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Aside from the university in California that hates America, on Facebook there seems to be an uproar about done guy taking a pic in uniform with his baby cradled in an American flag. While I can appreciate the thought, it makes me cringe. I saw many service members defending it. I will copy/paste my comment and I'd like to hear your thoughts RP.
I assure you with 13 years and counting of military service, I love this country, and I love the flag that represents it. As another individual mentioned, there is a code of customs and courtesies associated with the flag to dictate how it is handled with dignity and respect. Having the privilege to have performed military honors at funerals, I can assure you everything about handling the flag is very specific. They way it's folded, how it should appear after folding, how it it rotated to be passed to the grieving etc. Everything about how the flag is handled with dignity and respect is specific. Those practices should always be preserved to maintain that sacred presence and reverence for the flag and what it stands for. It shouldn't be used as decor or a wrap for a photo. It also shouldn't be made into clothing (bikinis, boxers, jackets, etc.). Images of the flag upon clothing are deemed appropriate, but when the flag becomes the clothing itself, or a wrap, we are not observing those customs which are intended to show respect for the flag and love of country. I can greatly appreciate the sentiment and good hearted intention behind the photo, but it over looks the practice of actually holding the flag by a high and honorable standard. I don't think it's anything worth getting worked up about as some people seem to be. At least it attempts to be a very positive image, but it does make me cringe in the same way it makes me cringe to see flag bikinis, or stroller awnings, and so on. I hope you can appreciate my reasonable approach without it feeling like an attack. Most people don't even know that flag clothing is counter to code, and wear it with the mindset that it displays pride. Again, I can appreciate the sentiment, but I appreciate the code and adherence by it so much more, because it takes greater care and effort to observe it. Have a fantastic God-blessed American day!
I assure you with 13 years and counting of military service, I love this country, and I love the flag that represents it. As another individual mentioned, there is a code of customs and courtesies associated with the flag to dictate how it is handled with dignity and respect. Having the privilege to have performed military honors at funerals, I can assure you everything about handling the flag is very specific. They way it's folded, how it should appear after folding, how it it rotated to be passed to the grieving etc. Everything about how the flag is handled with dignity and respect is specific. Those practices should always be preserved to maintain that sacred presence and reverence for the flag and what it stands for. It shouldn't be used as decor or a wrap for a photo. It also shouldn't be made into clothing (bikinis, boxers, jackets, etc.). Images of the flag upon clothing are deemed appropriate, but when the flag becomes the clothing itself, or a wrap, we are not observing those customs which are intended to show respect for the flag and love of country. I can greatly appreciate the sentiment and good hearted intention behind the photo, but it over looks the practice of actually holding the flag by a high and honorable standard. I don't think it's anything worth getting worked up about as some people seem to be. At least it attempts to be a very positive image, but it does make me cringe in the same way it makes me cringe to see flag bikinis, or stroller awnings, and so on. I hope you can appreciate my reasonable approach without it feeling like an attack. Most people don't even know that flag clothing is counter to code, and wear it with the mindset that it displays pride. Again, I can appreciate the sentiment, but I appreciate the code and adherence by it so much more, because it takes greater care and effort to observe it. Have a fantastic God-blessed American day!
Customs and Courtesies
Pride
Patriotism
Flags and Vexillology
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 93
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As long as the flag wasn't made in China!!
This picture is one of the reasons why I wear a uniform! I'm proud to fight for the freedom of people to take such a patriotic picture.
This picture is one of the reasons why I wear a uniform! I'm proud to fight for the freedom of people to take such a patriotic picture.
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I didn't even give this photo a second thought. We have a beautiful flag, which stands for so much. It's a beautiful baby, and a beautiful photo.
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To me this Sailor is making a statement, a good statement saying he/she put his/her life on the line so this child can rest in freedom, peace and a good life. I don't believe our founding fathers would have any objection to this usage either. I'm guessing they'd have more positive to say about this pic than a university who's students have ban the flying of our National Colors.
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To me this photo is so full of American Awesome. There is so much symbolism in it, one could do a class on this photo alone. I'm glad they did it. What it stands for is what we all want for our country, a place our families can live free under the envelope of democracy.
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If the flag can be wrapped around your casket when you die (something you are presumably inside of), then I don't see why it can't be wrapped around you when you are born. This is not disrespectful at all, and the people issuing death threats to the photographer need to go suck start a shotgun.
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CW3 (Join to see)
No, 1LT L S , Chief is not joking. Morons have been issuing death threats to the photographer. And I stand by my statement that if you're issuing death threats online to someone over a photograph, you need to suck start a shotgun.
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I think it's a matter of context. Yes, wearing the flag or using the flag as a blanket, bag, etc can be very offensive, espcially if it'd done in a way intended to mock the flag. This was not an intent to mock. It was intended to show symbolism of a patriot from birth. And since my coffin will be covered by the flag when they put me into the ground, I personnally don't have an issue with it in this context.
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As long as the flag is represented in a respectful manner, I see no issues with it. To me this flag represents two things he is proud of: His Country, and his Child. I see no issues with this.
I do tend to cringe when I see flag pants, bikinis, bandanas. There is no meaning or representation with this to me. In my mind, people who wear clothes made of the flag are screaming "Look at ME!", while using the flag to cover their ass. The respectful manner in this case does not exist.
I do tend to cringe when I see flag pants, bikinis, bandanas. There is no meaning or representation with this to me. In my mind, people who wear clothes made of the flag are screaming "Look at ME!", while using the flag to cover their ass. The respectful manner in this case does not exist.
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CW3 (Join to see)
There you run into an issue of a double standard. Since acts like burning the flag are deemed constitutional, and "ok" despite code, it's hard to make the case that one firm of expression that is constitutional is ok, but another form of expression that is constitutional is not. I agree with you on principle. Just playing devil's advocate is all.
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I don't see a problem with this in the context of art. There is no intent of disrespect, or any other negative intent, toward the flag or the United States of America; I'd say the opposite is true. If I saw a person actually using the flag as a literal blanket in anything other than an emergency situation I'd have a problem with it, but that is not what is happening here.
If you have an issue with this photo, I'd say, lighten up, and be thankful for any positive image of the flag.
If you have an issue with this photo, I'd say, lighten up, and be thankful for any positive image of the flag.
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What about skimpy bikinis of The Flag pattern on the beach??
Is that honor, or disrespect??
Or does it depend how hot the woman is?
I look for things to ruin my day....
Is that honor, or disrespect??
Or does it depend how hot the woman is?
I look for things to ruin my day....
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SFC (Join to see)
Sir, you forgot to mention what are the alternatives lol should they be in burkas or what about flag pattern ones?
Hopefully RP has made your day better haha
Hopefully RP has made your day better haha
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CW3 (Join to see)
I think I actually mentioned bikinis specifically. Not any better despite the patriotic eye candy it may provide =)
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CW3 (Join to see)
Lol, it's a good example because people like to say things like "no one gets bothered with ______" and it's usually bikinis!
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