It's gimmicky, for one, disrespectful to the flag for another, and about as useful as a bag of sand in the Sahara.
The rise of nationalism combined with consumerism has made it easier and easier to purchase anything and everything covered with an American flag. At this point, proper display and storage of flags is more or less a thing of the past. You can find the flag on napkins to wipe spit off a baby's face or plastered on a dude-bros frat shirt made in China.
While the gesture of a red, white, and blue UK on our helmets may make folks think they're showing respect for the fallen and give them a warm fuzzy feeling of contribution, it does nothing to help the families who lost loved ones; doesn't offer medical assistance to survivors or first responders; does not give space for the first responders or the veterans who fought in subsequent wars to talk about their experiences; and does nothing but emphasize to those affected by the wars and the traumas of that day that they are a select few who got the short end of the stick. A RW&B UK is a hollow gesture that makes the public believe they're doing something.
It's just another form of slacktivism, IMO, and a symptom of a much deeper problem in the country.
Anyone interested in pursuing these ideas further should read "Tribe" by Sebastian Junger.
Just my 2¢.
This... 1,000 times over.Because red is Louisville’s color. If I ever see red on a KY Jersey I might just vomit.
I favor flying the flag just on national holidays, during daylight, since I haven't a spotlight. Makes it easier to keep it clean and sound. It also reinforces the importance of the day for kids.It's gimmicky, for one, disrespectful to the flag for another, and about as useful as a bag of sand in the Sahara.
The rise of nationalism combined with consumerism has made it easier and easier to purchase anything and everything covered with an American flag. At this point, proper display and storage of flags is more or less a thing of the past. You can find the flag on napkins to wipe spit off a baby's face or plastered on a dude-bros frat shirt made in China.
While the gesture of a red, white, and blue UK on our helmets may make folks think they're showing respect for the fallen and give them a warm fuzzy feeling of contribution, it does nothing to help the families who lost loved ones; doesn't offer medical assistance to survivors or first responders; does not give space for the first responders or the veterans who fought in subsequent wars to talk about their experiences; and does nothing but emphasize to those affected by the wars and the traumas of that day that they are a select few who got the short end of the stick. A RW&B UK is a hollow gesture that makes the public believe they're doing something.
It's just another form of slacktivism, IMO, and a symptom of a much deeper problem in the country.
Anyone interested in pursuing these ideas further should read "Tribe" by Sebastian Junger.
Just my 2¢.
A napking that looks like a flag is not a flag, it's a napkin. Or the UK logo in the colors of the flag does nothing to disrespect the flag.It's gimmicky, for one, disrespectful to the flag for another, and about as useful as a bag of sand in the Sahara.
The rise of nationalism combined with consumerism has made it easier and easier to purchase anything and everything covered with an American flag. At this point, proper display and storage of flags is more or less a thing of the past. You can find the flag on napkins to wipe spit off a baby's face or plastered on a dude-bros frat shirt made in China.
While the gesture of a red, white, and blue UK on our helmets may make folks think they're showing respect for the fallen and give them a warm fuzzy feeling of contribution, it does nothing to help the families who lost loved ones; doesn't offer medical assistance to survivors or first responders; does not give space for the first responders or the veterans who fought in subsequent wars to talk about their experiences; and does nothing but emphasize to those affected by the wars and the traumas of that day that they are a select few who got the short end of the stick. A RW&B UK is a hollow gesture that makes the public believe they're doing something.
It's just another form of slacktivism, IMO, and a symptom of a much deeper problem in the country.
Anyone interested in pursuing these ideas further should read "Tribe" by Sebastian Junger.
Just my 2¢.
The usual helmet flags, I'd say, are fine. They're displayed more properly than a lot of products found in stores.I believe there are leagues/conferences that have a US flag on the bottom back of the helmet, but I can't remember which.
I appreciate the game that's dedicated to servicemen each year where they give the tickets to members of the military. It may be somewhat hollow to some, but having many family members that served and seeing the servicemen in the stands enjoying the game the gesture is appreciated. I don't see how that in particular emphasizes anything negative to anyone unless they choose to see it that way.
My family and friends that barely survived Vietnam and/or were disabled by their wounds or chemicals ingested when serving didn't get any counseling/space, nor warm fuzzies when they returned home, and most didn't ask for it. They really appreciated any recognition they received for their service to their country because they were humble men and women that didn't serve so they could get a pat on the back.
Just the colors on the helmet don't make the gesture or the team patriotic, however. And they don't erase the memory of kneeling done in protest of the country and those who are patriotic. Having the service members there, is the best visual reminder that there are living, breathing people putting themselves in harms way every day so that freedom can be experienced.
I do think they need to add police and fire to the mix, as well.
Believe it or not, I was raised extremely conservatively and actively admonished the damn rat bastard heathens that wouldn't stand for the pledge in middle school and high school. I used to know the flag code by heart. Now that I'm older and forget half the crap that comes through my brain, I have to look it up on Cornell.A napking that looks like a flag is not a flag, it's a napkin. Or the UK logo in the colors of the flag does nothing to disrespect the flag.
A flag is a piece of fabric (most often rectangular or quadrilateral) with a distinctive design and colors. It is used as a symbol, a signalling device, or for decoration. I don't know why people get so bent out of shape about displaying th symbol of the flag
Enjoy Sebastian Junger’s books to start….It's gimmicky, for one, disrespectful to the flag for another, and about as useful as a bag of sand in the Sahara.
The rise of nationalism combined with consumerism has made it easier and easier to purchase anything and everything covered with an American flag. At this point, proper display and storage of flags is more or less a thing of the past. You can find the flag on napkins to wipe spit off a baby's face or plastered on a dude-bros frat shirt made in China.
