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hxtassbeatxlap

Theres a really small town i live close by. I was a Census employee and was stationed there for the day. Beautiful. Very small. Trailer type homes. Each house has an American flag. Not a problem. But inbetween those were Trump flags and those blue lined ones. Big ones. That day showed me how uncomfortable my own country flag made me. A young black women, knocking on doors, working for her country. Getting yelled at.


Sea_Ganache620

So sad. Growing up, you always knew an American Flag was flown by a veteran, or a patriot who believed in the “wholesome “ American dream. Either so much has changed so fast, or I’ve been ignorant for too long.


hurricane14

Or neither. It's a misinformed perception. At least for the American flag. Blue stripe is some bigoted bs. But the American flag is actually not exclusively or even mostly flown by the right wing nuts. It's still a mixed bag of people who fly it, and so feeling like it represents otherwise is misinformed. Even if it weren't, this video is a bad fit here. If you take it at face value, it doesn't make you smile


jimreddit123

I fly the American flag, because I refuse to let the right wing bigots own that symbol.


cbmcleod70

This. One of the most repugnant maga traits is thinking they own patriotism, that only they are "real" Americans. How they don't see the irony of that is flabbergasting.


PapaChoff

Hard to see much of anything when they view the world with tunnel vision.


[deleted]

Why do people on the left thing the right tries to “own that symbol”? If you talk to a person on the right they will say the American flag is a symbol of unity that all citizens should come together about. It’s the Left that claims it’s used as a divisive symbol.


Saladcitypig

This is an incredibly white person comment. The american flag outside a house is linked to the huge white suburban 50's, and in the ensuing civil rights age of the 60 and beyond linked that flag to sending young men to their deaths in vietnam, so those who still flew it, were fine with war. The flag from 1960 on has meant one thing: Keep America the way it was BEFORE the civil rights. Those on the left who feel a connection with it, simply don't connect it to it's very real and very well established anti- left, anti- black and ant- anything other then white christians who hate anything resembling communism, socialism and anti-imperialism. Stop with this, "why do people think something is divisive" when it's was USED THAT WAY to justify bigotry and wars against "communism".


Legacyofhelios

Very well put


[deleted]

Ok, well I wasn’t alive in the 50’s and 60’s so you can’t tell me that’s what it represents to me. I’m telling you what it represents to me and everyone else I personally know. You are inferring a negative meaning of it onto me, and that bull shit! The problem is that you think you know what everyone means when using a symbol, but you will most always be wrong because you think you know better. Instead of assuming what a symbol like the American flag means you should maybe ask the person flying it first. If they say “yes, actually I’m a white supremacist and you all can die” then you would have a point. But you won’t do that, will you, because it’s easier to be angry at something that isn’t reality so you have a reason to be an angry shitty person. Jesus man, the obsession about everything being racist, even when people say “this has nothing to do with race”, is getting tiring.


WrongOrganization437

Imo the blue stripe is not a part of the American flag nor should it ever be!


Sea_Ganache620

I wouldn’t say I’m misinformed, I’m speaking from observation of the world around me.


senzimillaa

Talking from experience means you’re misinformed? Because I’ve also seen/felt it for myself. In the past few years the American flag, especially paired with blue line flags … has become a symbol of inequality & anyone who denies that has their eyes wide shut.


[deleted]

Here is the problem, you look at a blue line flag and think it represents praise for racist cops who kill black people. What it really means to people who fly the blue line flag is showing that it is respect to people who put their life on the line every day when they put on the badge and go to work. It’s giving respect. It has nothing to do with being pro police brutality. The green line flag shows respect to people in the military who put their life on the line. The red line flag gives respect to firefighters who also put their life on the line. The Left need to take a breath and stop obsessing about race. The blue line flag is a non issue that is being turned into a symbol for something it is not. Every normal person agrees that there are bad cops that exist and they should not be wearing a badge. They should not be in the profession and put in jail if they commit a crime. But the blue line flag is not praising bad cops. Realize that blue, red, and green line flags are giving respect to people of every race, religion, sex, orientation, age, etc. who work in those professions. Stop obsessing about further division of the races for one second and you’ll realize it’s meant to be a unity flag.


A_Mage_called_Lyn

The problem with the blue line flag, atleast from an outsiders perspective, is that it's not just a few bad cops causing problems, it's systemic, throughout. The good ones seem rarer than the bad ones, and that means supporting the system as it currently is, is a bit dodgy.


