American Flag Stands For Tolerance Summary

In 1989 the United States Supreme Court ruled that burning the American flag was a form of symbolic speech and therefore was protected by the United States Constitution. What would happen if they took away the right of freedom of speech? How would people express their feelings and emotions towards the government? Many people would feel as though the government was attacking the basis of one of our nation's strongest beliefs. Many would argue over this situation. Protestors would raise all sorts of questions. What is a free nation that does not allow political disagreement? What is a free nation that will not allow itself to be spoken out against? What is a free nation that wants to punish those who oppose its hypocritical principals?

Texas v. Johnson or American Flag Stands for Tolerance differences? Texas's v. Johnson is the courts decision and the American Flag Stands for Tolerance is the editors opinion. In the courts decision they had to accept Gregory Johnson for his beliefs people were very petulantly of Gregory's opinion. The news paper editor, Ronald J. Allen has his own opinion about the flag getting burnt by Gregory Johnson. Ronald J. Allen opinion is that it is wrong to discriminate the American flag and he still thinks we should have freedom. William J. Brennan thinks that the court opinion is right because the first amendment but he always says one mans opinion will not change our nations attitude towards the flag.

“American Flag Stands for Tolerance”, an article based on the Johnson case, focuses on “a person has a right to express disagreement with governmental policies”(line2). The author of this article focused on the meaning of freedom. In line 65, the author states, “the flag stands for free expression of ideas...The ultimate irony would have been to punish views expressed by burning the flag that stands for the right to those expressions”, meaning it would be pointless to punish those who petulantly burned the flag as an expression of their thoughts, when they have the freedom to express their

It’s a small world and we all have our own characteristics and personalities. Barbara Jordan’s quote, “We as human beings, must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.” This quote is saying that we have to accept people for who they are no matter how different they might be from us. There are three literary pieces that help us illustrate Barbara Jordan’s quote. “What of This Goldfish Would You Wish?”, “Universal Declaration of Independence”, and “Texas V. Johnson,” These literary pieces show us how to accept people for who they are by communication, understanding rights, and tolerating each other.

Allen, shows a great way of learning how to accept people who are different. Allen does show acceptance. On lines 2-4, Allen states, “...held that a person has a right to express disagreement with governmental policies by burning the American Flag.” Allen is saying that anyone is allowed to express their own feelings and opinions. On lines 75-76 Allen also states that “After all, it is in robust debate that we are most true to ourselves.” No matter what everyone is always going to have their own opinions and feelings. Everyone has the right to show discrimination and

The tones of the Texas vs Johnson and The American Flag Stands For Tolerance have opposite tones because of the context of both documents.

The argument that has arisen due to the “St. Cloud Superman,” John Fillah, is quite unfortunate. Fillah was documented to have been wielding an offensive flag, but with only the intent of instilling patriotism and pride (Farhat). This flag toting may be considered hurtful, upsetting even, but that doesn’t mean that his right to free speech should be taken away. Free speech should protect the rights to someone displaying a flag, or any symbol that certain races, religions, genders, or people in general may find offensive. I will present the First Amendment, how Fillah’s intent should play into this, and how ignoring him may be the best course of action.

The United States of America was found on freedom of speech and expression. In Ronald J. Allen´s editorial title American Flag Stands for Tolerance, he states¨It is, thus, no surprise that the 1st Amendment is where it is in the Bill of Rights, for it is first in importance.¨ The declaration of Independence was the original document that declared our freedom from the oppression of England´s crown, and in it the founding fathers stated that everyone deserves the freedom to express themselves in whatever way they seem fit, until it puts others in danger. If flag burning were to be exceptionized from the first amendment, we would be reversing the progress the founders of our nation fought for. To restrict someone from burning a flag, as long as they have the burning in control and are not trying to harm others, would be oppressing them.

The first amendment, as written in the constitution, forbids the abridgement of “speech”, but we have not taken upon the writing that it spreads past spoken and written. Any citizen has the wright to use his or her form of “speech” in his or way of choosing. These forms can be in words, or written down on paper. These ways of speech can also be used in actions, and these actions can express an idea of language as well. When Johnson decided to burn the American flag, he was using his form of speech to get his point across to the new president. When the state came after him, they were in the wrong because of this amendment. Because of this, it was

The United States is well-known for its principles of freedom and democracy, which is demonstrated through the First Amendment’s Free Speech Clause. Thus, American citizens can openly discuss political matters; criticize the President and his Cabinet on television, radio talk show or in the newspaper; or publicly protest against the government tax policy. However, Free Speech protection becomes debatable when some American citizens burn the nation’s flag to express their disagreement to the government. The act of burning the American Flag should be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment’s Free Speech Clause because the act is a symbolic expression that communicates an individual’s idea or opinion about his nation; and that

Fred Barbash, wrote “Does first flag symbolize "exclusion and hate," as some say?,” published in 2016 by the Washington Post, and argues that the first American flag could stand for racism and bigotry. Barbash, uses logos, pathos, and ethos to inscribe the racial tension growing around the first American flag controversy. Barbash uses rhetorical devices to really clasp the audience and to attract a variety of people.

The United States is known for being ‘land of the free’, a nation with a Declaration of Independence, as well, as a Constitution protecting the rights of it’s citizens. Wars have been fought and many people have died so we could have the rights that present today. The freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and most importantly the right to petition our government; all of which fall under the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights. Our nation’s flag is an everlasting symbol of freedom and hope

Life without diversity of color, race, religion, beliefs, etc., would be boring. Barbara Jordan once stated, "We, as human beings, must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves." Therefore, as diversity expands, learning to reconcile with one another will only enlarged and strengthened today's society. Intolerance and tolerance were shown throughout the short stories, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, "What, Of This Goldfish, Would you wish?" by Etgar Keret, and "American Flag Stands for Tolerance" by Ronald J. Allen. Each author expressed the many perspectives of discrimination, acceptance, as well as he or she share a common view about acceptance.

The issue of flag desecration has been and continues to be a highly controversial issue; on the one side there are those who believe that the flag is a unique symbol for our nation which should be preserved at all costs, while on the other are those who believe that flag burning is a form of free speech and that any legislation designed to prevent this form of expression is contrary to the ideals of the First Amendment to our Constitution. Shawn Eichman, as well as the majority of the United States Supreme Court, is in the latter of these groups. Many citizens believe that the freedom of speech granted to them in the First Amendment means that they can express themselves in any manner they wish as long as their right of

acceptable to have a "narrow, special amendment to protect a special flag from desecration." ("Consequences" 2). Even Thomas Jefferson and James Madison denounced flag burning as a crime (Brady H 2). Others feel that flag desecration disrespects those who lost their lives for our country, stating the flag symbolizes the blood that runs through our country. George Whalen, a soldier, said "the stars and stripes of our nations flag is the symbol of our nation's values... It represents loyalty patriotism and love of our country." ("citizens" 3). Those against flag desecration must remember that the men and women who fought and died for our country were fighting for justice, freedom, and independence, all of which give one the right to desecrate the flag. Yes, the flag represents these freedoms, but the