Lapel-Pin Patriotism

I was hoping to tease out a connection between this lapel pin idiocy and what I was saying about patriotism the other day. Honestly, though, I can't come up with anything. This business so clearly has nothing to do with any genuinely felt emotions about the country that I have no idea what to say. Matthew Duss breaks out some of the relevant Kundera-on-kitsch material:

Kitsch causes two tears to flow in quick succession. The first tear says: How nice to see children running on the grass. The second tear says: How nice to be moved, together with all mankind, by children running on the grass! The second tear makes kitsch kitsch.

In some ways, though, this even gives it all too much credence and sells short the level of sheer cynicism and stupidity running through the idea of having a controversy on this subject.

Comments

nationalism as fetishism.

Posted by Ben Cronin | October 5, 2007 10:09 PM

There is no connection. I tried with a fine-tooth-comb. Wait! The connection is: The kind of Knicks fans who believe that Michael Jordan is a lousy basketball player [the blind, crazy patriots] are the exact people who feel the compulsion to festoon themselves with flags, because they don't know where to put all that identity furor. They have ISSUES, like that homeless woman at the bus stop who punches people in the stomach without warning.

Posted by Phoebe | October 5, 2007 10:21 PM

My tears flow when I realize the human species has screwed up for several score thousand years - and is still doing so.

But they dry up when I realize the human race won't make it to the end of this century. One way or the other, it's over in this century.

Last time I cried at a movie was the incredibly important scene in "V for Vendetta" when Evey loses her fear. In fact, I always cry during that scene. It's the climax of the movie - the rest is clean up.

That was THE most important movie ever made, because it directly exposed the basic nature of the state - and ALSO, incredibly, went beyond that and explicitly described the primary cause of the state - human fear - AND THEN went beyond even THAT to prescribe the primary Transhumanist solution: drop your fear (to the degree you can, fear being hardwired in the human brain.)

Absolutely amazing.

And most people think it's a movie about a comic book.

Posted by Richard Steven Hack | October 5, 2007 10:24 PM

Damned if Survey USA hasn’t already done a poll of Ohioans (who usually pretty closely reflect overall American opinion) on this burning issue. Short version: 22% of them think that not wearing a flag pin makes you less patriotic. In short, we have reassuring confirmation that only 22% of the American people have lost their minds. Which makes it an even more staggering commentary on the nature of modern American political reporting that our reporters have decided to try and turn this into an important controversy.

Obama has obviously decided to try basing his campaign on the assumption that American voters are grownups. This may not be wise; an awful lot of past candidates have come to grief on that assumption -- but it’s always an interesting experiment.

Posted by Bruce Moomaw | October 5, 2007 10:30 PM

Great. The flair primary.

We're sooooo screwed.

Posted by Davis X. Machina | October 5, 2007 10:42 PM

American flags. I have a favorite--the Japanese or German car decked out in OldGlory. If buying a Lexus or Bimmer is the right decision for you, OK. Just don't try to con me on your choice being patriotic. But they're out there in their millions.

A friend has a digital camera record of the most tattered and filthy magnetic ribbons 'supporting the troops'.

American flags. Support our troops. Cheapest way possible to feel good. Worth what you pay for it.

Posted by JohnMcC | October 5, 2007 11:05 PM

What I really liked was people at the corner and volokh saying that this was an increadibly dumb "strategy" on Obama's part, that he was going to get crucified. In their minds this was some big mistake: "you got to wear that flag pin or you will offend the voters." I take it as good news that those guys are so out of touch with the average american. it confirms my opinion of them.

Posted by cw | October 6, 2007 12:15 AM

Who is such a fool to think that all mankind is moved by an American flag pin?

And yes, I know the answer.

Posted by Neil the Ethical Werewolf | October 6, 2007 1:07 AM

"A friend has a digital camera record of the most tattered and filthy magnetic ribbons 'supporting the troops'."

Made in China.

