I recently created a wiki on social issues in art education, feel free to check it out and add to it.
http://artedcafe.pbwiki.com
eLecture: The American Dream and the Evolution of the American Flag
The Flag Code, which formalizes and unifies the traditional ways in which we give respect to the flag, also contains specific instructions on how the flag is not to be used.
GOVERNMENT AND OFFICIAL WEB SITES ON FLAG ETIQUETTE AND CODE
US Government Website on Flag Code as Declared by the Supreme Court
AMERICAN FLAGS USED IN ART AND DESIGN TODAY
1. “American Flag” by John Stango
“A self-described “pirate pop artist,” John Stango's work hits you over the head with its bold colors and ubiquitous icons. Sports and cinema figures populate his best-known canvasses, invoking the artist’s childhood heroes Andy Warhol and Peter Max. Stango quips, ‘Good artists borrow—great artists steal.’ But the signature passion is all his.” (www.stango.com)
2. “Support our Troops Sexy Adult Costume: Those stars and stripes never looked so good”
“Do you have a passion for patriotism? The Support Our Troops costume will captivate him with pin-up girl polish. It includes an American flag-inspired mini-dress – featuring a ruffled trim neckline, attached yellow ribbons and a red layered ruffle skirt. Yellow hair ribbon and coordinating garter are also included to complete this seductive style. Pair with Uncle Sam and experience a star spangled evening!” (http://www.buycostumes.com)
3. Immigration Reform Photograph on about.com
“More than 1 million mostly Hispanic immigrants and their supporters skipped work and took to the streets Monday, flexing their economic muscle in a nationwide boycott that succeeded in slowing or shutting many farms, factories, markets and restaurants.” (http://www.msnbc.msn.com)
This photograph of a young girl at a rally during the “Day Without Immigrants” shows the hope that America has brought immigrants since its founding.
4. “Americana Kaleidescope Quilt”
Americana refers to artifacts of the culture of the United States, the history and folklore resultant from its westward expansion. Examples of this culture include baseball, apple pie, Superman, wagon trains, NASCAR, jazz, quilts and American folk art. The American folk art quilts began in Colonial America. From 1775-1789, the War of Independence severely limited availability of imported fabrics. Quilts with patriotic themes were popular, depicting battles, heroes, memorials, and symbols of the revolution.
5. “Weapons for Liberty” Postcard 1914-1918
This postcard is an illustration of the statue of liberty, dressed in an American flag, holding a shield and reaching out for a sword, which is held by a boy scout. The text reads: 1. "USA Bonds"; 2. "Third Liberty Loan Campaign Boy Scouts of America"; and 3. "Weapons for Liberty".
6. “Indivisible” by Jason Hahn, 2006
"Indivisible", featuring a bald eagle on an American flag backdrop, was created as the cover for a "Community Card" project for the communities of Land O’ Lakes and Lutz, Florida to send their sincere thanks to the men and women of the Armed Forces serving overseas. A portion of the proceeds from sales of these card sets benefit the National Military Family Association’s "Military Family Fund".
http://www.jasonhahn.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/thumb_bald_eagle_flag_small~0.jpg
7.
A political cartoon addressing issues of immigration.
8. “Inequality and the American Dream” Economist June 2006
“A meritocracy only works if it seen to be fair. The US system increasingly fails that test, as this week's Economist cover story on inequality and the American dream explains. It was this quote from the leader of Inequality and the America Dream, which put it most succinctly: ‘Inequality is not inherently wrong - as long as three conditions are met: first, society as a whole gets richer; second, there is a safety net for the very poor; and third, everybody, regardless of class, race, creed or sex, has an opportunity to climb up through the system.’” (http://neweconomist.blogs.com)
9. A large American flag with names of family and friends who are in Iraq and messages of hope for them.
“One of the more touching parts of the support-the troops ‘You Dont Speak for me, Cindy’ rally in Crawford Texas: Large American flag had the names of family members and friends in Iraq and messages of hope and inspiration for them.” (http://freedomstruth.blogspot.com)
10. Untitled
This image was found on an anti-war and anti-consumerism website. The image is untitled and is not listed with any caption or listed with a creator. (http://web.peacelink.it/boycott/)
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Should the US government amend the Constitution to make flag desecration a crime?
2. Is it okay for artists to use the flag in whatever way they like?
3. What is the symbolic value of the American flag?
4. The American flag has been used by all political parties in order to make every possible political statement, what is your reaction to this?
5. Where have you scene the American flag used in creative ways? What has your reaction been to them? Do you like how you’ve seen it used? Do you dislike how you’ve seen it used?
6. What are each of the artists trying to say? Do you think it’s okay to use the flag in this way?
7. Is the freedom to use the American flag as one wishes connected to issues of freedom of speech?
LESSON IDEAS
The works of “art” reflect the artists’ personal efforts to portray their own opinions of America and the value of the American flag. It is important to make sure all students feel comfortable regardless of their own opinions and family beliefs. Discussions should be closely monitored to assure equal opportunities to voice opinions and to maintain a safe space to speak.
1. Have students observe and analyze the works of “art.” Have them create computer generated art using the American flag that expresses their feelings of America and the American dream. After, pair up students with different opinions and have them write a short essay on their fellow students work of art.
2. Have students take different sides of debate of government regulation of the use of the American flag and have them discuss it using the images provided and after researching these issues further.
3. Show the students the evolution of the American flag but the flag has not changed since 1959, have the students design the 2007 American Flag.
