Well, at least he's patriotic. . . I suppose. Or is he?

[gsdx]

I've been browsing through that People of Walmart website and I came across this guy. If I were American, would I be wrong if I felt both offended and ashamed at what has been done to the flag?

 

[Jerry]

I don't like it, but that's a part of what this country is I guess, people can do as they like.

 

[onetwothreefour]

it's ugly, it's tacky, it's . . . (sigh) American

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

Americans seem to think the US flag is a weapon of some kind. They also think it's just a decoration theme. Seeing women walk about in Stars and Stripes bikinis or men in Boxer Shorts... it's kinda odd. That guy probably thinks that image gives the image of a strong, no-excuses, take no prisoners USA.

YEah, it's lame but that's pretty much it.

 

[Mstrshake]

Probably just some monster truck enthusiast trying to be badass.

 

[gsdx]

If my guess is correct, he's a biker, which already carries that "fuck you" sort of attitude. So i'm not surprised - or offended - by this. Cheap symbolism is still symbolism.

I'm more drawn to the tats on his head and neck than i am to the shirt, to be frank.

I'm not used to seeing that sort of symbolism up here. I remember a discussion in another thread where people were offended by a naked guy tactfully draped in a Canadian flag. That surprised me since I've seen worse things done to a flag.

But the 'finger'? I've never seen anything like that before and I didn't know how I should react to it.

Oh, and I didn't pay any attention to his head tats when I first saw the photo. I knew they were there, but not really what they were. I just looked at them more carefully. Interesting to see the skull mimicking the gesture on his jacket.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

The difference being "Canadians are Peace Keepers, Americans are War Bringers."

 

[irish1]

If my guess is correct, he's a biker, which already carries that "fuck you" sort of attitude. So i'm not surprised - or offended - by this. Cheap symbolism is still symbolism.

I have seen artists use the U.S. flag in paintings; if it is not represented in an 'acceptable" way (read "traditional"), then it is "un-American", or "defamation" of an American symbol.

I agree, cheap symbolism is still symbolism.

I think this is a case of "look at me--I am a bad ass".

Problem is, I am looking at him like he's a jerk, but it is still his right to wear, and say, what he likes.

 

[Corny]

He is part of the "FUCK YEAH" movement introduced by Team America.

 

[gsdx]

But you guys can continue 'Canada is better than America' shtick.

I beg your pardon? All I asked is, if I were American, should be offended or ashamed about the use of your flag. Where in there did you read that I think I'm better than you?

 

[onetwothreefour]

Three posts for an America bash! Congrats!

*ahem*

If my guess is correct, he's a biker, which already carries that "fuck you" sort of attitude. So i'm not surprised - or offended - by this. Cheap symbolism is still symbolism.

I'm more drawn to the tats on his head and neck than i am to the shirt, to be frank.

it's not bash america, it's an endearing resignation of american kitsch, i wouldn't have it any other way

 

[Lefty]

He wasn't referring to you gsdx. his reference was to that America basher of an expat Canadian posing as a SOCAL porno pro (wonder if his marriage licsence came with a green card or citizenship certificate lol) who some are ready to see deported to his homeland...just opinion there, not defamation of character.

Re the fellow in the jean jacket, he was a k-mart shopper doing an upgrade stroll at wal-mart and even they are entitled to their opinion...i mean, America goes to war about such things as someone pointed out in an above post.

The symbolism is in poor taste but does not desacrate the star and stripes jmho

 

[frankfrank]

Please don't stereotype bikers. All bikers are not that way at all. We are actually a very charitable bunch.

Agreed...I've surely been around more bikers than most people have. I've never had issues getting along with bikers, I've seen strong loyalties and sense of fairness to be the rule. Bikers tend to be rather intense people, which follows from being very active, often having a stronger bond with nature and the outdoors, etc. Bikers who I've met have tended to be "straight-shooters" and, if they say something to you, it's unlikely they're deceiving, or playing mind-games with you.

My younger brother is a biker and I've met a goodly number of his friends...but, also, a few years ago I spent a day in Sturgis while it was bulking-up for the main events that coming weekend. There was a great vibe all around, and the bikers coming in were friendly and easy to hang with. The Sturgis (South Dakota) rally is one of the largest annual parties on Earth, yet I never hear about widespread vandalism, violence, etc. at these rallies. If the hundreds of thousands of bikers who crowd into Sturgis (and Daytona) every year were causing problems, they wouldn't be welcomed back.

And I don't see any exceptions to all of this in JUB, either.

Treat a biker with respect, and you'll probably get the same in return.