A recently released Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) document titled “Domestic Terrorism Symbols Guide”* links common protest symbols to “terrorism” — another marker in a common theme of conflating militant protest for social justice with deadly terrorist violence within the United States. Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Brennan Center have raised warnings about such documents, citing inadequate protections for people’s constitutional rights.
“Eat the Rich” is now a symbol of extremism…
That is extremely funny and extremely stupid at the same time. Honestly, after both of those conflicting feelings wore off, I am left in a state of confusion.
I mean, I get it. Just because phrases or symbols are used in extremist movements doesn’t make the phrase or symbol exclusively extreme, with some exceptions. (Idiots will look at that “guidebook” and just leverage the FBI classification as a means to reinforce a bias, regardless of the context.)
For example, the Gadsden flag is a part of American history. However, it has also been hijacked for different causes. (I sarcastically see it in its original context as people still holding a grudge against the British, TBH.)
Another example is an American flag off the back of a pickup truck, usually a sign that the driver is a bigoted douchebag
Part of why I like redesigning the US flag, I feel like the left needs their own banner that can read patriotic while still sending a strong message.
Latest direction I’ve gone has been switching the stars and stripes to represent the 7 original articles of the constitution and the 27 amendments that have since passed.
The old flag represents America’s growth via manifest destiny, its growth as an empire via conquest, while this represents America’s growth as a democracy via reform and the expansion of rights.
For reference:
https://i.imgur.com/qiwF7eT.png
IMO any redesign will carry the same manifest destiny, imperialism/douchebag energy as the existing one.
And here are some of my favourite versions to mock those it’s now mostly associated with:
I have nothing against the British, but I have a Gadsden flag sticker on the back of one of my bikes because it says “no step on snek.” I dunno, I thought not stepping on the snek was always a pretty wise strategy.
I am wearing my “no step on snek” tee-shirt right now, actually. It’s a great strategy to prevent a trip to the hospital, and I just wear the shirt for “snake awareness” reasons.
However, the “no step on snek” stickers and such are awesome. I see it as a clear jab at how some people grossly misunderstand history and any associated symbols. Meh. You can’t always fix “stupid” but you can always make fun of it.
This is my favorite take on that flag.
I’m sad this isn’t the “please step on me” variant
That’s what the sneks want you to think.
Here we go, Big Snek got us again.
Now all of a sudden Aerosmith has gone woke!!