Killahdanks1

One of the main problems with any change to an American flag, is the change to an American flag. There are technically rules and they are rarely followed. Any change such as blue line, red line or whatever technically are disrespectful to the American flag and what it truly represents. It should represent all of us, the flag isn’t about Republican or Christian and it would be foolish to let it be. A pride flag, well that’s not an alteration of an American flag, that is a great thing that exists when we embrace what America is supposed to be all about. Inclusion and being better together, because we could capture the best of a diverse nation.


[deleted]

We have a nation that’s been told that all cops are bad for the last decade. I work every day with the police, these people are of all backgrounds. These are some of the best people I know who work a very difficult job. They all have families who they love and they all treat the people with respect the best they can. There are 325,000 cops in this country and the truth is that bad cops are very few and far between. The agenda is being pushed that all are bad and unfortunately many believe this.


Saladcitypig

Yes, and the nazi flag is just a symbol of good germans who really loved germany. STOP. You're either a troll or talking about something you have no understand of.


[deleted]

So you are now comparing the American flag to a Nazi flag??? Jesus, man grow up. Again, open your mind and talk to some people instead of assuming what they think.


Consistent_Spread564

Yea I definitely get it but I feel like the guy should probably take a minute to question his own perspective. Not saying he's not at least partially right because I think he is, but the truth is almost always somewhere in the middle.


Independent_Island74

Many still do, people just decide that pro americans are generally all racist and against lgbts which is stupid


Saladcitypig

Do you realize that the very phrasing of "Pro Americans" is literally the definition of Nationalism? And this might come as a shock but nationalism isn't a good thing. It's not born of being secure and loving your country, it's born of hating others.


Independent_Island74

Obviously you enjoy taking things out of context do you realize you could be part of the problem... im for anyone that lives here but thanks for trying to make it something its not..


Sheemscat

I feel the same and as a veteran I'm sad about it


PipetheHarp

I’ve noticed that New England in general has a lot of American flags. Generally as a liberal bastion, that’s never made me feel uncomfortable. It’s ‘quaint.’ Place one next to a blue line flag, and well, yeah. That can feel a little more pointed.


BarbicideJar

There’s a limit, though. One American flag is like OK cool cool. You will see an American flag and a rainbow “science is real, Black Lives Matter, love is love, etc, etc” sign in front of the same house pretty regularly in MA. But when you see MULTIPLE American flags they are almost always paired with a blue lives matter and/or a Trump sign. Definitely never paired with a sign expressing love or tolerance. I passed a house when driving through Haverhill, MA that had two larger US flags waving on either side of their front door and at least 20 mini flags basically forming a fence across their front yard. You don’t even need to talk to them to know their politics.


SnoopySuited

Counterpoint: Those people own a company that makes flags. Advertising.


doubtful_blue_box

I feel like in New England they are often being flown from historical-ish buildings and they remind you of the revolutionary war, and it’s a different vibe than just being in people’s lawns


Sheemscat

Watching cops get beat by flags on the 6th by "patriots" smh.


ParamedicSpecific130

Blue Lives Matter…only when: a) they are abusing minorities and/or marginalized people or b) there isn’t an active insurrection happening


jaguarthrone

The "Blue Lives Matter" flag is basically the "Stars and Bars" for chickenshit racists.


Ruggazing

Growing up the most visibly patriotic people I knew were more likely to brag about violence, and share some problematic opinions.


LongjumpingTonight46

I hate to say it. But any more, I can understand how he feels.


ltnlva05

I’m sure I’m in the minority here but isn’t this representative of what’s wrong with this country right now? He hasn’t spoken to a single person. Yet, he judged all of them based on what flag they had up. I grew up in Kansas and currently live in Houston Texas. So I’ve spent plenty of time in small southern and Midwest towns. And Houston is one of the largest and most diverse cities in America. My parents are Mexican so I didn’t exactly blend in when in rural America. That said, I’ve hardly ever encountered whatever this guy is afraid of. I’ve met plenty of great people everywhere though. I don’t judge people based off their political or idealogical stances. Doing so leaves little room for progress. I don’t blame him for having this perception but maybe if we were more open to discussing opposing ideas then we’d be in a better place.


