Help me fly a flag - US, post-election

November 9, 2016 2:20 AM

I'm looking for a flag that represents solidarity and a commitment to progressive ideals, justice and protection for all, including minorities. The opposite of what the Gadsden flag has come to represent.

I have been following the election threads as a lurker. I've had a migraine all night and just woke up to confirm the election results. (A possible caveat, then, that I'm not the best at words right now.) I am looking for a flag I can fly on my house that, if possible, represents my values. I am a liberal, a progressive, and I need to be more involved in my community. That's what I got from the latest election thread - stand up and get involved. I don't know necessarily what that will look like, but it's a commitment I am making.
I know buying a flag is wholly not equivalent to the actual effort and work of community involvement; nevertheless, I would like a visual symbol and reminder.

I would like a flag that represents the shared values of solidarity, peace and justice. Should I just fly my city flag (yay, Madison!) The American flag? Please share recommendations for a flag that could represent a bit of hope in this scary, fearful country.

posted by queseyo to Society & Culture (16 answers total)

You could fly the United Nations flag, the rainbow flag, or the Human Rights flag.
posted by colfax at 3:08 AM on November 9, 2016

The Human Rights Commission has been shitty on trans rights so I would stay away from their flag.
posted by en forme de poire at 3:10 AM on November 9, 2016

Why not fly the American flag? My flag was flying long before this election and it will keep flying until this mistake is corrected and long after.
posted by fixedgear at 3:47 AM on November 9, 2016

I agree that now it is more important than ever to fly the American flag.
posted by pintapicasso at 4:05 AM on November 9, 2016

How about the American flag and the rainbow flag/UN flag/etc. ?
posted by Guess What at 4:38 AM on November 9, 2016

An Antifa flag is undeniably appropriate, but use discretion.
posted by Jessica Savitch's Coke Spoon at 4:38 AM on November 9, 2016

I've spent part of the night making a "Love not Fear" banner to hang outside the house. It felt like the most appropriate thing.
posted by third word on a random page at 4:42 AM on November 9, 2016

I fly a red flag outside my front door to display my support for all parts of our society, especially the laborers. I got it here, with the Canada Red color.

I also have a rainbow flag.
posted by JimBJ9 at 5:36 AM on November 9, 2016

My peace and justice oriented landlady just flies the earth flag. There are some other options on that page which are also pleasant and good choices.
posted by jessamyn at 5:53 AM on November 9, 2016

Solid red.
posted by pompomtom at 5:58 AM on November 9, 2016

You could fly the American flag upside down, "as a a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property."
posted by Carol Anne at 8:02 AM on November 9, 2016

Seconding the Earth flag.
posted by Fig at 9:43 AM on November 9, 2016

I fly both an American and a rainbow flag. It feels pretty decent.
posted by SeedStitch at 10:34 AM on November 9, 2016

We fly the pride flag every day.
posted by _Mona_ at 4:39 PM on November 9, 2016

Somebody had "reclaimed" the Gadsden flag and was waving it with a Pride flag at the anti-Trump rally last night in Chicago and I found it incredibly moving.

(especially as a kid who was a history nerd who absolutely loved the Gadsden flag and hate what it has represented lately)
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:13 AM on November 10, 2016

It may be simplistic, but how 'bout a heart? A simple heart and Love is the opposite of bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia, and all the crappy hateful stuff. There are heart/rainbow combinations, heart/globe, heart/peace, or I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to put together a heart composite of various progressive symbols.
posted by raztaj at 9:19 AM on November 10, 2016