Re: Symbolism sucks (Score: 0)
by Larkspur on Wednesday, September 11 @ 14:07:56 CEST
(User Info ) | You're right. The flag, and all flags, have been abused as symbols, as rallying points to patriotism. And it's not just flags: the cross, koran, you name and there is always someone somewhere who will abuse that symbol. Even the dove and peace sign has been abused by some.
I grew up in a time--never mind how old I am--when the flag was touted as the symbol I described earlier. Much of the world, for a time, also viewed it that way. We can discuss forever whether that was ever actually the case; however, for over two-hundred years we the people have allowed this to happen.
I feel that it is time for us to take that flag and use it as a symbol of peace and justice. The world sees us as our flag--what is usually being burned by angry mobs? We need to claim our flag as a national, or better yet, international symbol of peace and justice around which people will recognize and gather (e.g., people like you who obviously cares a great deal about where we are going). Our flag especially can be a powerful tool in getting the message out, and it doesn't have to cause us to fall into the patriotism trap.
Like it or not, that flag is a reality and a very powerful symbol. We can either hate and ridicule it, in which case we may fail to get people to take the views of peace seriously, or we can take it from the self-proclaimed patriots and use it to support worthy cause. |
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