fervor of religious rituals and the often-zealous behavior of sports fans. The phrase stenciled across the composition serves as a sharp commentary on nationalism, highlighting how easily people embrace patriotic symbols without interrogating their true meaning. He satirizes the way individuals derive a sense of unity, pride, and belonging simply by waving a flag, regardless of the broader political or historical implications.