Analysis of the American Flag
The American flag has been a symbol of freedom, hope, and opportunity since its birth.
Interestingly, the thirteen red and white stripes represent the original thirteen colonies while
the fifty stars represent the fifty states. In the first image on the left, American soldiers are
raising the flag on the soil of Iwo Jima just after winning a battle against the Japanese during
World War II. Winning this battle was a very important moment of U.S. history. The raising of
the flag symbolized the turn of the tides of war, telling Americans and any enemy to America
that this war would be won, and it would be that flag flying above us.
Interestingly, the thirteen red and white stripes represent the original thirteen colonies while
the fifty stars represent the fifty states. In the first image on the left, American soldiers are
raising the flag on the soil of Iwo Jima just after winning a battle against the Japanese during
World War II. Winning this battle was a very important moment of U.S. history. The raising of
the flag symbolized the turn of the tides of war, telling Americans and any enemy to America
that this war would be won, and it would be that flag flying above us.
The second image was taken on September 11, 2001 after the attack on the Twin Towers in
New York City. Three firemen raise the American flag over the rubble of the World Trades
Center. This image is symbolic as it represents hope and freedom. At the time, this powerful
image was important for the American public to see since it screamed the idea of patriotism
and togetherness in a time of mourning and shock. This image also let the population know
that though we may have been hurt, we are still strong and will rise from the ashes.
New York City. Three firemen raise the American flag over the rubble of the World Trades
Center. This image is symbolic as it represents hope and freedom. At the time, this powerful
image was important for the American public to see since it screamed the idea of patriotism
and togetherness in a time of mourning and shock. This image also let the population know
that though we may have been hurt, we are still strong and will rise from the ashes.
Both of these images display the American values of freedom and liberty through their hopeful
meanings during a dark time. Since Americans freed themselves from British rule by fighting
for their own rights, that sense of duty continues on in our culture today. In our country, if
something wrong is happening, we will stand up for what is right and make a change, using
the rights others fought for us to have. Though each American citizen may be completely
different by the way they look or where they are from, each shares the sense of freedom given
from what America stands for.
meanings during a dark time. Since Americans freed themselves from British rule by fighting
for their own rights, that sense of duty continues on in our culture today. In our country, if
something wrong is happening, we will stand up for what is right and make a change, using
the rights others fought for us to have. Though each American citizen may be completely
different by the way they look or where they are from, each shares the sense of freedom given
from what America stands for.
The only reason why the American flag has an underlying meaning is because its symbolism
was created by humans and their influence of the world around them. In their article “Culture,”
Nealon and Grioux wrote, “cultures influence subjects just as much as subjects influence cultures” (53).
The culture around the time America was born influenced the ideals that it was built on. Similarly,
the meaning and symbolism of the American flag has had an influence on our culture by a sense of
patriotism to the country that we live in.
was created by humans and their influence of the world around them. In their article “Culture,”
Nealon and Grioux wrote, “cultures influence subjects just as much as subjects influence cultures” (53).
The culture around the time America was born influenced the ideals that it was built on. Similarly,
the meaning and symbolism of the American flag has had an influence on our culture by a sense of
patriotism to the country that we live in.
The American flag was used in this third image to portray present American culture. From billboards
on the side of highways to the boards on the side of ice rinks, almost everything in America is covered
in advertisements. This picture portrays a pretty realistic example of American culture and the way that
American values has changed over time. America is a capitalist country with many different businesses
trying to make it to the top. Corporate greed has taken over our country and culture. Though this image
may be a true representation of American culture, I think that it is disrespectful to alter the American flag
in such a way that takes away the original meaning. Many people have given their lives for America
throughout its 242 years of existence. This symbol means a lot to many of the grieving family members
who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty. To alter or destroy the flag is rude to those who have
given everything to let Americans have what we have today.
on the side of highways to the boards on the side of ice rinks, almost everything in America is covered
in advertisements. This picture portrays a pretty realistic example of American culture and the way that
American values has changed over time. America is a capitalist country with many different businesses
trying to make it to the top. Corporate greed has taken over our country and culture. Though this image
may be a true representation of American culture, I think that it is disrespectful to alter the American flag
in such a way that takes away the original meaning. Many people have given their lives for America
throughout its 242 years of existence. This symbol means a lot to many of the grieving family members
who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty. To alter or destroy the flag is rude to those who have
given everything to let Americans have what we have today.
Works Cited:
“Culture.” The Theory Toolbox: Critical Concepts for the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, by Jeffrey Nealon and Susan Searls Giroux, 2nd ed., Rowman & Littlefield, 2012, pp. 51–70.
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