In a message dated 01-09-24 09:33:58 EDT, Lori Allen writes:
<< That being said, as for private offices and areas where the public and even
volunteers are not allowed, I see no reason other than fairness to all
employees. ("If I can't have one, why can he?") It could also be seen as
hate mongering, as some use the flag and patriotism as an excuse to berate
or antagonize persons of middle eastern descent. Then you have a liability
for potential discrimination lawsuits. >>
Sorry, but I think the suggestion that placing a flag on one's desk might be
construed as somehow discriminatory is unbelievably offensive and
insensitive. This is the kind of nonsense that gives political correctness a
bad name. When an American citizen is not allowed to display an American
flag in America, something is horribly wrong. In the last couple of weeks
American flags have been displayed by non-Americans all over the world. On
one hand, flags have been so ubiquitous lately that it's hard to believe
anyone would think twice about needing an administrator's permission to
display one. On the other, recognition of the constitutional principle of
free speech should guarantee anyone the right to show a flag even when no one
else is doing so--either in a time of national crisis OR in a time of total
peace and tranquility. Indeed, an American flag should not be used as "an
excuse to berate or antagonize persons of middle eastern descent", but
neither should it be used as an excuse to assume the worst--that the purpose
of displaying the flag is intended to intimidate anyone.
A few months ago I sponsored a fellowship in our museum for a scholar from
India. She displayed an American flag in her work area and no one thought
anything of it, as far as I know. Neither would anyone have been bothered if
she had displayed an Indian flag. Flags can be potent emotional symbols, to
be sure, but it is ridiculous and patently unfair to assume that anyone
displaying one is trying to provoke a fight. Discriminatory words and
bellicose actions would indicate that, and should not be tolerated. But I
think anyone who would automatically fear an American displaying an American
flag in America, during this period or any other, is seriously overreacting.
You should not be expected to conceal your patriotism or love of country
because it might make someone "of middle eastern descent" nervous. Plenty of
Americans "of middle eastern descent" have been displaying American flags
lately, in case you haven't noticed. You don't have to wave a flag to be a
bigot, and I resent the notion that displaying one might brand you as a
bigot. Talk about profiling!
I seriously doubt that anyone who displays a flag or allows their employees
to display flags is going to be liable for a discrimination lawsuit. I think
it's more likely that an administrator who forbids people to show a flag
would risk a First Amendment violation. This certainly adds a new dimension
to the phrase "Only in America." Only in America would showing a flag be
considered "hate mongering." The fact that some hate mongers hide behind the
flag is no reason to prevent those who are NOT hate mongers from exercising
their right to express themselves.
BTW, I'm sure "Ass and assistant" was just a typo, but an oddly Freudian one.
End of rant.
David Haberstich
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