Kanye West Makes the Most of His Time on Live Earth (7/07/2007) Akon Takes Shirt Off, Keeps Hands to Himself at Live Earth (7/07/2007) Alicia Keys Debuts New Song at Live Earth (7/07/2007) Pete Wentz Goes Hoodie-Free at Live Earth (7/07/2007) 12:38PM on Jul 4th 2007 I find it very disrespectful to use the flag as clothing. Looking through these pictures, I've determined that wearing a tee-shirt with a flag decal doesn't bother me (e.g.
the Kelly Clarkson tee-shirt), but wearing either an actual flag (e.g. Kid Rock) or clothing designed to look like a flag (e.
g. Reba McEntire) is grossly offensive. I am not a flag worshiper; I think the attention the American flag receives from some people is idoltry.
I do not stand up for the flag (i.e. at parades and such).
I do stand up, but that is out of respect for the veterans who sacrificed so much. At any rate, even though I think that people overestimate the importance of a piece of cloth, I still feel that it is completely inappropriate to wear a symbol of freedom and democracy as though it were just a joke. There is important meaning in the flag, and I think that wearing it disrespects the honor of the veterans who have served our country, whether in righteous wars such as World War II or pointless wars such as Vietnam and Iraq.
Thank you for your time. at 1:06PM on Jul 4th 2007 I think that to infringe upon the rights of American citizens to freely express themselves is grossly more offensive than wearing an American flag or apparel with its likeness. I think that protecting these rights is what veterans have died and continue to die for.
Furthermore, I think that it is inaccurate to assume that these celebs "haven't sacrificed anything". While obviously their sacrifices may pale in comparison with those of the American service men and women, many of these celebrities continue to give their time and money to charities, from which millions of American citizens personally benefit. And even if you feel it is not enough, there of plenty of other citizens out there that are not even willing to make that sacrifice.
Finally, patriotism does not mean that you must blindly agree with everything that America does. Though I don't agree with every opinion or action of my parents, I still love them unconditionally. The same is true of my country, and though I am often disappointed by the decisions being made by our government, I love my country immensely and am very proud to be an American.
So, to assume that someone is not a patriot because they don't support the war holds no weight. Bottom Line: Patriotism resides within one's own heart. Whether or not someone wears a flag has no bearing on their patriotism, but countless men and women (though not exclusively in the armed services) have given their lives to protect an individual's freedom to make that choice.
Frederick at 1:47PM on Jul 4th 2007 Matt P., thanks for the Flag Code link, which I've bookmarked. Also of interest is US Code: Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(c): How often do we see giant US flags carried horizontally in parades?
Not that I object to the practice, but as an example of lack of enforcement and awareness of the Code. One of the overseas belly dance costumers used to offer a "stars and stripes" bra and belt. I think the gospel singer has that beat!
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