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.
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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!