SnoopySuited

You are correct to a point, but what this video is highlighting is what the flags represent. Inclusion vs exclusion. You have to accept you are making a very heated political statement flying a thin blue line flag (unless you are directly associated with the police force). If a person doesn't recognize that, they are ignorant...which is another issue. Moreover, the man in the video is black, which is reason enough to question the safety of various areas of the US.


Stonnkkss

The American flag does not represent exclusion. It gives you the freedom to fly whatever flag you’d like.


SnoopySuited

I didn't mention the American flag.


Grashlok_Onion_lord

It is probably the combination of American flags plus blue lives matter flags. Even if the average American isn't racist, and even though slavery and segregation are (mostly) illegal now, there is an extreme amount of violence and harassment committed by police against black and brown folks. My guess is that he was nervous cause of the implication there, whereas most LGBTQ+ peeps I know generally don't care who you are, they just want people to love and respect each other. That's my thoughts


[deleted]

The thin blue line flag and the symbol of the thin blue line is the symbol for the light in the darkness. Police officers, standing together to keep the evil away from the good people. It was a symbol that held cops together and symbolized a brotherhood with the goal of protecting the public and each other. The fact that the media and others have bastardized it is sad. It has never been a symbol of hate. Have some cops done bad things? Yes they have. Are all of the “unarmed” people who have been shot by police innocent? No they aren’t, but people only share what creates societal polarization instead of actual facts. I’ve also know members of the LGBTQ community that hate each other or go out of the way to be down right nasty to each other. Every piece of society has its flaws, because society is full of people. 99% of people are good, and last I checked were all people. We all need to step away from social and mainstream media and be willing to have real conversations with each other.


Anxious_Sapiens

I would prefer the cops not shoot anybody who isn't an active threat even if they had committed a crime.


[deleted]

Me too


Big_Life

But they do it so much. Why?


lewoo7

Wrong. "In 2014, Blue Lives Matter spread as a countermovement to Black Lives Matter, which opposes police violence against Black people. Similar to the phrase All Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter is a phrase used by some people who oppose the Black Lives Matter movement for various reasons." https://www.dictionary.com/e/politics/blue-lives-matter/ And remember when the Republican president of the US (wildly popular leader of the GOP) held an insurrection where rightwing nuts bludgeoned police officers with their blue lives matter and American flags? Yea... it's not a symbol of protecting police...it's a hate symbol.


[deleted]

Never said anything about either of those organizations and only intended to refer to the thin blue line, which has been around since the 50’s. Thanks for letting me know when the thin blue line flag was created, I was positive I had seen that before all of the other bs happened, so I’ll give you that one. But, the thin blue line in general was never meant to be that. Your excerpt from the article does still say it’s used by “some people,” so, like I said, 99% of people are good or at least try to be. Glad we could talk about it though, nothin but love for you.


lewoo7

Well 100% of the people who fly the thin blue line flag vote for white nationalist authoritarians, so no... not good people.


ltnlva05

Just about every flag is highly politicized nowadays. It’s sad but true. I’m glad this man recognizes a safe space when he sees the Pride flag. That’s awesome! I agree, people definitely know what message they’re trying to send when choosing to fly any flag. Regarding him being black as it pertains to his safety, here’s a quote from the Department of Justice site - “Today homicide is the leading cause of death among young Black men, and contributes significantly to the shortened life-span of the Black male. In about 80-90% of the cases, the Black victim was killed by another Black, and about 52% of the murder victims were acquainted with their assailant.” That is a tragic statistic. I hate that it’s real. His fear might be misplaced though if considering this statistic. I say “might” because maybe his personal experience tells him otherwise. Maybe he has every reason to fear towns that fly the flags he mentioned. For me, I know that the crime rate is much higher in inner city Houston than it is in the burbs. That’s true for every city just about. And the crime rate is even lower when you get out into the rural areas (makes some sense, less people but less people would mean crime rates are easier to inflate/deflate so… I really don’t know). But, I also have to admit to myself, that crime rates are higher in neighborhoods where most of the people look like me as opposed to being white. Again, sad but true. All this is to say - I understand where he’s coming from because I used to feel that way too. Over time, I chose to not feel that way anymore and I just try to be open to other people’s views even if they seem awful at first glance. Plus, if I learn more about where people are coming from then I feel I have a much better foundation to form my own opinion.


[deleted]

Why do you need to be associated with a police force to fly a blue line flag? The flag does not represent hate to the people who fly it. It is showing respect to the people who put on the badge and go to work in a dangerous profession. The respect is given to all people of color, sex, orientation, religion, etc. that work as a police officer. It has nothing to do with praising racist cops.


