A Conflicted Heart and a Fractured Flag

I start with a question: Who said it was ok to change our American Flag? As I sit and reflect on the current state of our nation, I am filled with a confusing mix of emotions: frustration, sadness, and a deep sense of unease about where we are headed. The divisiveness that has taken root in our society is manifesting in ways that I find both alarming and disheartening. One such manifestation is the recent trend of far-right and far-left groups creating their own versions of the American flag. 

As an American of Puerto Rican descent and a student of history, this trend is particularly jarring for me. The blatant parading of altered American flags—some with blue lines, altered colors, others flown upside down by Supreme Court judge Samuel Alito—frankly appalls me. To understand why, you must first understand the complex relationship my ancestors and I have had with flags and what they symbolize. 

Law 53 of 1948 better known as the gag Law ( Ley De La Mordaza), was a result of US policies and laws that prohibited Puerto Ricans from displaying or possessing the Puerto Rican flag. The law criminalized owning or displaying the Puerto Rican flag, to sing a patriotic tune, to speak or write of independence. This "flag law" was extremely oppressive, stifling cultural expression and suppressing the Puerto rican sense of identity. Figures like Pedro Albizu Campos were demonized and imprisoned for defending our culture and advocating for our independence. Despite this, the Puerto Rican flag became a symbol of resistance and beacon of hope for a people yearning to celebrate their own heritage and gain freedom.

In my upcoming memoir Flipping My Script I touch upon how growing up, I pledged allegiance to the American flag every morning at school. I sang "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" with a sense of pride and belonging. Despite the historical injustices faced by my ancestors, I believed in the ideals that the American flag represented: unity, freedom, and justice for all. But now, it seems like everyone wants to create their own version of our country, and in doing so, they are altering the very symbol that is supposed to unite us. 

The American flag should be a unifying symbol, not a canvas for political statements. It represents the struggles and sacrifices of countless individuals who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. To alter it is to disrespect not only their sacrifices but also the ideals that the flag stands for. It is appalling and shameful for anyone to change our flag, ever. 

The creation of these altered flags by various factions is not just a symptom of our divided times; it is a direct affront to the notion of a united nation. It is as if each group is trying to claim ownership of patriotism, redefining what it means to be American according to their own beliefs and agendas. This is not unity; this is fragmentation. 

We must remember that our strength lies in our unity, in our ability to come together despite our differences. The flag, in its original form, serves as a reminder of that unity. It is a symbol that transcends political affiliations and personal beliefs, representing a collective aspiration for a better future.

 As someone who understands the pain of having one's flag and identity suppressed, I urge all Americans to respect the integrity of the American flag. Let us not dilute its meaning by altering its appearance to fit our personal or political narratives. Let us instead work towards a nation where the flag can once again be a symbol of unity, justice, and freedom for all. 

In these trying times, we must find common ground and work towards healing the divisions that threaten to tear us apart. Let us honor the true spirit of the American flag and strive to create a nation that lives up to its ideals.