Banal Nationalism is “introduced to cover the ideological habits which enable the established nations of the West to be reproduced.” Billig argues that banal nationalism is “the endemic condition” rather than extreme variants, which surround the idea of nationalism. Banal Nationalism refers to the everyday representation of a nation which builds an imagined sense of solidarity and belonging amongst the residents of the given nation. The wearing of a remembrance poppy surrounding remembrance Sunday, marking the armistice of World War One, is a national symbol to remember those lost in war and the families of lost soldiers affected by the wars. The example of a remembrance poppy has both aspects that support the idea of ‘banal nationalism’ yet also argues against it.

A remembrance poppy is a visual symbol of remembrance of those lost at war during recent and major world wars. It not only remembers those lost but those who are left behind when their family members are killed at war. It is argued that the poppy, made from paper and plastic that is worn on the lapel of a persons jacket or shirt, supports war and the deaths of innocents as a consequence. With such a sign being worn by British society, regardless of age, it could be argued that British society supports the idea of war and violence. The poppy is a symbol of blood shed at war and the destruction caused furthermore the Poppy Appeal is highly evident across British society around the end of October up until the 11th of November. Although not an every day constant it is not recognised as a different action as a poppy is bought by default and recognition rather than because it is thought about.

Billig argues that for every nation it must have “its history, its own collective memory”. The poppy highlights the collective memory of war and those lives lost as it brings society together to remember those who