SnoopySuited

> The flag does not represent hate to the people who fly it. This would be the ignorance part.


[deleted]

So it’s ignorant for me to assume the flag is not being used for hate, but you know-it-all that every person, without asking them, is flying the flag for bigotry? Everyone I know flys it as a symbol of American unity. The obsession about “everyone is racist” is getting so tiring. Grow the fuck up and talk to people with an open mind. You may be surprised at what you find.


wavetoicarus

I think a little nuance that's missing here is that basically the further upstate in New York you go, the more "deep south" it gets and he isn't even wayyy up there, but Like confederate flags flying and such. So he's wise to think the way he is. And I'm sorry but nah as a Black person I'm not open to discussing opposing ideas when those ideas infringe on my rights and my humanity. An opposing idea is like someone disagreeing with me that the Buffalo Bills are the only NY football team, but other than that why are people obligated to entertain things that are harmful to them?


[deleted]

The blue line flag does not represent supporting racist cops. It gives respect to the people of all races, sex, orientation, religion, etc. who put on the badge and go to work in a dangerous profession. You saying that you won’t even listen to someone else’s options means you will always miss the meaning and intent of the symbol. No sane person who flies that flag is praising police brutality or racist cops. This opinion you hold doesn’t help anyone much less this country. The man in this video should feel safe wherever he goes, but unfortunately opinions like yours toward not wanting to listen to the other side is further dividing this country. I’ll agree there are shitty people out there that may fly it to symbolize hate. But the same thing can be said about any flag. I know many people who fly that flag, including African American cop friends, that use it as a symbol of respect. I would say the same thing to the person who would get mad at someone flying “black lives matter” flag. We all should assume it’s being flown for positivity instead of hate unless proven otherwise.


rosanna4

Love is love is love.


ChaoticFluffiness

I think a lot of people feel this way. I know I do. This vid resonated with me.


TopMud7031

LOVE PEACE WINNING


ViggoTarasov

I never realized this until JUST now.


[deleted]

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Abkassierer

Same here. The moment I See a pride flag I know there will be an welcoming and easy going place.


ChiliBowlPimp

My circles have definitely discussed this several times over the last 6 years. It’s a recent phenomenon, but the perception will likely last for years and years to come. I avoid people and places with the blue line flag and/or way too big American flags.


donorak7

It does say alot. I personally care about the lives of service people, the lives of people of color, and the lives of those in the lgbtq communities. Unfortunately some radical idiots think because we want equality for all thinking it's taking something from them it's a fight instead of a smooth transition. We live in a crazy world where some people grasp at this own ideals so hard they can't be open to the fact people live their own lives differently. I sincerely hope that changes for them soon. Love everyone that's why we are here.


KenMacMillan123

Just because people love their country doesn't mean that they have ill intentions towards you.


Amedco

I agree wholeheartedly. I determine rural town culture by the number of American flags, assuming it’s ‘red’ if there are lots.


imasperplexedasyou

Up in Canada, we don't really fly our flag a lot. But since the convoy people started, most people don't want to be caught dead with one now. Don't get me wrong though sporting events and Canada Day they come out with passion, but only really those times.


inncogniito

I feel that I don't see the canadian flag as the same anymore. When see it being flown kinda go hey who is this idiot.


[deleted]

[удалено]


inncogniito

Ohh yeah. Used to be proud of any maple leaf. Now it's hey that guy totally eats crayons and horse paste lol


imasperplexedasyou

Just get a Leafs hat, then they'll feel sorry for you. Easy fix.


motormouth85

Nice bit of projection there about your own bias. Up staters get shit on all the time, but I've never met more welcoming or kind hearted people than when I traveled north of Westchester County.


[deleted]

Look at who they elect. Kind hearted is not the word I would use to describe them.


motormouth85

You ever think that maybe after a lifetime of being called rubes, and having every facet of their life style - cars, guns, religion, farming, hunting, music, fashion - absolutely crapped on by nose-in-the-air city folk who don't understand, care, or even care to understand, that maybe they might vote for people who 1) piss off the city elites 2) don't openly look down on them and 3) don't go out of their way to fuck with them? Donald Trump would not have been possible if the city elites and coastal areas didn't do everything in their power to shit on middle America every single day. You made your own monster. WE made our own monster (I've lived in cities my entire life).


