You can see American flags at home, work, cars, or even T-shirts. People hang and use them with respect. So why are there flags everywhere today? Let’s read this post from 9/11 flag to learn more about this ritual!
Several reasons contribute to the popularity of raising flags, especially on holidays. Let’s join us and dig deeper into this topic!
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Why Are There Flags Everywhere Today?
When flying the flag, people think of their country. But how come? The six reasons below will explain.
National identity
National identities are social constructions reinforcing stereotypes and beliefs about ethnic and racial communities living within arbitrary borders.
Humanity has traditionally united around common languages, religions, and families.
However, the new idea of the country has drastically altered the way people relate to each other nowadays.
This belief applies to America in the same way that it does to other developed countries.
Moreover, the USA is a very young nation. Hence, maintaining America’s image as a nation of liberty and endeavor demands joining everyone beneath the red, white, and blue flag.
There are no limits to the devotion with which many Americans fly the flag to show their support for their nation.
Even though it’s a choice guaranteed by the US Constitution, people will suffer from harsh criticism when they refuse to salute or violate the flag.
The flag itself has a deep relationship to the American identity. And the diligent work of leaders and political figures who understood the country’s stability depended on the development of an enduring symbol.
1. The image of joining people from different ethnicity
The Civil War
The American flag did not become so influential until the Civil War in 1861.
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The flag’s primary use before that event was only to identify military and government facilities.
Once Confederate forces gained control of Fort Sumter from Charleston on April 12, 1861, Union forces withdrew but took the flag atop Fort Sumer with them.
The flag arose virtually overnight all over the North as a gesture of support for President Lincoln’s efforts to preserve national unity.
The American flag stood firm on battlefields to resist the movement toward separation as the Confederacy established its symbol.
The flag remained a vital part of attempts to promote peace and reconciliation in the war-weary nation after the big war.
Values that unify the nation
The American flag has been a unifying, everlasting message of hope since the late 19th century.
Yet, it’s hard to bring different nations under the same umbrella of ethnicity.
To solve this problem, leaders have focused on a primary set of principles to define what it signifies to be an American, and they include:
- Courage
- Honor
- Justice
- Freedom
America continues to be the glorious nation where anyone may reach their goals, even as populations fluctuate and the melting pot broadens.
America’s national identity relies on maintaining values like integrity and democracy rather than addressing the legacy of racism or sexism that threatens so many individuals.
2. Different values delivered by the flag
Commercial success
Commercialization has cemented the American flag’s role as a universally acknowledged, well-liked symbol used by Americans all over the world.
By establishing the US Flag Code, organizations opposing the mass production of goods with the US flag stamped made an effort to stop this practice.
However, due to the First Amendment rights of free expression, most code’s regulations later appeared illegal.
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In addition to the flag itself, Americans buy many patriotic accessories not only on holidays but all year round.
Fashion featuring the American flag has evolved into a multi-million dollar business. You can find this icon on shorts, shoes, or even sunglasses.
A means of politics
Political campaigns are very expensive and arduous efforts that are essential to the American democratic system.
Politicians and elected officials display American flags to express their commitment to the values embodied by Old Glory.
These red, white, and blue signs have conveyed a love for this country to undecided voters since the 19th century.
Militaristic identity
After decades of battling off British troops, America’s founding fathers rejected massive, permanent militaries.
They thought the government should only form armies for an emergency and disband when it was over.
America’s army was insignificant compared to that of other countries as late as 1939. Yet, things changed after World War II and the Cold War.
America built the strongest military in the world, one that is ready to engage in global relations and battle the approaching danger of communism. These evolving attitudes toward the army coincided with America’s respect for the flag.
The government developed a justification that is still active today to justify conflicts: America only gets involved in fighting for freedom and supporting democracy worldwide.
3. Militaristic identity in the flag
American Flag Holidays
Many American people hang the flag all year. Yet, some others choose to display it on special occasions.
4. American flag holidays
Conclusion
American citizens use the flag to express pride in their country. It also symbolizes American identity, politics, and the military. Thank you for reading!
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