Posted by Reality Man | October 6, 2007 1:41 AM

I prefer the Edward Abbey definition of patriotism as "defending your country against your government."

This whole cult of Old Glory and 100% Americanism is only a little over a hundred years old, and it's a total departure from everything America stood for until then. This country was founded by a bunch of anti-authoritarian hell-raisers who basically told their government to go fuck itself. That these people were transformed, in the Little Red Schoolhouse version of American history, into authority figures, and that Americanism became identified with "Loyalty," is one of the most Orwellian inversions imaginable.

It's probably not a coincidence that the Pledge of Allegiance was devised around the time of, among other things, Homestead, the Pullman Strike, Coxey's Army, Bill Haywood's founding of the Western Federation of Miners, and Bryan's presidential run on the People's Party ticket. A bunch of folks like Rockefeller and Jay Gould decided the working folks of this country needed to get their minds right, and that right quickly.

The result, over the next twenty years or so, was the Pledge of Allegiance, St. Woodrow's War Hysteria/Red Scare, A. Mitchell Palmer, and the American Legion. Americans learned to be good Germans. Damn shame. We used to be one hell of a great people.

Posted by Kevin Carson | October 6, 2007 1:45 AM

I think that maybe this whole lapel pin issue is a little deeper than just showing patriotism. From my recollection, following September 11th, there was a groundswell of patriotic display, including wearing an American flag pin on your lapel. At the same time, there was a small and muted reaction among some people who felt that this type of display, among others, was inappropriate, or nationalistic, or something.

So, these lone voices of "dissent" were shouted down rather vociferously, and from then on, the lapel pin, and American flags, and so on, became not just a symbol of your love of country, but also a way to stick it to those people who maybe felt that we should not be proud of our country, or that we were somehow to blame, or we should be more humble or circumspect.

I think some people felt that wearing the pin was a way to show others that you did not think America was to blame for the terrorist attacks. Now, a lot of time has passed since then, and the Republicans found some ways to connect the blame-America-first crowd with the Democrats, and so on some level, there are people around today who may think that criticizing the lapel pin is criticizing America. It may be wrong or it may be kitsch or both, but I would hazard a guess that if a prominent politician was making the same speech days after September 11th, the reaction would be much different, and they would probably be considered unpatriotic for taking issue with wearing the pin.

Posted by Thomas | October 6, 2007 1:58 AM

America's 7th year in Afghanistan begins today.

Such a lucky number ought to generate some kitschy pins and knick knacks.

Posted by alphie | October 6, 2007 3:28 AM

Ron Paul is now defending Obama: http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2007/10/_ron_paul_says_obama_shouldnt_be_condemned_over_flagpin_flap.php . Speaking for myself, I can hardly wait to see the comments on this issue at the next GOP candidates' debate.

Posted by Bruce Moomaw | October 6, 2007 3:31 AM

All this reminds me of a far summer, August 1997, when I was on the French Riviera near Cannes.

I was visiting with two Swiss friends, and we were standing on the curb on the main street of this village in the late afternoon. Suddenly a small convoy of WWII military vehicles rolled by- a few jeeps and a truck; green, with white stars emblazoned on them, packed with people enthusiastically waving the Stars and Stripes. I stood there, mortified, for about ten seconds.. trying to process what I immediately took to be the most obscene exhibition of ugly Americanism ever..

When I realized they were French. Their fluency in that language, and their execrable attempts at English gave them away.

I had seen a shrine earlier that day on the beach commemorating the Americans who during Operation Torch had liberated the South of France from the Nazis. I figured that event probably explained their enthusiasm, even fifty years afterwards.

I was really glad that day, proud of my association with that flag. My flag. For all the great things it represents. Proud that so many non-Americans cherish those things as well.

Every time I hear some gauche, déclassé, vulgar and stupid thug- more often than not wearing a flag pin - malign the French, I think of that day. Makes me wish I could sign an executive order decreeing they all have freedom fries and toast repeatedly mashed in their face until they cried "oncle."