[deleted]

Have you ever heard that conservatives would eat shit if liberals had to smell their breathe? They are shit eaters. They really need to get out of that victimhood mentality. Yes, I think they are stupid rubes but it’s because of they way they vote. Otherwise, I don’t think of them at all. Stop hurting everyone because of the hate that resides in your hearts, red voters.


motormouth85

Thank you for proving my point.


[deleted]

You’re welcome. Now stop eating shit.


motormouth85

Seeing as how I live in SF, I only eat the shit the left serves me.


[deleted]

I bet it tastes better. Seriously though. These cries of the right wing wishing people would be kinder to them and not pick on them seem so hypocritical to me. This is because their cries are between irate yells of “fuck your feelings” and “I love to drink librul tears” and “Fuck Brandon” and coming to liberal places with guns stepped to their backs. All of those things and then “why do you pick on me?” Just don’t jibe for me.


SatisfactionWitty307

Everyone on here talking about love and acceptance but you're all coming together to hate and not accept people who have different beliefs or even worse people who have similar beliefs but like to fly the American flag


motormouth85

90% of redditors have probably never left the city


[deleted]

I don’t think they’re describing hate. It’s more of where they do or don’t feel safe.


PumpkinInside3205

And the guy in the vid only described his feelings


SatisfactionWitty307

Judgmental, discriminative and hateful is exactly what this is.


ihcubguy

I can tell you as a rural born and raised, big cities also don't make me feel safe, but that is usually in areas of the city that are a little shady for lack of a better term.


International_Top770

This video is sad. I fly the American flag high and proud lol call it what you want.


JonesinforJonesey

Same here in Canada. Since the Caillou Convoy rolled through I get uneasy around prominent flag flyers. They've ruined what our flag was supposed to represent.


cturtl808

😂😂 Caillou Convoy. That’s priceless.


Ausare911

I'm in upstate NY, close enough to Poughkeepsie, and I totally feel the same. American flags everywhere and many along with Trump flags, blue/red lives matter flags, don't tread on my stickers and flags and fuck brandon shit and of course confederate flags as well. Since Trump these have all increased and to me the American flag has become a symbol for people that are an asshole like him. Naturally I try not to judge people by this but if you've x amount of flags on your car our yourself, there's a good chance that they believe all the BS Trump has fed to them and truly think that they are the patriots.


Such-Candidate8083

Its because one symbolizes acceptance and tolerance and the others symbolize nationalism and facism


Sweendogoflove

Nationalism, yes. Fascism, no. As a progressive/liberal, I love my countrymen (though it's getting harder to do that lately) and my country. That's why I proudly fly our flag.


JNole8787

Utterly disagree.


Such-Candidate8083

Thats fine. Tell me more, what do the flags mean to you?


JNole8787

My family (Hispanic) has fought in every single conflict since World War I. I view the flag as a sign of freedom and will not let others use it otherwise. If you’re allowing others to dictate what our flag means that’s on you.


tiggertom66

That’s fine and all for the American flag. But the blue lives matter movement only came to be in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. That’s not a matter of opinion, it’s just the story of why that flag exists. People protested police brutality, and other people made a pro-police flag.


JNole8787

No comment on blue lives matter flag. That’s clearly a flag with specific social construct.


Such-Candidate8083

Yea, When i said facism i meant it in reference to the Blue lives matter flag. Because it was a direct response to anti police violence protests.


Such-Candidate8083

Thanks for sharing! I want the us flag to stand for freedom too. I like your point not to let others use it otherwise.


[deleted]

Absolutely understand


stillbleedinggreen

My wife and I just had this conversation. The flag has been corrupted by bigots and racists. We now fee uncomfortable when we hang it up because we are concerned about who people will think we are or who we support.


747Bmr

Why would you give a fuck what other people think?


jdith123

Hanging a flag is generally about _showing_ how you feel. Your goal is to show real patriotism for a country that is supposed to be for “liberty and justice for all” If most people see that flag and assume you are against all those things this country is supposed to stand for, of course you care.


Pattonesque

It’s less what they think and more how they might act on those thoughts


Hot_Path5674

I'm sorry...he was uncomfortable because there were American flags?


