Hey! More and more Belarusians are joining virtual training, but I am confused that in the country selection settings, Belarusians see only the “official” dictatorial flag.
To understand our context, this flag has a very controversial attitude among Belarusians as it is primarily associated with the dictatorial regime of Lukashenko and Putin’s ally in the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
Therefore, for a long time, Belarusians have been using the white-red-white flag to identify themselves. This is a national cultural flag that has nothing to do with repression and the occupation regime in our country. Also, this flag was official when the Belarusian People’s Republic was proclaimed, and when Belarus separated from the USSR (those before the establishment of the dictatorship and the fictitious referendum)
Please provide Belarusian cyclists to choose their flag as the Irish can, for example. And so as not to be verbose, just study the whole context of our country to understand how important it’s for us.
I’m with @Pustavitau on this. As a fellow Belarusian, I think it’s important we all get to show our true colours in Zwift. If we could choose the white-red-white flag, that would be awesome. I’m all for it and will give a ‘ride on’ to anyone I see flying it.
As another Belarusian rider, I 100% agree with what is stated in this post. When I use Zwift, I have to use other countries’ flags, like many of my friends do, which is a shame because the whole point of flags is to recognize and cheer for your compatriots, not to feel ashamed of it.
Adding the white-red-white Belarusian flag to Zwift would provide a fair choice for Belarusians to express themselves authentically.
Many of us, including myself, would appreciate the option to represent our national flag, as it better aligns with our identity and values. Given the historical significance and symbolism behind the white-red-white flag, particularly as it represents the aspirations of Belarusians post-Soviet era, its inclusion in Zwift would be a meaningful acknowledgment of our struggle for freedom and justice.
In light of recent events, such as the egregious human rights abuses and erosion of civil liberties, the white-red-white flag holds greater resonance for many Belarusians, serving as a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression.
Offering this option in Zwift would not only reflect the desires of the Belarusian community within the game but also demonstrate solidarity with those striving for a more just and democratic society.
The white-red-white flag holds significant historical and cultural importance for many Belarusians, symbolizing their aspirations for democracy, freedom, and national identity. In the context of the protests and unrest in Belarus in 2020, the white-red-white flag emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance against authoritarianism and in support of democracy. Adding it as an option for users representing Belarus would recognize the flag’s role in these events and provide users with a means to express solidarity with those who have fought for democratic principles and human rights in the country.
