posted on September 22, 2001 01:19:02 AM
The previous thread (see my post) got me thinking about another issue which I have often wondered about and will probably see more of as a result of the WTC tragedy.
Someone stated that they thought that putting the American Flag in auctions cheepens its value and or meaning. I don't agree, but
I can understand where they are coming from and
respect that.
I won't spit on or burn the flag but respect others' rights to do so (though I will never support the act itself)
Alright, on to the main topic. Now a days you can buy flag clothing. You know, shirts made out of the flag, jaans etc. Of course, this usually isn't made out of an actual flag, but a
pattern. I've never owned clothing like this because I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing
it. Others do. And, if its American Flag jeans, often times the pattern will also
cover the posterior. Does anyone have any opinions about clothing which is made
to look like the American flag? Are
you for it? Against it? Do you Wear it?
I guess I've always looked at it from both sides. At times I've seen those who wear it as being patriotic. But somehow it does seem to be to be cheapening the flag as well.
To be fair, I currently have the Flag in my current auctions, but may take it down when I get ready to list this weekend.
posted on September 22, 2001 01:35:45 AM
Are you old enough to remember 1965-1975? This debate went on ad nauseam, with the Supreme Court finally ruling that it's protected free speech.
Of course by then, many a hippie skull had been cracked by the hardhats and the cops.
I find it mildly offensive seeing the flag on someone's backside, but other than that, it's just decoration, devoid of meaning, like those little flag patches that I'm sure will be somewhere on every pro athlete's outfit to market his team's patriotism....
posted on September 22, 2001 02:07:39 AM
Unfortunately, regarding the period
1965-1975...I missed it by a couple of years.
I hope others willl also thrown in their $0.02.
Let me say, that I sincerely hope you were not one of those people who was cracked over the head. If you were, you have my simpathy.
posted on September 22, 2001 03:04:16 AM
Clothing made from actual flags does not impress me as being the thing to wear but some jackets and hats with the flag colors and stars looks nice.
Kelly Ripa wore something of a flag motif outfit on Regis & Kelly the other day which I thought looked pretty bad. She looked great the outfit didn't.
posted on September 22, 2001 05:29:59 AM
Flag clothing as a fad is fine with me. I would truly hope that people who aren't thin would wear the stripes going vertically.
I've been buying like a fiend all summer, and listing lightly. When I run into the box with the flag vest in it, I'll sell it. But I won't go search it out now because it might make me an extra 50 cents.
posted on September 22, 2001 05:31:15 AM
In my retail days I sold a line of flag jackets made from real flag material, not the flag, but the same embroidered stars and sewn stripes.
The people who purchased them were without exception looking for a way to express their patriotism and pride in being American. They were nice folks. And the jackets were to be worn to cheer on our teams at the Olympics, or for July 4th celebrations etc.
I agree the flag has been commercialized, and is often used by repulsive politicians and religious fanatics to cloak themselves in respectibility.
I am glad that average Americans of every stripe have taken it back. It belongs to all of us. We each have different ways of expressing our national pride, and that is what makes this country great.
posted on September 22, 2001 05:57:56 AM
Well, professor, you had to be there to understand the depth of feeling that was generated by wearing (aka abusing) the flag.
Back then, the WWII generation were The Establishment, and many of their younger kids were hippies. Just wearing a small plain patch of the Stars & Stripes on anything but a uniform was enough to get dirty looks; wearing it upside down or not fully intact was at least a fighting offense in most of the country (away from the campuses). And wearing it or even showing it with the peace symbol substituted for the stars could get you killed in some areas.
So of course, showing the flag on your backside or crotch was an instant, obvious, non-verbal way to give The Establishment the finger. And boy, howdy! When you gave that generation the finger, you instant outrage and retaliation.
Now, The Establishment (that despised, fascist mob who were ruining the world in 1968) has become the "Greatest Generation" who saved the world for democracy.
And the hippies and yippies? They're now dead, limping toward retirement, or yuppies, and have forgotten most of what they did and felt way back when....
posted on September 22, 2001 01:52:07 PM
I was born in '73 and missed all that...but I kind of cringe when I see flags worn as clothing. I understand that the wearer is usually trying to express their patriotism, and that is OK with me. I do approve of the patriotism if not the way they express it...
I also cringe at all the flags I have seen beside the freeway (and ON the freeway, with people driving over them). For that reason, I have hung my flag outside my house, but refuse to go any further than that. Although I don't begrudge anyone else their right to express their patriotism...
posted on September 22, 2001 05:08:12 PM
"And the hippies and yippies? They're now dead, limping toward retirement, or yuppies, and have forgotten most of what they did and felt way back when...."
