Where have you been? Everybody uses symbols differently, of course. But I saw many flying the flag who seemed to do so out of some mix of patriotism, jingoism and hate. (Anyway, they would say things like "Kill all Arabs!") When others have contaminated a symbol with things one does not believe in, one reasonable response is to avoid using the symbol. (Another is to attempt to "reclaim" it, but either should be fair.)
What's fair about the "others" contaminating a symbol I respect with things I don't believe in? IOW, why should I "fight fair" in defending the good aspects of a symbol if others do not fight fair in contaminating it?
Note: I am not referring to anyone here, nor need the discussion necessarily be limited to the US flag. I'm just asking the general question of why I ought to have to give up a symbol because it offends others. Many non-Christians are offended by the use of the cross as a symbol (and some Christians are offended by some of the uses others make of it because some seem to use it in ways they do not find respectful of its meaning), while many are offended by the Star of David or by Islamic symbols. Does that mean that those who believe in those things and the positive meanings of those symbols must not display the symbols where anyone who may be offended (or claim to be "offended") has a chance of seeing them (e.g., only display the flag inside one's private home or wear a religious symbol under one's street clothes)?
-- Ronn! :)
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