Posted by Charles | October 6, 2007 3:37 AM

Retired CIA couple (Kathleen and Bill Christison) on the phone about the Mearsheimer and Walt book & Israeli Apartheid:

Kathleen and Bill Christison on the phone with a caller named James whom Thom Hartmann cut off because he mentioned the Mearsheimer and Walt book:

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy

http://neoconzionistthreat.blogspot.com/2007/10/kathleen-and-bill-christison-on-phone.html

Posted by NOMOREWAR_FORISRAEL | October 6, 2007 3:54 AM

Simple questions to those who knock Obama's patriotism for not wearing a lapel pin....Do you feel it is possible for a non-lapel pin wearing person to be a patriot? And if so, how?

Posted by TommyB | October 6, 2007 5:15 AM

The flag "controversy" is in fact utterly stupid.

But let's be realistic. This "incident" is a very strong indicator that Obama will not be elected president in 2008.

Posted by Mr. Noah | October 6, 2007 6:39 AM

Sometimes Nationalism grows stronger when groups of people are suppressed or unjustly subjugated. My new book Lies,lies and More Lies. The Campaign to Defame Hindu nationalism (ISBN 0595435491) avaialble on amazon.com tells you the real story behind the rise of Hindu nationalism and a must read for all Americans.
Vivek

Posted by Vivek | October 6, 2007 6:57 AM

Sometimes Nationalism grows stronger when groups of people are suppressed or unjustly subjugated. My new book Lies,lies and More Lies. The Campaign to Defame Hindu nationalism (ISBN 0595435491) avaialble on amazon.com tells you the real story behind the rise of Hindu nationalism and a must read for all Americans.
Vivek

Posted by Vivek | October 6, 2007 6:58 AM

My favorite is the decal/bumper sticker: "These colors don't run."

No, but the red will turn pink after continued exposure to sunlight.

Posted by Bill | October 6, 2007 7:51 AM

Your flag decal (lapel pin) won't get you into heaven any more...

Neither should your red ribbon, purple ribbon, or whatever inane thing people wear on their lapel (or sleeve) to show THEY CARE

Judge people by their actios - Hussein Obamba votes against the troops, judge him by that, not some silly lapel flag

Hillary will be the dem nominee (fine) we're off in the ether now and Hussein Obama is playing to the left wing of the dem choir

Posted by Jozef | October 6, 2007 9:24 AM

It reminds me of the Seinfeld episode in which Kramer was absurdly hassled because he refused to wear the AIDS ribbon.

Who gives a shit about stupid symbols?

Posted by Rich | October 6, 2007 10:03 AM

This whole lapel pin brouhaha reminds me of the Glorious Loyalty Oath Campaign in Catch-22. Obama should respond by wearing two lapel pins to show he's twice as patriotic as the next guy.

Posted by Mike T | October 6, 2007 10:24 AM

I really don't understand the idea that this is fundamentally a debate about "kitsch", or about false, deluded and inauthentic sentimentality vs. "genuinely felt" emotions. It's about different ways of relating to the groups one is part of, and about different attitudes toward group solidarity, obligation and loyalty. In this case the group is a national group and the emblem in question is a flag, but it could just as well be a debate about crucifixes or stars of David. I doubt the emotions on the competing sides in the debate are any less genuine than on the other side. But they are different.

Posted by Dan Kervick | October 6, 2007 10:27 AM

One alternative to the flag in the lapel would be the boutonnière, a flower in one's lapel.

While arguably less patriotic, it would be decidedly more Republican - it goes well with Savile Row suits and such.

