"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America..."
About three weeks ago, a photo surfaced of eighteen-year-old Cole Dotson holding up this nation's flag, keeping it from touching the ground (see below). Shortly after this story came out, it caught fire on social media, and not in a good way. Countless accusations of nationalism and idolization were thrown at the boy along with claims that the flag is "just a piece of fabric." Of course, there were some positive responses, but the negative outweighed them by a long shot. As a proud American citizen, I am outraged by this unwarranted backlash.
Did you know you could spend up to a year in prison for killing a bald eagle, but face no penalties for burning, defacing, desecrating, etc. the American flag because it's considered "symbolic speech" under the First Amendment? To me, this makes absolutely no sense. This is where the false "it's just a piece of fabric" claims come into play. Both the bald eagle and American flag stand for/represent the same thing: freedom, sacrifice, and progression. They're physical embodiments of the American traditions and values. But they're just dumb birds and woven pieces of fabric, right?
First, let's address the accusations of nationalism. The definition of nationalism includes the phrase "exalting one nation above all others." I don't see how this boy holding up the American flag has anything to do with other countries. He was simply showing respect and pride for his own country by practicing proper flag etiquette, according to the United States Flag Code. As a current member of the military (Marine Corps), Cole has an even greater sense of duty than most to uphold these standards. It is, indeed, very possible to show love and support to your own country without stating superiority or dominance over all the other countries- it's called patriotism, people!
Now, let's address the accusations of idolization. The definitions of "idolize" are "to regard with blind adoration, devotion, etc." and "to worship as a god." In no way are either of these definitions applicable to Cole's situation. Does he adore the flag? In the context of respecting it deeply, yes. Is he devoted to the flag? In the context of being loyal to it, yes. But in no way is this adoration and devotion "blind." He's informed, educated, and knows why he's doing what he's doing. Does he "worship [it] as a god?" Heck no. This claim is totally outrageous and doesn't even deserve an explanation.
The saddest part of all this is the fact I felt it was necessary to write this article. I would have never expected such a negative response to such a positive thing. The Flag of the United States of America should be the most sacredly kept thing this country has. But the backlash this boy got for doing the right thing tells me it is FAR from it. I guess I had more faith in my fellow Americans than I should have.