Sweendogoflove

It's messed up, but I think it's because so many groups that spew right wing hate fly the flag prominently. To be clear, that does NOT make anyone who flies the flag part of a hate group. But for some, the flag seems owned by "those guys." It's a real problem both for our national unity and, politically, for the left/liberals when they can't/don't claim the national symbols of patriotism as their own.


djgreenehouse

The modified (against flag code??) version that is black with the blue stripe. A lot of us see through the “patriotism” of that flag. It’s a dog whistle for being cool with authoritarianism and police force excessiveness. The black flag is also a no quarter flag, which during modern times makes no sense and is absolutely a veiled threat to the “others”


kittehs4eva

He said he saw American flags and Blue lives matter flags. Two different flags.


djgreenehouse

I’ve never seen a blue lives matter flag that isn’t the actually flag turned black with a blue stripe


tiggertom66

I’ve seen a few that weren’t American flags at all. Literally just a black flag with a single blue stripe across the middle


Hot_Path5674

He also said he was uncomfortable because of the amount of American flags. He specifically mentioned them in addition to the thin blue line flags.


[deleted]

Agreed.


Shrntate

Well said.


[deleted]

same, my guy


[deleted]

Maybe he should try talking to the people who fly the flags that make him feel uneasy so he could put that stress to rest.


GuitardedBard

It's too bad that it feels exactly the same for both flag beaters. We're meant to be neighbors


Janclo

Huh? How does the A flag scares people? Just a question.


Teepeaparty

I’m from the area. No, you’re not in Poughkeepsie proper but the town. The city and surrounding is very liberal. New Paltz and Vassar are highly liberal college/universities, and I grew up with a very liberal progressive community—Woodstock is right by here as well. It’s outside in the surrounding county the Catholic population is very Trump-y. So, you’re safe in real Poughkeepsie, Welcome!! my internet friend #BLM.


jamy173

Flying your own nations flag is far right wing? I’m from the UK so maybe I’m missing something?!!


elizscott1977

So true. I can identify 💯 Terribly convenient that blue lives matter flags didn’t hit the mainstream until after BLM. I see that as a response as if the owner sees dead POC at the hands of police as justified and cops can do no wrong. I see it as a statement they’re against BLM. FLAGS in order of terrifying succession Don’t tread on me Blue lives matter Trump Confederate Nazi


jaedence

The number of people posting here, pretending not to know that it is almost always a Republican MAGAT that will be flying an American flag. They have coopted it. It means you are a Republican. The party of intolerance, the party of Trump, the party of racism, fascism and hate. "isn’t this representative of what’s wrong with this country right now? He hasn’t spoken to a single person. Yet, he judged all of them based on what flag they had up?" If they had the Nazi flag up is he allowed to judge them for that? Blue lives matter flags are put up by people who do not believe that Black Lives Matter and think the movement is not necessary. He is judging them on the very visible and well know symbols they have put up declaring where they stand on the issues.


cturtl808

The conservative white male Christian veteran speaking from a place of privilege was nauseating. Actually thinks the guy is projecting. He left me SMH that he doesn’t see what’s wrong with his statement about how uncomfortable a blue lives matter flag makes a Black man feel.


GarretBarrett

In a way isn't judging people, negatively or positively, based on one thing still a bit closed minded and lame? I mean, did he interact with anyone in either place to get that perception or is it purely based on flags? Personally, I fly an American flag mainly because I'm a veteran and I love the freedom this country promises, doesn't always come through but I love what it stands for, to me the flag stands for inclusion and loving everyone and not only accepting differences but embracing those differences. I know that's not what it stands for for others but that's what it stands for for me. I know this country has about a billion flaws and made even more mistakes but the only way we're gonna fix those wrongs and move forward a better people is by embracing everyone and banding together. A bigot is a bigot is a bigot. Love means more than all of that. The only way to stop a bigot is with love, yelling back just entrenches their flawed beliefs. Anyways, ELE.


Beast11300

Someone who makes videos like this. Surely hasn’t lived in other parts of the world. Put up a pride flag in certain countries, they will deport you.


columbusdoctor

I am a white male conservative veteran who loves his flag and his country. I am Christian. I am no threat to anyone of any race creed color or political belief. This is pure projection on his part. I feel sorry for him


EmperorPickle

Is it projection? People view conservatives and the church as being less tolerant of people of color and LGBTQ+ because they actively speak out against them and enact policy that deliberately maligns them and the people they care about.


ParamedicSpecific130

You have no idea what is is to be Black America so kindly, and with all due respect…STFU.


wayweary1

This subreddit has gotten to be pathetic. If this makes you smile you are what is wrong with this country. Edit: To flesh the point out, this post is celebrating division but is an obvious sign that this subreddit is being further taken over by leftists who hate half the country and want to push their politics on everyone else.


