Agitprop

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". Read on...