Grammar Problems

[Isatis]

Awesome!

(sorry 'merican i'm now an England lover UK UK UK!)

time for another question typical from a French dude :

As a French speaking guy, I'm always tempted to give gender to thing and object. Like if I want to say '' I'm going to push that flag away '' I do it this way : '' I'm going to push him away ''

BUT

The RULES tend to say that I should say '' I'm going to push it away. ''


I'm pretty sure the it is the way, but why? And can I say him or will it alarm your English Common sense?

thanks!