The American flag is no longer the symbol of America.

What, no one told you? I mean, it was time for a change. The flag was originally designed some 240 years ago and has been changed 26 times since then. The flag was created as a rallying point to a nation at war, a nation divided between Loyalists and Patriots, and it was a symbol of the impending freedom. The American flag has since then continued to symbolize the values that Americans hold dearest, like freedom, justice and democracy.

So it is in these troubling times that I beseech the citizens of America to reflect on our nation as it is versus how it was and tell me if the flag still rightfully represents our nation. Because I don't think it does. I think it's time for a new symbol. And, thankfully, it seems many Americans have already chosen one.

Those of you lost in confusion can rest your little heads. Ironically, many media outlets have unknowingly portrayed this new symbol day after day, reporting stories on it, writing articles and spreading it like wildfire, aiding the flame.

Still lost? By now you must have seen it! Don't worry, I'll enlighten you.

The new symbol for America is a man. Simple as that. A man. A black man, on his knees, with his hands in the air, and his head lowered in submission. There is fear in his eyes. We are left to guess what he is looking at, but it's not a hard guess. This man is facing down his death, staring at the barrel of a gun, not knowing which moment will be his last.

Why is this the new symbol? It's a little morbid, yes, but it does accurately represent the country in its current state, more so than a simple flag. Every day, we see videos plastered across the news and social media; videos of men and women taking their last breaths at the hands of a supposedly guiltless attacker. Men, women, children and families have been torn apart by the death and destruction in this country. These videos have gone viral; countries around the world are witnessing the glorified massacre within this country and are judging our lack of response and repose. This is what we are to them—a morbid and savage country. So our symbol should fit accordingly.

There's something wrong when the flag, the symbol of a country, means more than the people is represents. When burning the flag is seen as a bigger crime than murdering innocent people, it's time for a change. And that's what we've come to. While yelling hateful slurs at groups of African-American people is seen as simply "freedom of expression," it is not OK to express your discontent with our nation by destroying the symbol of it. While police officers are let off on paid administrative leave for shooting unarmed men, it can be ruled as a felony misdemeanor to burn the flag, and people can be held accountable for their actions (I mean, someone in this country should be *cough*).

However, I hope that this symbol only remains here temporarily. Hopefully, when we are worthy and honest and deserving, we can reinstate the flag as our symbol. Until we once again embody the values that it so passionately upholds-hard work, loyalty, respect, honesty, love, hope and true equality for those suffering now-perhaps then we can once again proudly fly our flags high.

Until then...

"I pledge allegiance to...nothing."