It’s ugly. In fact, some even consider it hideous. And, no, I’m not talking about Dennis Kucinich. I’m talking about the newly proposed flag for the District.
The new design is identical to the current flag-a white background with a row of red stars above two red bars-but now with the slogan “No Taxation Without Representation” written in white text across the two red bars. Below the bars sits a red “DC.”
The flag was unveiled to the public this week, and will soon be considered by the D.C. Council for approval. If approved, the 494 flags that hang outside the District’s city buildings will have to be replaced, at a total cost of $13,000.
The D.C. Council hopes to approve the new flag in time for the District’s Democratic presidential primary on Jan. 13. This buoys the District’s hopes to attract attention to the fact that D.C. has no representation in Congress.
But, the flag is really ugly. Shouldn’t a flag inspire reverence and respect?
Well, think back to the old “Don’t Tread On Me Flag” of the revolution. The yellow flag with a large snake coiled in the middle was not exactly elegant. Perhaps the new D.C. flag can serve a similar purpose-to rally the troops around the cause of D.C. statehood.
According to the North American Vexillological Association, a group which studies flags, the current D.C. flag ranks eighth in design quality out of 72 U.S. and Canadian flags. What will the new design do to this highly coveted ranking? Will the District become the joke of vexillologists around the world? And if so, does it even matter?
The views of D.C. residents regarding the new flag are mixed. Some see it as a positive step in the battle for representation for the District’s residents. Others see it as a gimmick and feel the city should be ashamed to even consider such a design.
But gimmicky doesn’t mean it won’t be effective. If the D.C. Council approves the new design, it will surely attract media attention. But will that be enough?
So far, the District has tried many gimmicks, such as the early primary and “Taxation Without Representation” license plates. Perhaps the city should take it to the next level. Why not have the MCI “Taxation Without Representation” Center? Or perhaps rename Metro’s Green Line the “D.C. Statehood” line?
But at this point, gimmicks just don’t seem to be getting the job done.