General Discussion

I do at times identify as American.
Also United States-er. Or USA'r.

It's complicated. As I pointed out in post #41 -
as a young middle teen (14 - 15) here in NYC, and becoming an Anti-Vietnam War protester the hard hats with American flags on them Construction Workers were very vehement in their practically hatred for those against the War. Some protesters were beaten up, I think by them. It would really make The News at times on TV, in print. It left an impression on me - as said by another poster of The Right appropriating the flag.

I also began to feel uncomfortable with it as a designation as a tween; understanding more of what African-Americans history was, and current conditions at time were... We as Americans had not (still not) granted full first class citizenship to Black Americans (and others but their history being the most agregious).

At that point I hadn't even quite grasped more completely the state of women in America. (Soon though...)

I bought from I don't remember where a US Flag with 48 stars. I remember hanging it upside down (the sign of distress) I think a day or so after it happened, or on the 5th Anniversary of Sen RFK's assassination. Hardly anyone one would have noticed though bc of where our apt building was situated.

I more quickly define myself as a NYC'r, an artist, a liberal (Democrat), a woman, and Greek-American, and Ukrainian-American. Both my mom (Greek-American), and my dad (Ukrainian-American) were First Generation so we have strong connections to certain traditions from those countries.

I am a born, and bred NYC'r. And from Sept 1980 through Late August 1981 I worked on the 73rd floor NE corner office of Sourh Tower #2. God, what an amazing, gorgeous view we had! I made fun of those buildings as they were being built bc of picking up distain from the Architectural Students at my Art, Architecture, Engineering & Science College back then. But I fell in love with them while working there.

So after 9-11 which deeply shook me... I still couldn't wear a flag pin.
My solution was making a long, fancy Lanyard in Red, White & Blue that I hung off my purse, or tote bag.

And I did take, and wave the little American Flag we were given at both of Obama's Inaugurations. (Bill Clinton's first Inauguration was my first one, though not my first visit to 🧡 DC. )