You Act Like You Didn't Like It: An Analogy to That Flag Business

I was bed-ridden with food poisoning, motionless, waiting for the next round of trying to make it to the bathroom on time.   That is how he found me when he stopped by to check on me and summarily dismissed my good friend who was seeing after me, saying that he would take over now.  Yep, he took over.  And he took me.   No amount of protest was sufficient and since I could barely raise an arm, there was no fight in me.   When he finished the dirty deed, the rapist expressed disappointment:   You act like you didn’t like it. 

It doesn’t take a stretch of the imagination:  

In the paragraph above, simply replace “I” with “X,” where X stands for any individual or group of people who have been raped (literally or figuratively, physically or financially or otherwise), lynched, beaten, cheated, shot, killed, discriminated against or otherwise abused or taken advantage of in a substantive way,* by the United States (including without limitation all levels of government [federal, state, county and municipal], agencies, officers, representatives and anyone acting on behalf thereof).  

Next, replace the rapist with “Y,” where Y stands for the United States (including without limitation all levels of government [federal, state, county and municipal], agencies, officers, representatives, and anyone acting on behalf thereof).

Then, consider that X is expected to show respect and reverence for the symbols of Y, including its flag.   

Can you now hear in your mind’s ear, Y saying to X:  You act like you didn’t like it. 

Thousands and thousands of people have fought, bled and died for this country, taking care to show respect for its symbols, including its flag.  In return, they have been denied the same rights, privileges and opportunities afforded those for whom they served to protect.   They returned to their homes and families maimed and crippled, physically and psychologically.  Sometimes upon their return they are beaten, lynched, wrongfully convicted, imprisoned and even executed.  And when they reach out for help, their hands are slapped away.   They are disillusioned.  They get discouraged.   They turn bitter.   Anger sets in.   But they have no fight left.   If this country cares not a whit for them, why should they care about it?  Or its symbols?   

*Here substantive relates to any negative effect on opportunities for growth, development or advancement, like attending school or getting a job for which one is qualified, or having access to quality health care, or a business opportunity.