Take a look at the General's post at OYE about the Yellophant Command Vehicle spotted at the Crawford counter-protest. I myself wouldn't be caught dead driving that car. It's amazing how far some people will go just to prove that they are proud, flag-waving patriotic Americans. I guess it's a sign of these bizarre postmodern times when herd mentality is deemed virtuous and the slight bit of non-conformity is tantamount to treason.
I see it on my street everyday. At least one-half to two-thirds of the town-homes in my complex hang American flags outside their garages. I don't think there is anything wrong with this. People hang American flags for a variety of personal reasons and should be free to do so. I just see this act as part of the larger trend of non-thinking, non-questioning allegiance to authority. Do I get those odd looks from my flag-hanging neighbors because I have chosen not to conform to their Stars and Stripes aesthetic outside my garage? Maybe it's because I have a dirty garage door or maybe it's the Che Guevara and Bob Marley posters on the inner garage wall that produce those odd stares . . .
Note: This picture has not been photo-shopped. These are actual outfits.
After September 11 it was almost mandatory to hang an American flag. When people started taking down their flags toward the end of 2001 they were occasionally greeted with dirty looks for betraying their flag-flying neighbors. Are they any less patriotic than those who keep flying their flags? No. Then there's the case of non-white and foreign-born Americans. Why do they have to prove their patriotism more than white Americans? Why does the local Lebanese restaurant need to fly ten American flags just to prove that they like America? For instance, I occasionally frequent this dry cleaner which is owned by an Arab family. Inside the shop there is a large photo of the owner with George W. Bush surrounded by countless American flags. Do the owners happen to dig Bush or are they scared of being labeled terrorists if they don't prove their uber-patriotism?
Take the Yellophant Command Vehicle that is covered in "Support Our Troops" magnets. I have no idea how putting a magnet on one's car supports the troops who are currently serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and other spots around the world. It might foster awareness but it is an empty slogan that does not provide any tangible support for those serving abroad. There are better ways to support the troops like donating money, demanding the truth from a lying regime or helping veterans who return from the war (here, here, here, and here). I think the flag and ribbon-magnet phenomenon has mainly benefited the companies who produce them. Now there's ribbons for breast cancer, autism and even green leafed ribbons that read "Support My Habit".
In all fairness, the left-wing, anti-Bush crowd knows how to pollute an automobile with propaganda much better than their right-wing counterparts. You know what I'm talking about--those ugly hippie station wagons that are covered with so many stickers that you can't tell the make or color of the vehicle. I saw a good one yesterday with a sticker that read "If Men Could Get Pregnant Then Abortion Would Be A Sacrament".
Patriotism is commonly used by the right to divide and conquer. Last November, I briefly held my nose and casted my vote for John Kerry. In the eyes of most Republicans that makes me an un-American, un-patriotic evildoer. (The far, far left would say I was duped). Although the tide is beginning to turn against Bush and his dirty war, criticism of the president is still considered to be treasonous in many areas. Funny, I can't recall anyone on the left calling Republicans un-American during their relentless attacks on Bill Clinton in the 1990's.
By claiming that one is patriotic, the other side is immediately cast as ungrateful, unworthy and even heretical. Since 9/11, patriotism has been used to create in-group vs. out-group scenarios. It's either black or white. There's no gray area in between. No nuance. You're either with us or with the terrorists. I truly wish that we could reclaim patriotism from its current jingoistic incarnation and transform it into a positive force. Love of country does not mean blind allegiance to a regime. Love of country means that I as a citizen want the best for my country and all its people as well as the rest of the world.
Love, as in any relationship, is dependent on honesty, truth and openness. If one can't be honest and speak the truth in a relationship, then it is one-sided and unequal. Bush lovers resemble pathological masochists who currently thrive on the abusive relationship they hold with their president. He abuses them, they love it, and so he abuses them more. He sends their kids to die in a war predicated upon lies and they cheer for more.
Well, I am doing my small part to be different in my neighborhood. Last week I bought a California state flag. I intend to fly it outside my garage door. I know, it's nothing radical. But I guarantee you I'll be the only one flying it within a five-mile radius.
