Patriotism for sale? Flap over flag fever - News Debate - effects of September 11 attacks

0 Comments | Current Events, March 22, 2002

WHAT DO A TEDDY BEAR, & clock, and disposable diapers have in common these days? The image of the American flag can be found on all three products. And that's just the beginning. Across the United States, vendors are selling everything from red-white-and-blue prom dresses to cellphone covers decorated with the Stars and Stripes. There are even red-white-and-blue contact lenses!

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, many Americans felt a surge of national pride. That feeling translated into increased demand for American flags and patriotic merchandise. Today, more than six months after the attacks, companies are manufacturing more patriotic merchandise than ever.

Some people say the businesses that produce such merchandise have gone too far. They complain that patriotic products exploit the flag, rather than honor it. Others, however, say that patriotic products merely reflect current events and satisfy public demand.

Red, White, Blue -- and Green?

Jack Stecker, a veterans' service officer, said that using the American flag on merchandise amounts to cashing in on a national symbol. "The flag should be respected at all costs," said Stecker. "It's inappropriate to use [the flag] as a gimmick to sell products at the expense of people who are genuinely patriotic."

Dan Bernstein, a Chicago radio show host, said the patriotic trend cheapens the meaning of Old Glory. "The people in their red-white-and-blue outfits and their Uncle Sam hats ... make it just another logo. And [the] people selling it ... [are] profiteers," said Bernstein.

Some people expect to see a backlash. Scott Ward, a University of Pennsylvania professor, cautioned companies that adopt patriotic ads and products in the aftermath of the attacks. "Any advertiser that attempts to gain in some way ... on the back of the tragedy is going to incur a lot of consumer wrath," he said.

American Pride

Many merchants claim that promoting patriotic products is the American way. Laura Barringer, a buyer at a Seattle, Wash., jewelry store, sells red-white-and-blue pins, earrings, and charms. "We didn't want to capitalize on the tragedy, but we really had to do it at some point because so many people were asking for it," said Barringer.

Meanwhile, some merchants are donating a portion of their profits to charities that assist victims of the attacks. Buying products that contribute to charitable causes makes some consumers feel useful. Americana collector Sandy Schreier said, "We want to feel good that we're doing something."

Paul Levinson, a Fordham University professor, said that buying patriotic products may even help people cope with the tragedy. "People want these things because they give them comfort," Levinson said.

Have companies that manufacture patriotic products gone too far? Why or why not?

Get Talking

Ask students: After September 11, did you notice more red-white-and-blue products in stores? Have students purchased any of those products? If so, why?

Fast Facts

* Throughout history, Americans shoppers have opened their pocketbooks for patriotic items. During World War I, heart-shaped pins, with "U.S.A." spelled in crystals, were popular. Sandy Schreier, a Americana collector and historian, said, "It was like [wearing] a valentine to your country."

* During World War II, women wore military dog tags as necklaces and bracelets. The image of the Statue of Liberty was also popular on many fashion items.

* During the Vietnam war, protesters wore clothing made of real flags to signify their disapproval of the conflict. Valerie Steele, a fashion historian at the Fashion Institute of Technology, said, "The flag began to exist as both a patriotic statement and a critique."

* Today, retailers sell many patriotic products including a "Liberty Belle" doll that recites the Pledge of Allegiance.

Doing More

* Ask students to discuss the role of the flag during times of war and conflict. What does the flag symbolize?

* Have students research the proper etiquette for displaying the American flag. See the Web sites listed below for help in researching the assessment.

Link It

* Betsy Ross' Homepage for Rules and Regulations about the American flag:

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html#1

* Seattle Post-Intelligencer's guide to displaying the American flag:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/dayart/200109 14/flagdisplay.gif

Make it count! Take part in an instant CE poll on this news debate. Go to http://www.weeklyreader.com/ce