Sveva Costa Sanseverino
Every school day, students stand up and pledge allegiance to the flag. It is a fundamental part of public socialization, and patriotic learning.
As a foreigner, it first represented the Beach boys, Route 66, life on the run and bad food. Later, it represented the government, the army and the American presence abroad - whether through force or Coca-Cola.
Traveling across the States I learned that it is often considered to be something more spiritual. Something untouchable, like a religious icon: pure and hopeful, a symbol of American resolve and heroism.
In the last ten years, I have noticed the ever increasing commercialized presence of the flag and the political weight it carries. I am fascinated by the extent to which the flag has been exploited for political gain and for profit and wonder how far it will go. I also discovered, there are some who are trying to reclaim it. |