A book has actually been written on the topic; and here's the Amazon.com blurb:

For men whose sense of style transcends cigars and single-malts, the boutonniere represents the new epitome of luxurious masculinity. Worn by today's impeccably dressed man, the boutonniere makes a confident statement of elegance and personal flair.
This beautifully illustrated volume shows how to incorporate this ultimate style accent to the modern man's wardrobe, whether for day or night, casual or formal occasion. Specially commissioned full-color photography demonstrates the matching of colors, fabrics, and styles with a wide range of floral possibilities, from a single daisy or carnation to the orchid or lily of the valley. In addition, the book presents a fascinating history of the boutonniere and the men who have worn them, from such royals as the Duke of Windsor and Prince Charles, to Hollywood icons like Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, and Sean Connery.
From sprucing up an everyday suit to sporting the perfect boutonniere on your wedding day, this book offers the definitive word on this symbol of masculine elegance.
About the Author
Umberto Angeloni is global chairman of Brioni, one of the leading names in luxury menswear. Brioni has dressed many of the world's most recognized men, from Clark Gable and John Wayne to President Nelson Mandela, Luciano Pavarotti, and that quintessential icon of style, James Bond.

http://www.amazon.com/Boutonniere-Style-Ones-Lapel/dp/0789303884/ref=cm_lmf_tit_17_rdssss0/002-9992735-5789603

So, if you start sprouting boutonnières, you will have cleverly outmaneuvered your Republican acquaintances.

Posted by Duncan Kinder | October 6, 2007 10:33 AM

I am a patriot, and I don't need 37 pieces of flair to prove it!

Posted by Tiparillo | October 6, 2007 10:40 AM

It ought to bury the idea that there's something special about HRC for the Republican noise machine. Everybody pays.

As for crying during "V", I cried when Portman had to have her beautiful hair cut. What a real waste for such a stupid movie.

Posted by Jeffrey Davis | October 6, 2007 10:47 AM

I do have to wonder if the popularity of the movie Office Space, now embedded in our pop-cultural memory for years now, will serve to short circuit this entire kerfluffle.

Posted by Tyro | October 6, 2007 11:07 AM

Pins are just one of many "identifiers" people use to designate "like-minded folks". Certain dress, cars, Apple vs. Microsoft, cars, shows you watch designate your circle, your clique. It's clannish, and for the most part, it's good for the like-minded seeking to bond.

Being pro-Rudy and wearing a flag lapel is no different than "Gay Vegans for Obama" - people also wearing lifestyle and preferences on their sleeve.

It's good that Obama has abandoned the flag pin if it makes him uncomfortable. He should not pretend to be someone else. Rudy wears the pin because he LIKES wearing the pin.

Posted by Chris Ford | October 6, 2007 12:33 PM

"It's about different ways of relating to the groups one is part of, and about different attitudes toward group solidarity, obligation and loyalty. In this case the group is a national group and the emblem in question is a flag, but it could just as well be a debate about crucifixes or stars of David."

When like 22% of the country thinks the flap lapel pin is necessary, the group is probably just the minority of (racial) reactionary hypernationalists who are into such symbolism as a shortcut to authoritarianism.

Posted by Reality Man | October 6, 2007 12:53 PM

I tried to explain this over on Volokh and decided to come up with a definitive flag-pin-wearing etiquette guide. Here's what I wrote:

I think a Ms. Manners-style etiquette lesson is in order regarding when you should wear an American flag pin:

First, only with a suit. Never on a t-shirt or casual wear. It makes it look like a fraternity pledge pin. This requirement applies to all of the following situations in order of priority:

When you're abroad. You're an American. Be proud of your country and declare your heritage without walking around Barcelona wearing an American Eagle t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase "The power of pride" while wearing a fannypack. It might even be acceptable, if working abroad over the long term, to develop a stereotypical "American" sartorial affectation such as wearing cowboy boots.

On and around the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Veteran's Day.

At a campaign rally. Why? Because it's a time when it's ok to show a bit of irony-free enthusiasm at such a forum. But don't wear it at a debate, or a press interview (except when abroad while being interviewed by a foreign journalist), or while testifying before Congress.

I hope this clarifies the issue for everyone. Learn to have some dignity, and stop being tacky.

