Debunking Anti-Americana
Americana by definition is artifacts, or a collection of artifacts that relate to the history and folklore of the United States. Examples of Americana are the Statue of Liberty, posters of Uncle Sam "I Want You!", and of course- the American Flag. LuLaRoe has released their Americana collection, and several people have complained about one particular pattern not being Americana at all, but rather, representative of the Liberian flag. The flag of the United States of America as we know it in modern day is red, white, and blue. It consists of 50 white stars on a blue background- representative of the 50 states in the Union. There are alternating red and white stripes- 13 of them, to be exact. Those represent the 13 original colonies. Many revisions to the flag have occurred historically- with this version being in place since August 21, 1959 This past week, LuLaRoe released their Americana collection, and one particular design is getting a bit of negative feedback. Pictured below is a pattern showing a flag design with one star, and five stripes. Critics have called it anti-American, and some have accused it of being the flag of Liberia.
As you see above, the pattern shows red, white, and blue. One white star on a blue background, and 5 alternating red and white stripes. Below is a photo of the flag of Liberia.
The Liberian flag has one white star on a blue background, and eleven alternating red and white stripes. Not at all what is pictured on the leggings above. After seeing many people upset over this print, I thought it would be important to look for other items with the same pattern as shown on the LuLaRoe leggings above. So what is the flag on the leggings? Nothing more than artistic interpretation of the American Flag. I've included some other examples of American flag items with a single star on them.
Really, the only issue here is a matter of personal taste. Do you find it to be appropriate? Then buy it. If not, then don't. Some people are much more sensitive to how patriotic symbols should be displayed and presented, and others have a more open understanding. It really boils down to personal preference. Me? I don't find it to be offensive. I'd much prefer the colors stay true. Our own flag has changed so many times over the years. The only constant has been the colors. So, you decide for yourself if you like them, but I can assure you that this interpretation does not represent the Liberian flag.
Let's also not confuse them with the flags of Puerto Rico, or the Texas state flag.
