The American Flag as a Tattoo: A fitting tribute or a disrespectful gesture?
Writer Dan Kline’s July 8, 2008 column discusses what he feels is the overuse of the American flag on everyday products - clothing, bandanas, and of course tattoos. While he acknowledges that the patriotic intentions may be benevolent, the use of the American Flag on anything but a flag is inappropriate and perhaps even disrespectful. From his article:
I hardly think tattoos, bikinis, bandannas and the like actually show respect for what the flag stands for. If you respect the flag as a symbol representative of all that we love about America, than fly it properly, salute it when you walk by and think regularly of the men and women who died for your freedom.
I have to disagree with Mr. Kline’s assessment of the American Flag tattoo, for a number of reasons.
For many of our men and women in the armed forces, a tattoo is a rite of passage, a symbol of their time and experiences serving this country. What better emblem for such a tattoo than the American flag - the symbolic embodiment of the very freedoms that they serve to protect? I’m not about to tell a Marine that his American Flag tattoo isn’t an appropriate tribute to his nation.
September 11, 2001 had a huge impact on all Americans, and it inspired great patriotism among our citizens. Some people chose to get patriotic tattoos to memorialize the day. I certainly wouldn’t call those permanent reminders of a day that has been burned into our collective memories an inappropriate use of the flag. And I’m certainly not going to lump those beautiful tributes in with the “American Flag Underwear” the author jokes about in his article.
I think the author makes the mistake of thinking that a tattoo is just a fashion accessory, like the bandanas and swimsuits that he references in his column. Perhaps that is true for some people, but many more choose their tattoos because they represent something significant to them. And to many, the flag is those most significant symbol in their lives.
Readers, what are your thoughts?
July 8th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Tattoo’s are definitely not a flag bikini or bandanna.
They are a part of what makes us who we are and what we want to share with others.
I feel bad that the author didn’t research the flag and tattoo before posting his article.
I’m as patriotic as one can get with out someone thinking I’m obsessive (lol) and I too will be adding a flag tattoo at some point.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:52 am
I proudly sport a subdued US Flag as a tattoo, right where I wore it in combat. I think nothing is more sincere to the US flag than making it a permanent part of you.