It seems that we can’t even go a day or two without some sort of patriotic controversy rocking the nation. In more recent events, the “Take A Knee” controversy divided the nation into two opposing sides. Most recently, however, we have a new patriotism-related offense to get worked up over. This past Halloween, Fox News anchorwoman Tomi Lahren received great backlash for making a Halloween costume out of the American flag. An outspoken conservative, many people on social media began to attack her for being hypocritical (due to her outspoken comments against “taking a knee”) and disrespecting the American flag.
Many even went as far as to accuse her of breaking federal law, as wearing the flag as “apparel, bedding, or drapery” is in violation of the U.S. Flag Code. However, people are interpreting this rule in their own ways. Critics of Lahren are taking it literally. She has made an outfit out of our flag. But those who came to her defense are banking on a minor technicality that could have her in the clear. Some are arguing that her outfit isn’t an actual flag, but fabric that happens to be red, white, and blue with stars and stripes. Therefore, since it isn’t a real flag, she is okay to wear the costume.
So which argument is correct? It really depends on how the viewer so chooses to interpret it, but technically, since the garment isn’t actually something one would hike up the flagpole, she should be in the clear. This brings into question the freedom of expression and how people have the right to express themselves as they please, and this includes how they dress. After all, Lahren wasn’t trying to send a negative message. It was just the opposite. She clothed herself in items that resembled the American flag to communicate to the world how much she loves America.
#unitedstates #flag #fashion #socialmedia #nationalism