When a flag lapel pin gets hijacked as a campaign statement, it's time to stop using it:

Being pro-Rudy and wearing a flag lapel is no different than "Gay Vegans for Obama" - people also wearing lifestyle and preferences on their sleeve.

That's great! Pro-Rudy people can wear a Rudy 2008 label pin. Turning the american flag label pin into a Rudy campaign accessory is unseemly.

Posted by Tyro | October 6, 2007 1:10 PM

There was a Doonesbury, I think July 1, that addressed this too - the Senator can't find his flag lapel pin, someone mentions that they don't wear them in other countries, and he says that it's because they don't love their countries like we do....

Posted by Ted | October 6, 2007 2:29 PM

Chris Ford,

Rudy may like wearing the flap lapel pin all the time, but it doesn't necessarily mean that he's patriotic. It could just mean that he's trying to seem like he's patriotic, but is in reality a scoundrel.

Posted by eltoro | October 6, 2007 2:56 PM

I thought patriotism was the default, that it went without saying. I don't have a pin that says "I love my kids" - and if I did, I think people would begin to question said love.

Posted by Phoebe | October 6, 2007 3:07 PM

Sen. Obama should point out that the Republican Congressman who invented "Freedom Fries" to spite France has been calling for withdrawal from Iraq since 2005.

Posted by joejoejoe | October 6, 2007 3:29 PM

Dan Kervick: Talking about flag pins like they're some kind of deeply felt cultural signifier would be more convincing to me if I'd EVER seen anyone wear one of the damn things before 9/11/01. And I grew up in a medium-small Republican town. I saw plenty of flags (and yellow ribbons) in front of houses and businesses - not on people.

Phoebe: Yes. But if someone put enough effort into convincing everyone to wear "I love my kids" buttons - maybe because of some high-profile horrific child-abuse case - eventually people would be asking you and Obama why you're not wearing one. And if you complained that the whole thing seemed kind of fake, someone else would probably say "Well you don't understand, most Americans really love their kids - you liberals just don't understand the culture."

Jozef: Thanks for the John Prine love. I saw Prine last year and he introduced that song like this: "I haven't played this song for a long time, but I got a special request. The request was from the President. It wasn't a formal request, but... he's asking for it."

Posted by Hob | October 6, 2007 3:56 PM

"I thought patriotism was the default, that it went without saying. I don't have a pin that says "I love my kids" - and if I did, I think people would begin to question said love.

Posted by Phoebe | October 6, 2007 3:07 PM"

Well, why don't you love your kids enough to wear something in public that would embarrass them and scar them for life? And you call yourself a parent.

Can't we just agree that the flag lapel league are also embarrassing our country? Who are we trying to impress, Canada? It's like Steve Carrell's character on "Office Space" drinking out of the "#1 Boss" mug and thinking owning that and showing it to people makes it real. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to put on my "Not a Registered Sex Offender" Hat.

Posted by Reality Man | October 6, 2007 9:09 PM

One alternative to the flag in the lapel would be the boutonnière, a flower in one's lapel.

While arguably less patriotic, it would be decidedly more Republican - it goes well with Savile Row suits and such.

So wrong! That's Euro/surrender monkey stuff; one mustn't be caught dead in it. A good Republican wears a boxy-American-cut suit with his flag lapel pin, not that Saville Row nipped tailoring. (Neo-cons, now that's a different matter--"intellectual" class/foreign policy advisor, then Saville Row allowed.) And good grief, only Oscar Wilde types wear boutonnieres outside of their wedding day.

Posted by artappraiser | October 7, 2007 12:43 AM

Yeah, wear your US pin over your heart while abroad.

Give the snipers something to aim at that glints.

It'll look like the scene in "The Kingdom" when the FBI idiots invade the wrong neighborhood...people firing AKs and RPGs at you from all directions...

Anybody here ever read "The Ugly American" - or are you all too young like MY?

Posted by Richard Steven Hack | October 7, 2007 4:52 AM