Browsing through a recent People magazine, my wife pointed out to me a series of double page ads for JC Penney's new American Living line.
Laurel was struck by the strangeness of people wanting to go around wearing clothing emblazoned with the American flag.
The American Living logo is a bald eagle flying off with the stars and stripes on a flag pole. This strikes me as against the flag code, but my Boy Scout days are so far in the past I can't remember if it mentions anything about a bird absconding with our national symbol.
Of course, all kinds of people wear the American flag (and I'm not complaining about this entirely appropriate use of it).
But there's something peculiar about how U.S. citizens enjoy flaunting the flag. I bet that if people from any other world power displayed the same pride in their flag, we'd decry such blatant jingoistic nationalism.
I haven't seen China's leaders with Chinese flag pins in their lapels. Ditto for Russia's, Britain's, Germany's, or France's leaders. I also haven't seen them posing on stages draped wall to wall with their country's flag.
And I'm pretty sure that few of their female citizens would be seen walking around in a polo dress festooned with a nationalistic symbol – like the American Living line hopes to sell (disturbingly, some guys with zero fashion sense are going to buy this nightmare of a t-shirt).
I couldn't help but notice that the American Living clothing is imported. Apparently JC Penney and Ralph Lauren, who designed the line, enjoy irony.
They want you to wear the American flag. Which likely is made in China.
Ewwww, I feel urpy now. ;)
It reminds me of all the "patriotic" stuff that came out right after 9/11. Red, white, and blue "Chesapeake Bay" candles...made in China. CDs of patriotic music...made in China. Wait, one was made in Canada, does that count? Polyester flags of every size...made in China.
Posted by: Stacy6 | March 10, 2008 at 07:27 AM
What immediately struck me is that the bathing suit pictured looks like the new flag of the Confederated States (or whatever they're called) from the TV show 'Jericho'.
I guess some people are getting ready for the big blast!
Remember when it was frowned on to patch the hole in the seat of your jeans with anything that even resembled the flag? My, how times do change...
Posted by: Deb | March 10, 2008 at 03:39 PM
And what's up with that little girl in the red boots being cheered on as she steps on the cake? Is this some form of cultural tradition? Weird!
Posted by: Denise | March 18, 2008 at 06:44 PM
If you are a little more observant you will see China's leaders do wear Chinese flag lapal pins. Also, the national color of China is red and Chinese do wear a lot of red expecially during Chinese New Year celebration. I think it's great that Americans are proud of their flag. I also think if you look around, it's not uniquely American to be proud of your country and its flag.
Posted by: Mary | March 24, 2008 at 01:31 PM
I know....the cultish cake stomping while being cheered on freaks me out!! No like.
Posted by: trish | April 13, 2008 at 12:25 PM