RaisetheStripes
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Raise the Stripes (RTS) is a grassroots cultural movement based in Northern England. It was founded in 2024 as a campaign to promote and defend Northern English identity, traditions, and dialects. The movement describes its mission as “saving Northern English culture from active suppression one step at a time” and uses the flag of Northumbria as a symbol of the North.
Background
Raise the Stripes emerged in response to perceptions of cultural marginalization and accent bias within the United Kingdom. Supporters argue that Northern English culture has historically been underrepresented and replaced by a united British and English identity, in national institutions, media, and education, and that regional identity markers are often stereotyped or dismissed.
Objectives
The movement’s stated aims include:
- Promoting pride in Northern English traditions and dialects.
- Challenging stereotypes and accent discrimination.
- Creating visible symbols of Northern identity through banners, slogans, and events.
- Encouraging grassroots participation in cultural preservation.
Activities
Raise the Stripes operates primarily through online platforms, including a website, and efforts online and offline. These activities include:
- Awareness campaigns highlighting Northern English culture.
- Community engagement initiatives encouraging participation in cultural rituals and traditions.
- Symbolic actions such as the use of “stripes” branding to represent collective identity both offline and online
Reception
The movement has gained attention especially on online platforms such as Tiktok where all combined 'current creators' followers count adds up to 14,225 supporters as of December 2025.
References
- Raise the Stripes. Official website. https://rstsmovement.wixsite.com/raisethestripes