Is Wearing American Flags Patriotic Or Disrespectful?
How many of you are familiar with the Flag Code? Most aren't familiar with the details, let alone which chapter or section a rule regarding Old Glory falls under, but many think of the Flag Code as a rule book for directions regarding the disposal and flying of the stars and stripes, as well as what counts as disrespect.
Most probably don't realize that wearing clothing that displays an American flag is against the Flag Code, although only on a state-by-state basis will a penalty be given for wearing anything resembling one.
One common image you've seen recently with the Winter Olympics is many athletes wearing a flag, typically with the stars and stripes draped over someone's shoulders.
Although the Flag Code, under Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(j), states that the stars and stripes shouldn't be worn as a costume, does this count as disrespect or patriotism? In the true definition, it errs on the disrespectful side, as all athletes are wearing American flags like capes.
But, another factor to consider is intention.
In this case, the athletes and fans aren't intending to be anything but patriotic.
Is it possible to be patriotic and disrespectful at the same time? Possibly, but, in various instances, patriotism may trump the code.
In the case of the Olympics, an athlete winning a medal for the country is clearly an instance for patriotism and displaying the flag, regardless of manner, is part of that.
Similarly, many don flag-inspired pieces of clothing around July 4.
From shorts covered in red, white, and blue to shirts displaying a full banner, nearly anything is game for showing off your patriotism.
On another occasion, this would be inappropriate but, for July 4, expressing your patriotic sentiment is also important.
Although the Flag Code describes how American flags should be displayed across all instances, breaking the rules isn't punishable in most cases.
Although displaying a flag incorrectly will be seen as disrespectful and, most of the time, unpatriotic, it won't result in a fine, unless specified by a state's laws.
Most probably don't realize that wearing clothing that displays an American flag is against the Flag Code, although only on a state-by-state basis will a penalty be given for wearing anything resembling one.
One common image you've seen recently with the Winter Olympics is many athletes wearing a flag, typically with the stars and stripes draped over someone's shoulders.
Although the Flag Code, under Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(j), states that the stars and stripes shouldn't be worn as a costume, does this count as disrespect or patriotism? In the true definition, it errs on the disrespectful side, as all athletes are wearing American flags like capes.
But, another factor to consider is intention.
In this case, the athletes and fans aren't intending to be anything but patriotic.
Is it possible to be patriotic and disrespectful at the same time? Possibly, but, in various instances, patriotism may trump the code.
In the case of the Olympics, an athlete winning a medal for the country is clearly an instance for patriotism and displaying the flag, regardless of manner, is part of that.
Similarly, many don flag-inspired pieces of clothing around July 4.
From shorts covered in red, white, and blue to shirts displaying a full banner, nearly anything is game for showing off your patriotism.
On another occasion, this would be inappropriate but, for July 4, expressing your patriotic sentiment is also important.
Although the Flag Code describes how American flags should be displayed across all instances, breaking the rules isn't punishable in most cases.
Although displaying a flag incorrectly will be seen as disrespectful and, most of the time, unpatriotic, it won't result in a fine, unless specified by a state's laws.
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