The image above depicts a group of African american protesters burning an American flag in front of Maxine Waters California office. The story as reported is that the group had assembled as a counter protest to another protest being held by the far right group the Oath Keepers. After the group assembled a truck with an american flag on the back was stopped by the group and the flag was ripped off. The flag was burned in the parking lot to cheers of “Black Power”, “Resist”, and most significantly “This is not the American Flag this is their flag.”
The article was published by Fox news with the underlying intent being to portray people on the opposite side of the political in a negative light yet a deeper meaning can be derived from this image. The underlying message of the protests burning the flag is that the current circumstances of american does not live up the the ideologies (liberty/democracy) the country was founded upon. This image argues that the structures we have built up upon the founding ideologies of the constitution and bill of rights are not being properly upheld. I am drawn to this artifact because my artifact speech has lead me to analyse the usage of “American” common places (the flag, the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem, etc.) as a mouthpiece to criticize political realities. Using their well developed intrinsic messages to critique the current state of affairs.
What makes this so interesting to explore is that many people, at first glance, will shake this images off as people who hate the country and feel oppressed, etc. But the explicit quote “This is not the American flag, this is their flag” provides evidence that this is not the case- these people are not attacking this country simply expressing their desire to fix it (in the way they best see fit). So I plan to compare and contrast how the people in Hong Kong praising the flag and the people in California publicly burning the flag both result in civic appeals for political change.
I think you have chosen a very interesting counter-artifact to your Hong Kong american flag one. Exploring how both parties are actually attempting to fix their country but through different methods will lead to an thought provoking essay. My initial thoughts are that you should compare the violent tones of burning the American flag to the more peaceful Hong Kong protestors.
I love the track that you are propelling down. We are at fault when we look at something, say a movement, and make our conclusions based off the first thing that comes to mind. As a society we are reluctant to see why people do what they do. People who go against the norm are often the ones who will make a difference and pull in attention. Their civic movements may not be seen as a call for a better america by most people; however, that is because the lenses that they wear are not easily changed.
It seems like you have the analysis part down; this looks like a foundation for a pretty solid piece! I could use a little more exposition on the protests themselves, to set the stage, and perhaps a bit more explanation regarding how you plan on structuring an essay out of your commentary, but otherwise your dissection of the sociopolitical exchanges that occurred here are clear.
I am very excited to see how you pick apart the literary appeals of this image. As a general rule I do not support the burning of the American flag but you do bring up a good point. This message needed to be powerful so their display had to be equally so. I am very interested to see how you develop your perspective and can’t wait to read it!
I think this is a really great image to use as a civic artifact and agree with your claim. How can be believe and promote “liberty and justice for all” if our legal system is failing and many innocent people get charged with being guilty and those who did commit horrendous crimes can walk off scott-free because of there influence and power. We also standby promoting “the general welfare” while millions are suffering and need help which many refuse to give. Excited to see what else you have to say!