Uncle Sam's Suit

[cody1947]

Does anyone know why it is acceptable for the character "Uncle Sam" to wear an American Flag suit?

Is it acceptable for someone to tastefully emulate the character at public functions, schools and youth groups while performing a public display of patriotism and or educational workshops?

[Peter Ansoff]

Greetings, Cody -- welcome!

Does anyone know why it is acceptable for the character "Uncle Sam" to wear an American Flag suit?

Well, Uncle Sam and his star-spangled outfit have been a popular, well-accepted American symbol since the 19th century. The flag code does say that "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel", and that "No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform." Then again, the flag code wasn't written until 1923, long after Uncle Sam had become established as an American icon. One could argue, I suppose, that Uncle Sam's costume does not fall under these prohibitions because it is not actually a flag -- it's just decorated with flag-like motifs. This is different from the case in which someone actually cuts up a flag and makes clothing out of it.

Is it acceptable for someone to tastefully emulate the character at public functions, schools and youth groups while performing a public display of patriotism and or educational workshops?

Again, people do it all the time, and have been doing so for well over a century. They key word is "tastefully" of course.

Peter Ansoff

[american_flag_uk]

i collect images of Uncle Sam and people wearingthe costume- i think it is great - and i am working on gettin my boyfriend one..

i have big plushy Uncle sam hat i wear...

i dont think there's anything wrong with wearing the flag design - as long as it hasnt been made FROM a flag!

[Peter Ansoff]

i am working on gettin my boyfriend one..

We want to see a picture of you and your boyfriend in matching outfits!