15 February 2010 What happened to the flag I used to know?

15 February 2010 What happened to the flag I used to know?


http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html

I’ve watched a bit of the winter Olympic games over the weekend. As always, I am saddened and annoyed by the absolute disregard that our U.S. teams of athletes and their coaches, trainers, support crews, and fans display for the United States flag.

Most disturbing is the growing practice of rushing out to hand every medal winner a flag to wrap around him or herself like a blanket. The flag code linked above clearly states that:

“ The flag should not be used as a drapery, or for covering a speakers desk, draping a platform, or for any decoration in general. Bunting of blue, white and red stripes is available for these purposes. The blue stripe of the bunting should be on the top.

The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard

The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations. “

I’m not sure what part of that is so complicated in nature as to require that it be pointed out to members of teams officially representing this nation. It is stated in plain English without any attempt to disguise the content. I don’t think that the level of education in this nation has slipped so deeply that the statement is not understandable to a middle school student. Perhaps I am wrong.

I’ve broached this subject to others who show no understanding of what about the practice I find problematic. “After all,” they say, “All the other countries teams and fans do it.”

I view the flag as a symbol of our nation. I view it as a marker that proclaims our national purpose and a marker that honors all who fought in our various wars. I do not view it as suitable for advertising car sales, furniture stores, or fast food restaurants. I most certainly don’t view it as a blanket, towel, or just some striped fabric to drag on the ground of a stadium or arena.

I understand that some misuses of the flag, such as burning it in protest are protected speech. But using the flag as a blanket is not exercising free speech, but displaying a lack of respect for our national ensign and those of all other nations.

If we are going to fund and engage in symbolic combat between nations, our symbolic warriors and their fans should be taught the flag code and required to follow it. Otherwise, I’m sure we can find other athletes who will be willing to comply with the flag code in exchange for all those sponsorships, uniforms, travel, training, and media face time.

Perhaps we should boot any competitor who uses a U.S. flag as a towel, blanket, hat, coat, or who treats one as if it were lacking in any symbolism. I’m far less concerned with medal counts than with team members who understand what is involved in representing a nation.

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