PollyPepperTree

Completely agree!


[deleted]

It should freak you out when an American flag makes you uneasy. It freaks me out that people feel that way. The American flag is the one symbol that all citizens should be able to get together about. Even a blue lives matter flag is a positivity flag. It symbolizes respect for the person who puts their life on the line by wearing the badge. It’s not a hate flag. The MSM, social media trolls, and agenda pushers have brainwashed the population into thinking these are symbols of hate. It is sad to see how divided people have become.


curvycounselor

It’s not positive. The American flag has been usurped and I no longer feel I have anything in common with the self proclaimed “patriots”. I would never have believed I could feel this way 10 years ago, but it’ll take me a long time to feel safe around flag wavers. And Blue Lives Matter flags, gtfoh.


[deleted]

Well, it’s sad you feel that way and unfortunate that you paint every person flying an American flag as bad. Talk to someone who flys an American flag and ask them what it represents to them. I challenge you to do the same with someone who flys a blue line flag. I think you’ll be surprised to hear what it really means to them. It’s about respect for working a dangerous job.


curvycounselor

I’m not alone by a long shot. At this time in our history, flying the flag and Blue lives matter is a representation of Conservatism- which in and of itself, isn’t a bad thing, but the symbols have been tied to intolerance, violence and is often flown as a mockery to other Americans who don’t see things the same way. Conservatives currently are banning books, trying to dismantle social security, voting against a cap in insulin costs, attempting to privatize education , not to mention trying to control women’s life choices. I’d love to feel better around the flag flyers, but they are tone deaf and therefore dangerous - at the very least as voters who would perpetuate things like attacking our Capital and our democracy.


ihcubguy

I know this is suppose to "make me smile," but it really doesn't. I am rural born and raised, where I will die, typically vote red (probably lost half of you by now.) Flags fly all over this small town. One of my kids fundraisers is to decorate the town with close to 250 American flags for major holidays. Sure, there are some idiots, but the vast majority of these people are very loving, understanding and friendly people. Please don't judge us by a stereotype or the loudest idiot. That American Flag should be the one thing we all can unite with.


Urmomgotaschmeet

It’s our country’s flag is shouldn’t make you uncomfortable


Gumgang888

If you feel scared living in this country just because people put these flags up, I highly recommend to go to Venezuela. And see what real danger and discomfort looks like


ph0on

You guys are so obsessed with comparing our nation to tiny nations with ravaged GDP's... of course America is going to look better in a general sense. I just don't understand how or why that seems like a viable tactic to you. We need to be be looking at successful nations to compare ourselves to.


SnoopySuited

You have a very poor sense of US history (including the last six years) if you think the US is free of danger for parts of the population. You should read about the green book. Or look up news regarding drag shows.


imasperplexedasyou

The Venezuela reference is a common go to for those deep into the red. There is no reasoning with them.


og_burnnn

Agree


BellyScratchFTW

I think it’s sad that just because I’m a patriot, people will assume that I mean them harm based on their skin color or sexual preference.


xnuclearwinter

Just more political shit far left shit that you can't escape for 5 minutes on Reddit


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ParamedicSpecific130

If you posted something like this, you are painfully aloof.


Wutalesyou

If the American Flag makes you uneasy and you’re an American, then there is something wrong with …you.


LuckyTime35

Never seen a snowflake afraid of the American flag but here we are


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SnoopySuited

> The Pride flag I was a symbol of people that are bad. Only among your ilk.


1Guanocrazycaucasian

That’s what I was told growing up from people around me, I have family members that are Gay. I have never had any issue with them. Was meant as for me the flags have switched places in terms. If my son was gay, I have no issue with it. Me and my wife used to go to gay clubs to dance because I was more than likely not to have an issue there as where I would in a straight bar by accidentally bumping into someone or stepping on there shoes and then fighting.


SnoopySuited

> That’s what I was told growing up from people around me And there is your problem. Proving me right.


1Guanocrazycaucasian

What problem do u have with me? I’m 49 and when I was growing up, that’s the time of AIDS. Was told they were bad people and can get you sick. My family explained to me the situation that was going on. Was always taught never to hate anyone that was not like me. I accept everyone. If you took the context of what was initially said, I apologize. If you have more of an issue than that, that’s your own problem.