While the gesture of a red, white, and blue UK on our helmets may make folks think they're showing respect for the fallen and give them a warm fuzzy feeling of contribution, it does nothing to help the families who lost loved ones; doesn't offer medical assistance to survivors or first responders; does not give space for the first responders or the veterans who fought in subsequent wars to talk about their experiences; and does nothing but emphasize to those affected by the wars and the traumas of that day that they are a select few who got the short end of the stick. A RW&B UK is a hollow gesture that makes the public believe they're doing something.
It's just another form of slacktivism, IMO, and a symptom of a much deeper problem in the country.
Anyone interested in pursuing these ideas further should read "Tribe" by Sebastian Junger.
Just my 2¢.
It bothers me, though much less-so now that when I was a kid, when flags on a truck or car are worn down to the field of stars and the fabric that remains is faded and begging for the sweet release of its final rest in fire.I favor flying the flag just on national holidays, during daylight, since I haven't a spotlight. Makes it easier to keep it clean and sound. It also reinforces the importance of the day for kids.
I almost sent a neighbor a cease and desist for flying his 24/7 365 until it was in tatters.
Valid points, and perfect reasoning behind why "violations" of the code no longer bother me as much as they once did. The language within it isn't binding, just suggestive of custom and perceived respect.Enjoy Sebastian Junger’s books to start….
But RW&B or flag “themed” (themed being key) is not disrespectful to the flag and has very little to do with flag code.
even swim trunks or a tank top isn’t disrespectful nor does it violate flag code. Flag code is referencing a flag (existing flag) being made into clothing etc….not a flag themed print. You can argue if it devalues the visual of the flag but it isn’t in violation.
As a veteran I’d rather people display it however they please and be proud than the treatment Vietnam vets received or the anti American sentiment that is increasingly popular.
We have a mega auto dealer here (I'm told he's originally from the Bluegrass, btw) who must have a flag flying for every one of the thousands of cars on his lots. I'm sure he'd tell you he's not using it for a commercial purpose. Of course not... 🙄Believe it or not, I was raised extremely conservatively and actively admonished the damn rat bastard heathens that wouldn't stand for the pledge in middle school and high school. I used to know the flag code by heart. Now that I'm older and forget half the crap that comes through my brain, I have to look it up on Cornell.
"The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
Oddly enough, the flags on some helmets, while displayed perhaps more honorifically, are also in violation of flag code.
"No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations."
So athletic uniform, no. If you want to count public universities as patriotic organizations... Maybe it cancels out.
..., is a far cry from the sort of support we could and should be providing our troops governmentally (VA), socially, and emotionally. The games are great. I have no intention of taking anything away from those events if they're supported by at least a few veterans.
More than one of my veteran buddies has had the barrel of a 1911 in their mouths a few years after they got back from the service. One of my buddies went into the service and actually followed through... I'm not saying that to draw pity. Just that I understand there's a lot happening with service members that folks like me can only try to grasp. Veterans affairs aren't my arena, so, I listen intently, and I amplify what I hear. I would do more if I were an expert to ensure they or any other veteran never felt so trapped on their homeland.
I'm not suggesting that veterans need a warm glass of milk and a fresh cookie for happy thoughts... Just that folks who serve deserve greater access to meaningful outlets and services if they decide they need them. I don't have a dog in this fight except to amplify the voices of the veterans that I, personally, encounter and converse with. If I'm off base in your opinion or completely wrong, period, I appreciate the honesty and I'll incorporate that into my gray matter for the future.
If one commercialize the flag to the point it becomes cheap, disposable decorum, then what kind of symbol is it?
We have a mega auto dealer here (I'm told he's originally from the Bluegrass, btw) who must have a flag flying for every one of the thousands of cars on his lots. I'm sure he'd tell you he's not using it for a commercial purpose. Of course not... 🙄
No way no how is a public university a patriotic organization. It is most often the opposite. When UK kneels at the sight of a flag and national anthem is that patriotic. As a veteran I say no.Believe it or not, I was raised extremely conservatively and actively admonished the damn rat bastard heathens that wouldn't stand for the pledge in middle school and high school. I used to know the flag code by heart. Now that I'm older and forget half the crap that comes through my brain, I have to look it up on Cornell.
"The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
Oddly enough, the flags on some helmets, while displayed perhaps more honorifically, are also in violation of flag code.
"No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations."
So athletic uniform, no. If you want to count public universities as patriotic organizations... Maybe it cancels out.
The flag code refers to a "flag", not a symbol of the flag. I am a veteran of 20 yrs in December. Bybyour standards, the patch of the flag I wear on my right shoulder violates code. Not to mention it is backwards. I have a flag in my yard with a solar light for nighttime. I have upon time seen ragged flags at businesses that need to be taken down, stopped in and requested that it be swapped out. I cringe at HS football games when a kid runs onto the field carrying a flag that has touched the ground. I do believe Wildcat Bill Keitley also shared your understanding of flag code, that's why the team never had it on their jersey.Believe it or not, I was raised extremely conservatively and actively admonished the damn rat bastard heathens that wouldn't stand for the pledge in middle school and high school. I used to know the flag code by heart. Now that I'm older and forget half the crap that comes through my brain, I have to look it up on Cornell.
"The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard."
Oddly enough, the flags on some helmets, while displayed perhaps more honorifically, are also in violation of flag code.
"No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations."
So athletic uniform, no. If you want to count public universities as patriotic organizations... Maybe it cancels out.