Are American Flag Products Disrespectful?

Question

If you are celebrating the 4th of July by using flag-patterned napkins or wearing flag inspired clothing, you are actually in violation of the U.S. Flag Code.

The problem, according to sections 8d and 8i of the code, is the flag should not be used "as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery ... It should not be printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes."

Issued by Congress in 1942, the code includes a plethora of rules — most of which are habitually broken — dedicated to protecting and respecting the flag.

Don't worry. The Flag Code is not a law, just a guide, so you won't get into any kind of legal trouble.

However, it brings up an interesting question. Are flag inspired products and clothing items disrespectful to Old Glory?

Answer 1

I'm against the use of the flag in any way that is other than it's intended purpose. Here is why. For some time now Conservatives have made a big deal about how the flag is being disrespected by the left wing or by people burning it. Fine, I'm willing to go along with that notion that doing this is disrespectful, just as long as the Right Wingers will also stop using it as a marketable item by pasting in on just about anything they can sell. Paper napkins and or boxes are just the tip of the iceberg. I have seen people wearing them in every form from thongs panties and bikinis to Basketballs and flipflops. In point of fact a good many of the businesses that come up with these crass manifestations of the flag on product are owned by Conservative types. In their weird mentality it is wrong to burn a flag but alright to bounce one around on the ground as a Basketball or wear one in ones **** crack as a flossing thong. If we are going to talk desecrations I would think that the latter are just as wrong if not worse. The flag code says that if a flag touches the ground it is desecrated and must be burned. I you are burning a flag in protest one could argue that that flag requires being burned, but if you floss with it shouldn't it require burning as well?

Answer 2

Most are disrespectful. I think the US Flag should only be used as a flag representative of the United States of America. I don't have a problem with people making items from combined colors that depict the US Flag as a patriotic gesture.

Answer 3

My guess is the flag code was written by a republican with a stick up his a##

Answer 4

Why do you say that? Have you read them? I am just curious that's all
http://www.ushistory.org/bets...

Answer 5

The fact that there is a code at all says someone wrote it. The fact that it is so detailed says it was written by someone ****** retentive.

Answer 6

there are people on all sides that are that way.
I tell anyone that disrespects my flag be it the Texas flag or The stars and stripes I tell them then you don't like my country then leave

Answer 7

No way I find it all beautiful. The only rule I have is any real flags must not be laid on the ground. I have taught all my kids and they never let a flag touch the ground out of respect!

Answer 8

According to the rules of flag protocol the flag is not to be reproduced on any object.

Answer 9

Yeah they are. It makes us seem like hypocrites, we made a code and break it annually, and the worst part is that the so-called patriots do it more so than others.

Answer 10

Tacky? Yes. Disrespectful? No.

Answer 11

I don't care for flags printed in the newspaper that are designed to be pasted in a window for the 4th, nor do I care for disposable items like paper plates and napkins that bear the images of Old Glory. Trashy at best.

Answer 12

I like your comment a lot. I thing your exactly right on.

Answer 13

nope

Answer 14

I think it's in poor taste sometimes. I believe there are many other representations that aren't be so bad. The eagle, statue of liberty, many others. Some people treat the flag as representing more than a country. It's a religion.

Answer 15

Excellent point ucntbsrius.

Answer 16

Thank you jeniduu

Answer 17

Your welcome.

Answer 18

After the TRAVESTY of the American Justice system on the Casey Anthony case, I'm not feeling to bad toward people that aren'rt so respectful of the flag!

Answer 19

I understand how you feel. that commercialism is just pure greed

Answer 20

Nope..got My shirt on with the American Flag, and other symbols of Freedom..If they don't like it..they can kiss my ***..

We'll put a boot in your ***..It's the American way

http://www.topcountrymusicvid...

Answer 21

If you mean offensive to people than no, but if you mean disrespectful to the flag itself then depending on the situation but absolutely. People use it for way to many mundane purposed , kind of throws me off

Answer 22

Really people?

Answer 23

WOW i would like the bikini, where could i buy it?

Answer 24

It's just a flag.

Answer 25

Not really as long as people don't get crazy with it ....n use it for lawergeray....

Answer 26

how could it be disrespectful?........

Answer 27

if done with good taste

Answer 28

Haha NO.

Answer 29

eh no I think this flag products r quite fun and cool ..I like'em well as long as they're appropriate and like not to ''much'' heeh

Answer 30

Not really. It's patriotic if anything, as long as it's not like... a condom or something.

Answer 31

So that's our main problem, flag napkins,

Answer 32

to me it shows you love not only the flag but your country
I have pins that I wear year round

Answer 33

It is a reluctant no...I do not feel it should be used in major marketing. Fred makes a reasonable point and as a conservative I would be willing to go along with him. However, I do not feel that during the 4th of July season we should have a problem with Flag Type items. The problem is the Supreme court feels we are both wrong. It upheld Flag burning as freedon of speech. Now although I disagree with them, I am not on the supreme court and feel i must place my trust in them. My problem with Flag Burning is that I don't get it. I never did. I would understand burning the Constitution if you disagree with our way of life however, burning the Flag seems to indicate Hate of the Country as a whole. When I bring this point up to Liberals they actually often sort of see my point. It was never mentioned when this was a hot topic. I am very pro freedom of expression even when I disagree however, to me I would burn something that has to do with what I am angry with not the very symbol of the freedoom I have to express my distaste.

Answer 34

No, but what I have found is the season for wearing them is quite limited, like one weekend a year!

Answer 35

It's people showing their patriotism and support of their country by wearing/ using these things. I have a flag T-shirt and I always wear it on the 4th of July. As long as you aren't doing something disrespectful like wearing an anti-patriotic shirt depicting the flag I don't see a problem.

Answer 36

we'd get bored of just red white and blue decorations

Answer 37

A flag; the American flag, is a symbol for a country or institution. If someone wishes to wear a flag pattern all they are doing is identifying themselves aligned with the country or institution the symbol represents. To have a set of guides outlined by Congress in 1942 to protect and respect a flag seems quite unnecessary for a symbol, not to mention the 1st Amendment.

Answer 38

Actually, not giving a $hit about the Constitution and TSA groping *We the People* in the name of protecting us from *Terrorists* is Disrespectful! Giving out Trillions of Dollars in our name and Trillions more on War is Disrespectful... Making backdoor deals in Bilderberg Meetings is Disrespectful... I don't see this as being Disrespectful... in fact I give her much respect!

Answer 39

What? How does that represent this question? There have been many court decisions that seem to be wrong. I'm sure there's something on ** that you can go to and cry.