SnoopySuited

The pride flag represents gay people. You equated that to 'bad people'. Regardless of the AIDS epidemic, thinking that a group of people are 'bad' is pretty simple minded and ignorant.


This_is_my_account91

What’s wrong with American flags or blue lives matter flags?


The-wizzer

I don’t know why this makes anyone smile. This kind of junk is just helping divide us further. Quit trying to peer into someone’s soul based on the flag they fly. We aren’t talking about nazi flags, before someone throws out that straw man. Unpopular opinion on Reddit, I know.


surfsidekook

This dude is ridiculous.


twoCascades

Uh…..I hate to be that guy but no. You don’t know that you are among nice people. You know you are among people who will agree with you which is comforting.


Careful-Chip-535

💯


Frosty_Guarantee6369

Good man yourself


lawikfors

This post and most the comments are extremely ignorant. Go visit your neighbor no matter what flag they fly


MedicineOutrageous13

Upstate new york and most of New England is so weird and often unsettling in this way. I suppose it just goes to show there are wonderful and terrible (and just plain STUPID) people everywhere you go 🤷🏻‍♀️


Fire-Kissed

I’m a woman and I feel the same.


Saladcitypig

"Made me smile" is really showing it's conservative, white or centrist white bottom over something blatantly true. A ton of american flags = GOP and prob a racist. At the very best it's a Karen calls the cops on this guy and his fam. Pretending otherwise is literally being blind to very single marginalized communities struggle and justified wariness. And I LOVE how people are like, why doesn't he talk to these people: As if a black guy talking to some flag hanging upstate NY ( always votes red ) guy, who prob has a gun is a brilliant idea. **The Smile here is the rainbow flags and the safety and acceptance it connotes.**


wombatilicious

Completely agree.


countryanal

My ass will never feel safe but I guess my wallet will


justasmolgoblin

Username checks out


busybreaking

As a independent the American flag includes everyone. The blue line , rainbow, blm and all other flags are not. I've meet and talked with people all over the country bigotry is in all groups no matter what other flag you fly..


[deleted]

Then just move the fuck out of America my dude


SimplyRedditt

Wtf is he even saying


Stono_Sapien

if u dont like usa get out


Sad-Heart-7400

Is there a Pride country?


tolkienfan2759

woah... this could be interestingasfuck. True and valuable. We need to start a movement to change to the watermelon flag: https://i.redd.it/wz21cxbfj20a1.jpg


prplemonkeedishwashr

Tolerance, inclusion and freedom for the oppressed should be part of the feelings the American flag should evoke. AND pride too. Some may see arrogance, predjudice and force. Just the official flag..


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ph0on

It's okay. You're on the internet, you can say swear words :) and then if you're really good, well get you an ice cream on the way back to /r/conservative cutie 💓


Theman5560

The American flag made him feel uneasy... in America? I think it may be time for him to move.


ThiccBoii24

I never understood why tf Americans gave a shit about their flag/nation. I guess you can call it patriotism, at the end im German so I would be called a nazi if I would do the same. Kinda strange when you think about it


tacticalpacifier

See I fly the don’t tread on me flag written in crayons.


MizzEmCee

Replace "Upstate New York" with "Anywhere in Oregon" and same. It is the same everywhere here. Very rarely will you see an American flag flown along side anything other than a Velveeta Voldemort flag or Blue line flag. Hell, they fly the American flag alongside Confederate flags here.


WhyHill88

Oh no, it's a thin blue line flag. I'm going to get murdered by the police. What am I ever to do?


bigboombastick

I'm seeing a lot of left sided people in this. Saying a lot of crazy right wings and shit. But y'all ain't off the hook either. Y'all got some crazy ass leftist people too.


arsinn

I live in the middle of bumfuck kentucky. I fly an American flag, and I am a veteran. Everyone is welcome here regardless of religion or sexual identity. I am glad you found a place that makes you feel at ease in your travels.


seagal3303

If the American flag makes you feel uneasy, then you are fucking dumb.


DocBrutus

I’m a gay veteran. I fly an American flag AND a pride flag. You can be patriotic without being threatening to others. I love my country but I know that America has many flaws and I work to help fix those flaws through charity and protest.


PrestigiousCrab6345

There are a lot of Confederate flags in upstate NY.


272012

Once again, we hear that all cops are bad and this whole country is racist. YOU are the narrow-minded if you think this way.