Maybe you’re a little confused, like me, about when exactly the American flag took the place of the First Amendment to the Constitution. After all, I have a sister older than the current American flag. But conservatives sure do like symbols, and their assumption that everyone else does as much as they do is probably why the outrage over NFL players taking a knee, or sitting, or otherwise not properly “respecting” American symbolism has captured the zeitgeist in the country this football season.
But what does “respect for the flag” actually mean, and is there a double standard? One Twitter user had a pretty spectacular take on whether there just might be a little hypocrisy at play in all of the criticism of those “ungrateful black multi-millionaires” who dare to protest in a way that’s “unacceptable” to white people.
“HennyWise” is a third generation veteran of the armed forces, and his outline of ways that America completely ignores the “disrespect” that doesn’t bother them or even makes them happy is a primer on the United States Flag Code. Setting aside the fact that a significant number of sports fans may in fact be getting a beer at concessions during the national anthem and display of the colors, there are a number of regulations that Americans don’t seem to mind breaking:
Let’s jump right in…
US Flag Code: Chapter 10.176C
“The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.” pic.twitter.com/a9niowcX5f
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
US Flag Code: Chapter 10.176D
“The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.” pic.twitter.com/z3rywoKDtO
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
Here’s a popular violation
US Flag Code Chapter 10.176I
“The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.” pic.twitter.com/OMNzTurFaD
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
US Flag Code Chapter 10.176I (pt 2)
“It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like…” pic.twitter.com/xHG3sypUrA
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
US Flag Code Chapter 10.176I (pt3)
“…or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard.” pic.twitter.com/WVvQVjD6qG
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
Since it’s Saturday…
US Flag Code Chapter 10.176J
“No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.” pic.twitter.com/7R8sZmqcp1
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
Not covered in the “Respect for Flag” section; standing/kneeling/sitting. That’s considered a conduct violation, not disrespectful.
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
Signed,
A 3rd Generation Vet
— HennyWise (@koopa_kinte) September 23, 2017
Another user pointed out one small thing that HennyWise overlooked in his synopsis of hypocrisy:
Great thread. Also this:#TakeTheKnee pic.twitter.com/x9WC5cmJCv
— HSquared (@BlondeWarship) September 23, 2017
The Flag Code also specifies that:
The flag should never have placed on it, or attached to it, any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind.
That makes the “Blue Lives Matter” flag an even more direct form of disrespect than a violation of most of the other regulations would be considered.
But will conservatives care? Hypocrisy has never seemed to bother them before.
Featured image via Brett Carlsen/Getty Images
