In a sharp and witty commentary on modern British culture, acclaimed cartoonist Stephen Collins turns his gaze towards the new breed of digital patriots. His latest illustration, featured in The Guardian, captures a peculiar scene: a group of individuals, draped in the St George's Cross, are not marching on Parliament or engaging in community service. Instead, they are utterly transfixed by their smartphones, on a fervent 'epic quest'—but not for national glory. Their quest is for clicks, likes, and shares.
The cartoon masterfully holds a mirror to a society where grand, patriotic gestures are increasingly performed for an online audience. The humour lies in the stark contrast between the traditional imagery of patriotism and the modern, digital obsession with validation. Their 'epic' endeavour is reduced to the frantic tapping of screens, a poignant metaphor for how national identity can be diluted into mere content.
The Performance of Modern National Pride
Collins' work suggests that for these figures, the performance of patriotism is more valuable than its substance. The act is meticulously curated for the camera, designed to be instantly shareable and algorithm-friendly. This shift from genuine civic engagement to digital posturing raises critical questions about the authenticity of national pride in the age of social media.
Beyond a Simple Joke
While instantly relatable and humorous, the cartoon carries a deeper, more satirical weight. It critiques a culture where complex notions of belonging and national identity are flattened into simplistic, viral-friendly symbols. The quest for online engagement ultimately overshadows the very cause it purportedly supports, creating a hollow echo chamber of digital flag-waving.
Stephen Collins continues to solidify his reputation as one of the UK's most insightful satirical artists. Through his distinctive artistic style and incisive wit, he captures the subtle absurdities of contemporary life, encouraging readers to laugh while also pausing to reflect on the underlying truths behind the humour.
