The American Flag, the emblem of the United States for over 240 years, symbolizes “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” according to Thomas Jefferson. Its 13 red stripes represent the original 13 colonies that united to gain independence, and its stars represent the 50 states. The meaning of the flag may differ for each person, but most people believe the flag represents unity. However, throughout the last half a decade, during the reign of President Donald Trump, the United States has been less than unified. The U.S. polarized along political party lines. The symbol that once stood for both red states and blue states became heavily politicized. The American flag has become a stereotype for extreme patriotism.
During the insurrection of the Capital on January 6th, seemingly encouraged by former President Trump, the rioters displayed the American flag. The action conveyed the idea that storming a building that upholds democracy showed their Americanness. During Trump rallies, Trump supporters waved the American flag while announcing messages of hate against immigrants, racist comments, and harmful information below. According to The Fast Company, the former president had so much love for the flag, he even kissed it, muttering the words “I love you, baby.” Even though past presidents have expressed love for the flag, in this case it seems embracing the flag means embracing all the ideas that Donald Trump stands for.
The now politicized flag causes many people who once found it to be peaceful to hide it away so they don’t give off the wrong message. Alex Garcia, an army veteran who stopped waving her flag, said, “The alt-right has manipulated and corrupted the flag from being a symbol of peace and unity to a symbol of defiance and one-sidedness.” According to The New Yorker, during the election season, people who put up a Trump flag or showed outward support towards the GOP had at least one American Flag, while Biden supporters had none.
The extreme patriotism associated with conservatives and Trump should have nothing to do with the American flag. The flag should represent the American people, Democrats and Republicans alike, and the blood, sweat, and tears of the ones protecting the country. Our country can only hope that the American flag reverts to a symbol of unity, the true meaning of America.