Flags used as advertising

[DenyTheTruth]

On your site it says that flags should never be used for advertisement yet the Google ad at the top of your page (on every page, as the ad never changes) shows 4 sites using flags to promote their sites.

I know you do not have direct control over Google and their ads but if you write them and explain that due to the nature of your site it is inappropriate for them to have those ads there that they will remove the pictures.

Or perhaps you should just switch the ad to a text-only ad. I know that those are available in AdSense.

[Peter Ansoff]

Hi, DDT!

It's true that the flag code says "The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever." Historically, the use of the flag in this way was the original reason that flag desecration became an issue in the late 19th century. At that time, flags were used in advertisements for all kinds of products including beer and toilet paper.

However, the flag code is not a law, and it frequently does not match modern usage. Nowdays, there seems to be overwhelming agreement that it's OK to use the flag in certain advertising contexts, provided that it is done in an appropriate and respectful way. The adverts at the top of our forum pages certainly meet that criterion: They are for businesses that sell flags and related items, and they depict the flag appropriately and attractively.

The purpose of the flag code is not to force people to follow an aribitrary set of rules; it's to encourage them to treat the flag with respect as a symbol of our nation. I think that the advertising here in the forum does that.

Best,

Peter Ansoff

[DenyTheTruth]

Good enough.

Perhaps the line, "The flag should never be used for any advertising purpose. It should not be embroidered, printed or otherwise impressed on such articles as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins, boxes, or anything intended to be discarded after temporary use. Advertising signs should not be attached to the staff or halyard." should be amended to reflect "advertisements which are intended for the sale of flags and flag accessories"?

Maybe I'm just being a nit pick.

[american_flag_uk]

I myself don't see a problem with these particular ads here...

Afterall, they are advertising the sale of the American flag itself, so they are appropriatly using the image of the flag.

Using the image of the flag to promote the sale of something else would be more questionable

[PoetPatriot.com]

In this day where patriotism is in great need to offset the anti-American sentiments in our media, college campuses, and public protests, the use of the flag should be more widely encouraged. In my opinion by allowing use in advertising, as long as not writen over, encourages patriotism. I would prefer to have a business use the flag in their advertisments than they prohibit employees from wearing a flag pin.
Even Barach Obama refused to wear a flag pin until public presure made it prudent that he do so.
Patriotism has been taken out of our schools as a daily observance, so let the advertising keep the flag before us day after day.
The American Flag is a World Wide symbol of Freedom.
Why prohibit the wearing of clothing that has an image of a flag? Though an existing flag should not be made into nor attached to clothing with the exception of a patch that was made for such purpose. Screen Printing or weaving of the material for the purpose of displaying ones love of country should not be that big of a deal.
Flag waving has gone out of vogue. Respect but display the American Flag everywhere.
MY Flag Information is at Index of /.