The first of the myriad of advantages to take up this idea is the fact that barcodes are machine readable. This would result in near instantaneous recognition of the origin of a person holing a flag, in addition to the fact that a log can be kept of all the flags that have been scanned. Think of all the embarrassment that could be saved at international sporting events, such as the Olympics of people not knowing which flag came from which country. All they would have need to do would be to whip out their barcode scanner on their key ring (or any other easily accessible location), and scan the flag that they were holding.
Secondly, we would immediately be able to discern countries with terrible mathematics skills, because of their ability or lack of in to calculate the check digit. The check digit for those that don’t know is the digit at the end of a barcode that is related to the remaining numbers in the code. It is used to reduce reading errors. The check digit is calculated by manipulating the preceding numbers in the sequence, for instance adding every second number and then dividing by 100. If the check digit for a flag was wrong due to the countries inability to perform basic calculations, not only would it be immediately apparent to the rest of the world that they lack numerate ability greater than that required to count fingers, but it would also render their flag unreadable. This would ensure that they didn’t meddle in world affairs, because any time that they presented themselves, – for example; the twin flags flying at the front of a diplomat’s car- they would be rejected as unintelligible data. As you can see it’s a win-win situation
A third advantage is that these flags would replace unwieldy national anthems such as those that mention “crushing rebellious Scots” (British anthem). Imagine if you would, the entire ‘British’ football team resting on their knuckles in the centre of Wembley stadium at the beginning of the world cup final; a proud smile on each of their disfigured, faces as the modern beats of a rejuvenated anthem come spilling out of the archaic PA system.
“Thin line, thick line, double white. Two strips, one strip, all equal height”
I think that you will agree with me that that would be a glorious sight.
