Luz Ricardes questions the presence of the Mapuche flag at patriotic events

The Pledge to the Argentine Flag is one of the most significant school ceremonies in our civic culture. It represents a moment of national affirmation, in which children swear loyalty to the highest symbol of the country's sovereignty and unity. That's why, when in that context a flag that doesn't represent all Argentines, such as the Mapuche flag, is incorporated, an institutional, political, and pedagogical error is committed.

The Argentine Flag symbolizes national unity

The sky blue and white flag is much more than a symbol: it is the emblem that unites us as a Nation. Placing any other insignia at the same level, regardless of its origin or cultural legitimacy, amounts to relativizing national representation. It transforms an act that brings us together around what we share into one that introduces identity fragmentations.

The Pledge is not a multicultural event

This event is not intended to celebrate ethnic diversity or to make particular groups visible.  It is a civic act framed by the national State, where constitutional and patriotic values are reinforced. Introducing into that setting symbols of specific groups—many of which have expressed conflicts with the Argentine State—distorts its original meaning.

The message conveyed to children is confusing

If a child pledges loyalty to a flag, it must be clear which one. Incorporating another official or unofficial insignia creates ambiguity and confusion. Is loyalty being sworn to the Argentine Republic or to a parallel worldview? That ideological confusion can't have a place in classrooms or school ceremonies.

The value of national symbols can't be relativized

The Argentine Flag is protected by law and by a history of shared sacrifices. Placing it on equal footing with symbols that do not have national consensus is to disregard that history and its institutional value. It is also a sign of disrespect to those who gave their lives for this Nation.

The State must maintain its neutrality

The principle of State neutrality is essential to guarantee equality before the law.  Adopting particular identity symbols in official ceremonies means taking an ideological or ethnic stance, which contradicts the integrating function of the State. This is not inclusion: it is a political intervention that alters institutional neutrality.

Only one flag represents everyone

This is not about denying the existence of communities or erasing identities. However, the framework in which official ceremonies take place is that of the Nation. On that day, an ethnicity or a region is not being celebrated: the entire Homeland is being celebrated. That homeland has only one flag.