The American Flag and America

It is said that an image can speak a thousand words. The following three photographs
(A., B.,and C.) all tell a story about America’s ever changing culture, its history and fluid social
norms. Each photograph, taken from a different point in time, illustrates a major conflict of that
period and it’s population’s views of our country. By taking these incredible shots, the
photographers Joe Rosenthal, Thomas E. Franklin, and Jonathan McIntosh unwittingly
captured some of the most iconic and meaningful moments in our country’s history. Through
these images, the audience is given a small window into the American population’s attitude
toward their country, their cultural/social norms and their developing values.

Each of the images listed displays the view Americans had of their country in that
specific time period. Image A. illustrates an American victory of World War II in the battle to
secure Mount ­Suribachi. This black and white photograph, taken by Joe Rosenthal, depicts a
group of war ragged American soldiers in a field of broken ground and rubble, working together to hoist our
nation’s flag atop the mountain in triumph. This photograph, a symbol of unity for many, shows
that even in the hardest of times, good can rise from the debris. In this time period, when there
was already so much hate in the world, our country as well as all those who stood by us, were
viewed as the common good. Much popular culture in this time period formed such reflections
of our country, and created a sense of national pride. This image was used to make an
incredible boost in moral for our war efforts. Featured in history books and magazines world
-wide, this photograph is mostly shown during specific times of the year to celebrate those who
fought and/or died for our country and what it stands for. These days include Memorial Day,
Veterans Day, The Fourth of July and the many patriotic holidays our country celebrates.

In image B., the audience is shown three men in dusty green and grey firefighter uniforms
surrounded by the wreckage of a recently demolished building, also hoisting up the American
flag. However, the building in the background of the image is no regular building. This
enormous pile of torn metal beams and concrete was once the one of the Twin Towers on New
York City. This photograph was taken from ground zero in one of America’s most tragic events,
911. In the incredible pain and suffering this heinous act of terrorism caused, the three first
responders in this image heave the American flag atop a large pole, and look upward with
hopeful gazes, toward a new beginning. This photograph is seen by many to be a clear
representation of our country’s undying spirit and hope. Although unplanned, Image B. is
undoubtedly one of the most iconic photographs in our nation’s history. The photographer to
take this photo, Thoman E. Franklin, states that ”I can’t even say this is the best picture I ever
took. It is the photo with the most meaning.” From early in our childhood, American children
are exposed to images such as this. It is a constant reminder of our country's history, its values,
and the sacrifices people have made for them. As said by Jeffrey Nealon and Susan Searls
Giroux in "Culture" from The Theory toolbox, popular culture doesn’t necessarily reflect the
attitude of its consumers. “It teaches us how and what to reflect.”(69) By seeing these images
over such a long period of time, we begin to feel an attachment/fondness/sympathy toward the
history behind them and build a sense of pride and hope in being a part of that history.

Image C. shows the audience a more recent and not so optimistic view of our country.
This photograph illustrates a young protester holding the “Corporate American flag” from
Adbuster's  at George Bush's second inauguration. The flag, being the main focus of the
photograph, has been altered to hold an entirely different meaning than the original. This flag
no longer has 50 white stars on its blue square, but 30 logos of major corporations and businesses
widely known and used by Americans; which include Pizza Hut, PlayBoy, Shell, Windows, and
of course, McDonalds. It also has an incredibly large statement branded across it, “SOLD”,
implying that this country has been sold to these chains. This editing of the American flag was
done in order to represent the amount of power corporations really have over this country, it’s
government and its citizens. This act of protest, as well as its canvas, shows that our current
population not only performs with a different set of social and cultural norms, but has a
drastically shifted view of our nation. It has become increasingly acceptable to make these
incredibly bold statements and is most common to see them on social media. When making a
statement on social media, one needs to be surprising, concise, and persuasive, all while
remaining interesting. This photo is an example of how these social norms have changed from
a delicate, and eloquent procedure of debate to a more abrupt and abrasive form of argument.

It is my own personal belief that our flag is to be respected, for it is a representation of
what our country stands for. A nation’s flag depicts what our country’s values are and what
being a part of that country truly means. However, I also know that little to no change or major
progression has ever been made without treading along the line separating the acceptable from
the taboo. Using a nation’s flag will definitely qualify as taboo. When sending a message, one
needs to provoke a strong emotion in a group of people in order to get a reaction and promote
their cause. Whether this reaction is anger, frustration, understanding, happiness, relief or guilt,
all depends on the audience. This image could provoke a whole slew of intense emotions and
ideas, and it is this almost controversial way of sending a message that really gets the attention
of an audience.

These images, used to change the tide of our population’s associations, ideals, and
attitude towards our country, have done just that by rallying citizens in celebration, unity, hope, and
frustration. By taking these incredible shots, the photographers Joe Rosenthal, Thomas E. Franklin,
and Jonathan McIntosh unwittingly captured some of the most iconic and meaningful moments in our
country’s history. These incredible images have given audiences a small window into the American
population’s attitude toward their country, their cultural/social norms and their continuously developing
values.

Image A.

Taken by Joe Rosenthal. An American symbol of unity

Image B.

”I can’t even say this is the best picture I ever took. It is the photo with the most meaning.” Thoman E. Franklin.

