As a non-USian, I've never quite understood the obsession with the Red, White and Blue, and the Stars and Stripes: the North Korean flag (for instance) is Red, White and Blue, with a star (albeit, singular) and stripes. They're pretty common elements of flags!
Propaganda and Exceptionalism. I would expect nothing more from a country, claiming to be "the best country in the world", that's taught their children for decades to "pledge allegiance to the flag".
What nations had stars and stripes in 1777 when the USA adopted them? I think you'll find that the stars and stripes was the first flag born devoid of feudal, religious or merchant purposes. It was designed completely for and of enlightenment ideals and purposes and it was truly first on that front. Show some respect, just like your country almost definitely did when it eventually followed its example. And it was red white and blue because those are the contrasting colors they had laying around from repurposed british flags.
I too am a U.S. citizen. But I have respect for those who died under that flag, fighting for a country that's far from perfect. A country that's been built on the blood and bones of those people who have the courage to stand up against it's tyranny, as well as those who stood up for the freedom that said country promises us. The freedoms that are currently being trampled on by the same government that lauds it like it's the god damned holy grail. I'll respect the flag when it stands for something good. Right now the flag is no more that a piece of fabric, denoting a devotion to a political body that cares more about profits over the lives of it's people. I have no respect for that. But the Human lives that have been lost for the causes of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness for ALL people. For the pursuit of a country where we are ALL free, I'll pledge allegiance to Humanity. And I'll salute the dead long before I salute ANY flag until the day I die.
It still stands for those enlightenment ideas of a government for the people by the people. If it fails becuase of some clown it'll stand for a good try.
Americans have been tought since the first day they enter school that they are the best country in the world, a lot of schools have you do the pledge of aleigence every day as well. They shout about freedom but from the first time they were able to create a thought they have been indoctrinated to belive that america is infallible and perfect.
Sure a lot of countries have red white and blue stars and stripes, but I'd guess most of them adopted these elements sometime after the US established its first flag in 1777.
I figured most countries liked their flags. Canadians really like their maple leaf, the British like the Union Jack. Brazilians seem to like their flag. Is it a crime to like a flag?
Many countries with the Red+Blue+White colours and/or vertical stripes and similar palettes adopted them after French Revolution, as it was an inspiration for many liberal movements across all of Europe.
Then, there's Slavic Red+Blue+White pattern that first appeared in Russian Empire and took inspiration in Dutch flag, because Peter the Great (first Russian monarch crowned emperor) really liked Netherlands where he got his education. The 19th century Pan-Slavs took these colours after Russia because it was the only independent major slavic country at the time.
And then there's British Red+Blue+White that is a combination from English (White + Red) and Scottish (Blue + White) which was adopted as a palette in 17th century. It is a reason why some ex colonies of Britain have these colours, including America.
And yeah, there's nothing wrong with liking the flag, but imho some people attach to flag too much to the point where flag is viewed over the ideas it should symbolize.
"USian" Is such a stupid term 😭 words can have multiple meanings, you dont call citizens of the UAE "Uaians" or something, you call them Arabs because thats what they call themselves and the world calls them. Does that mean they claim to be the entire Arab ethnicity? No, in the same way quit intentionally complicating simple things, we know that we aren't the entirety of America, use context clues
You mean opportunity to be killed/brutally "arrested" by an ICE agent if you're not white? Or the opportunity to go bankrupt or die when you're in an accident? Or maybe the opportunity to be on the receiving end in a school shooting?
As “opportunity” is a pretty vague state of measurement, I’ve just taken some of the ones offering overall better life quality, better work compensation, business readiness and immigration pathways;
Germany
Switzerland
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Denmark
Sweden
Norway
Finland
lol, "opportunity" such as a terrible job market, unaffordable housing, bankruptcy due to medical costs, defunded social programs, student debt despite massive brain drain in academia plus all the struggles other countries are dealing with too
I guess if you know zero about other wealthy countries, then the US seems good in comparison to poor and wartorn ones
Man as an American, we have no right telling anyone their country sucks while we have people who aren't treated as equal, while we have a pedo in office.
112
u/thelochok 15h ago
As a non-USian, I've never quite understood the obsession with the Red, White and Blue, and the Stars and Stripes: the North Korean flag (for instance) is Red, White and Blue, with a star (albeit, singular) and stripes. They're pretty common elements of flags!