The Stars and Stripes Transformed

[lavender]

 

[lavender]

 

[lavender]

 

[KillerMuffin]

I find the whole idea incredibly offensive.

I assume this is a dig at conservative politics?

 

[lavender]

 

[lavender]

 

[lavender]

 

[TWB]

I have to go home now. I would like to talk about this more. I don't think it conservative or otherwise, but I think the American way of life has become so market-oriented that my grocery store has advertisements on the floor! My gas station has them on the gas nozzles!

We will have advertisements on our fucking foreheads before too long.

The flag may be next. It is offensive. This thread isn't.

 

[lavender]

 

[KillerMuffin]

That flag represents a lot more than just what you think "America has become." It represents what America really is.

Some of us aren't so cynical that we think that they only things Americans care about are material things and letting politicians run things however they want to.

You don't. Do you? Or are you a corporate puppet?

As long as some of us give a fuck, and you'd be surprised how many of use really do, then the notion that America is run by big business is an erroneous one.

 

[KillerMuffin]

By the way, TWB, if you'd bother to read what I said, I stated that the whole "idea" was offensive. Not the thread.

You're going to get slammed for this, lavy. I won't do it, but you're going to get a lot of shit thrown at you.

 

[modest mouse]

Can the stripes be replaced with long sections of text from the various idealogies people embrace rather than thinking for themselves(incorrect or not)?

Don't forget to put the Democratic and Republican parties up there. Two of the largest comapines in the country and perhaps the least accountable, yet most followed.

Capitalism isnt bad. Using capitalsim to fill the void is bad. Downright dangerous, in fact.

 

[lavender]

 

[perks]

have to say, lavy, I'm not feeling you on this one.

To reduce the symbol of our 200 plus years to capitalistic symbolism is irresponsible and disrespectful.

 

[modest mouse]

I'd argue that the country is run by an apathetic populace who find themselve satiated by the offering of companies, rather than the companies themselves.

Hapiness, or at least distraction, found at the mall, shopping in general. The newest technology seems like it has satsifaction embedded in its circuits.

A nice car, a nice wife, a nice home.... Talking Heads comes to mind.

Ambivalence is disgusting.

So is giving in to a mediocrity of existence where objects and achievement dictate your value. Using this scale, buying into it, is as responsible for the current state of the country (and Western society in general) as any other factor.

For tonight, I cannot lampoon companies for making money or being all about making more money. I lampoon those who continue to prop up such countries without a critical eye.

When a company acts outside of the law... I'll be the first to bang down there door. I'll be the first to shuna company I just don't like. But I cannot get pissed just for the fact that they make cash.

Their treatment of workers, their 'interconnected', 'closed door policy' is distateful but I wonder if that the fear of the educated minority manifesting itself.

Change the system, from within. Its not anarchy intelligent people want, its self-rule and freedom from the current.

 

[lavender]

 

[Desert Amazon]

 

[Guest]

 

[perks]

To be honest, I'm glad it makes you feel disgusted. I'm glad it offends you. It should. It fucking should. But what our nation has become should offend citizens. The only problem is are we so disenchanted that we'll just stand by and watch it happen. Do we feel so powerless to the corporate conglomerates and the established system in Washington that we will sit home and pretend that the stars and stripes are alive and well and that things in this country are hunky dory? I sure as hell hope not.

To think that this is what *I* want and not something in protest of what *I* hate is incorrect.

Try to think of it that way.

An additional star. They get a place, because as all politicians want -

so, by perpetuating "disgusting", disrespectful behavior you're enabling change?

 

[lavender]

 

[modest mouse]

First of all, anyone can do whatever they want to he flag and its cool with me. The principles outweigh the symbolism. When this country passes a law outlawing flag burning or desecration.... I'll move to Iceland.



Lavaflow,

It is well know that I boycott Walmart and several other companies I dont care for. Walmart uses unfair (illegal) tactics to further its agenda and perpetuates the mistreatment of people with the products it sells(foreign labor).

Again, my tendency is to lay blame more on the consumers thant he purveyors of goods. Sure the companies do some questionable things, but no one is holding them accountable. I mean consumers, not the Govt.

I like your sentiments and agree, but perhaps it is your wording that is striking not quite square.

.......

Bringing up the symbolism of the flag. Those who travel or live in other countries will note that many of these corporate logos rival the flag for recognition. Maybe that makes Lavender's point more than anything else and in that case I say Kudos to her.

 

[lavender]

 

[modest mouse]

You're offended because of September 11th?

...becasue of dead veterans?

Gimme a break. The country is the Constitution, all the accompanying law, and an idea: self-governance.

The flag is a symbol. Thats it. Lets not get carried away here.

Lavender is making apoint, throwing something out there. You can dislike it, you can dislike her, but lets be realistic.

 

[Desert Amazon]

 

[lavender]