Image C.

Representation of “Corporate America”, Jonathan McIntosh.

Work Cited

Nealon, Jeffery T., Giroux, Susan Searls. The Theory Toolbox Critical Concepts for the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Rowman & Littlefield Lanham, MD 2012

Tanabe, Karin. “Behind the lens on Sept. 11.” POLITICO.,September 10, 2011

The American Culture

When one is prompted to contemplate any country, they will most likely associate it with the culture specific to said country and the factors that make up this culture; such as the food, holidays, traditions, languages and celebrations. These factors make up a large part of the personality of a country or region, and often include ancient and distinct traditions that have withstood the test of time.  While most countries and regions may have a large history of tradition and old culture, what of America, whose population is a mixture of unique people from all across the globe. One may come to question, "Has America ever had a true culture?", "What exactly is America's culture?", or perhaps "Have we lost our culture, or gained a new one?"

While reading The Theory Toolbox by Jeffery Nealon and Susan Searls Giroux, one may come to realize that there really is no one culture that can be used to define America, for we are made up entirely of different ethnic groups. Even before America was considered a country, the indigenous peoples who live here and practiced their own cultures, did not all have one universal culture. In many periods of our country's relatively short existence, America has had many various large groups of people travel their way through it and call it their home.  Even then, our country would not have been able to be represented by one culture, because there were still so many in all of the different regions of our continent.

However, this does not mean the U.S. is a country without a culture. America, the nation of

immigrants, also known as a "melting pot" of different cultures and peoples, has simply built its own

culture. However, this brings us to our second question, "What, exactly is this American culture?"

The American culture is often broadcasted as a hearty, burger consuming, gun loving way of life;

however, this is only a part of it. Our culture cannot be singled out to one ethnic group, religious
group, or singular background. As a nation of immigrants, we are constantly receiving new peoples
and cultures, which in turn, adds to our own, building it from the ground up. Our nation's culture can
be easily compared to a mosaic. The many different pieces of other countries and other cultures are

brought together, to become a part of an incredibly unique and completely improvised design.  Like
the many different pieces in our metaphorical mosaic, the people of our country come from different
places, and may be of many different shapes, sizes or colors. When coming to this country, the pieces
of the mosaic are not sanded, painted or replaced to fit, they are taken as they are and added to our
piece of cultural art. Our country's people may share what is called citizenship, however, they "live very
differently within it." Since we all come from different backgrounds, we are all unique, all with our own

cultures and traditions. Because of this, there is no "average American".

One word the writers of The Theory Toolbox, Nealon and Giroux's, use to describe America is

“multicultural”. Their definition of “Multiculturalism” has to do with "Exclusion", or the separation of one

group from another in order to recognize each one as an individual group. This can be used in many

immoral ways, such as racism, sexism, etc. However, the correct use of this is not segregation, but to

distinguish between the different histories of each group, and the many traditions they are bringing

forth. The idea of exclusion is to prevent overly universalizing our society, and our perception, as this

would mean we would not be able to find any significance in any one thing. There would be no
distinction and no way to process the world and the many people in it. The authors use the example of
writing an essay. When referencing an audience, you cannot be too broad, or you no longer hold
meaning. "The world we live in is too complex" to create a "coherent cultural context that will include
"everyone."" Any attempt our society makes at finding a "same" or "coherent...narrow group", relies on the "process of exclusion", and referring to the different ethnic groups as "others". As our country is made up of so many different groups and cultures, there are infinitely many "others"; therefore, too many for us to really define America by one singular culture.

As I read the chapter, "Culture" of The Theory Toolbox, it occured to me, that these differences are

exactly what make up the American culture; as well as our the ability to add to and enrich it. There are

those who believe the multiculturalism of America to be a large scale attempt to "separate" humanity

further. However, I see it as a way to bring our citizens together.  America is a country of immigrants,

our own metaphorical mosaic of ethnicities and cultures from all around the globe. The many different

ethnic groups that come to America are given an expansion on their original title. "insert- American".

This allows for a recognition of a person's ethnic background, as well as including them into the large

and diverse collage of America. We have all come to this country, bringing with us our many different

traditions and histories, however, we all share the same basic ideals; which include equal opportunity

for success and prosperity. These ideals and the many people from all different walks of life who

support them are what the American culture is. In many cases, the American people wish to hold onto

the idea of a single, unifying identity of "Americaness". This can be for one of many reasons. Many

people long for that same history and universal traditions that other countries and regions possess.

They wish for something they can be a part of nationwide, and a sense of pride in that inclusion. By

holding onto that sense of sameness, many Americans wish to unify their country further and end the

process of exclusion that comes with multiculturalism. However, in this same sense, Americans also

wish to still be connected to the rest of the world, as we are large supporters of globalization and long

distance trading.

This brings us to our final question, “Have we lost our culture, or gained a new one?” As our

nation continues to grow, so does our culture. America has not lost its culture, but created one of its

own. America has always been multicultural, never holding only one culture or people. With each new

culture that is added to our cultural piece of art, our own society and country gains a sense of itself,

building from the examples of other nations, and becoming more worldly in a cultural sense. Each

person becomes part of a very large and equally diverse culture, and continues to add to it.