- Feb 5, 2002
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COMMENTARY: What the flag signifies is altogether distinguishable from what transpires in culture. Culture is one thing; what the flag represents is quite another.
In the aftermath of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, certain individuals from the world of sports, after serious reflection, decided not to stand for the playing of the national anthem. They did not like the “direction” in which the country was moving.
Something had to be done. And not respecting the flag, a gesture that started with Colin Kaepernick, a former football player with the San Francisco 49ers, was, in their estimation, the best thing they could do to protest the violence that was occurring in their country.
Grieving over the murder of 19 children and two teachers, together with the conviction that something must be done about it, is, indeed, commendable. Also to one’s credit is the recognition that a crime against even one person is also a crime against humanity.
Nonetheless, disparaging the flag is a grave mistake. At a time of national mourning after a jarring incident, it is easy to lose perspective. One fundamental but often-overlooked distinction can lead us to a proper perspective that honors both the dead as well as the flag. It is this: What the flag signifies is altogether distinguishable from what transpires in culture. Culture is one thing; what the flag represents is quite another.
Continued below.
To Honor or Not to Honor the American Flag
In the aftermath of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, certain individuals from the world of sports, after serious reflection, decided not to stand for the playing of the national anthem. They did not like the “direction” in which the country was moving.
Something had to be done. And not respecting the flag, a gesture that started with Colin Kaepernick, a former football player with the San Francisco 49ers, was, in their estimation, the best thing they could do to protest the violence that was occurring in their country.
Grieving over the murder of 19 children and two teachers, together with the conviction that something must be done about it, is, indeed, commendable. Also to one’s credit is the recognition that a crime against even one person is also a crime against humanity.
Nonetheless, disparaging the flag is a grave mistake. At a time of national mourning after a jarring incident, it is easy to lose perspective. One fundamental but often-overlooked distinction can lead us to a proper perspective that honors both the dead as well as the flag. It is this: What the flag signifies is altogether distinguishable from what transpires in culture. Culture is one thing; what the flag represents is quite another.
Continued below.
To Honor or Not to Honor the American Flag
