Is Wearing American Flags Patriotic Or Disrespectful?
How many of you are familiar with the Flag Code? Most aren’t familiar with the details, let alone which chapter or section a rule regarding Old Glory falls under, but many think of the Flag Code as a rule book for directions regarding the disposal and flying of the stars and stripes, as well as what counts as disrespect. Most probably don’t realize that wearing clothing that displays an American flag is against the Flag Code, although only on a state-by-state basis will a penalty be given for wearing anything resembling one. One common image you’ve seen recently with the Winter Olympics is many athletes wearing a flag, typically with the stars and stripes draped over someone’s shoulders. Although the Flag Code, under Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8(j), states that the stars and stripes shouldn’t be worn as a costume, does this count as disrespect or patriotism? In the true definition, it errs on the disrespectful side, as all athletes are wearing American flags like capes. But, another f
