“Our unity is sometimes only held together by literal threads.”

Flags are something that can bring vastly different groups of people together under one cause. However some flags aren’t as inclusive as others. Many national flags feature religious symbols on them whether overtly or subtly.

As a designer, I find it fascinating to think that a simple visual symbol such as a flag can incite so much emotion that it warrants being outlawed by a government. Especially in today’s world where we can create the most complex graphics in human history, how can a few colors sewn on a cloth still be the most dangerous visual force we can create?

Let’s face it, most US state flags are ugly. More than half of US state flags feature a blank field (majority blue) with some sort of detailed state seal in the center. In fact, 38 of the 50, over 75%, break RULE NUMBER ONE* in flag design:

DO NOT PUT WORDS ON A FLAG

It’s a piece of cloth. Usually dyed, sometimes sewn, and it’s life is solely dependent on the wind. How can something so lifeless be racist?