American Flag: A Symbol of Division and Unity

The American flag evokes a wide range of emotions among citizens. Jerry Esters, a Detroit resident, proudly flies the flag, celebrating the opportunities it represents for him. On the other hand, Yvonne Pistochini, also from Detroit but living nearby, refuses to display it, claiming it doesn’t reflect her view of America.

Both individuals are Black, highlighting how views on the flag are divided along political, age, and racial lines. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted a survey to assess these sentiments ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday.

The survey found that Republicans and older white adults are more likely to display the flag, while younger Democrats and Black adults are among those less likely to do so. According to Matthew Delmont, a professor of American history at Dartmouth College, many Black Americans see the flag as both a symbol of inclusion and exclusion.

“Black Americans, more so than white Americans, understand the flag can be used to justify a version of patriotism rooted in exclusion,” Delmont explained.

The survey involved 2,596 adults, conducted from April 16-20. It indicated that around half of U.S. adults display the flag at some point during the year. However, younger Democrats under 45, forming 75%, are unlikely to fly the flag.

Jerry Esters, a retired clay sculptor, flies three flags at his home, attributing this to the struggles that allowed his family to own property. Esters emphasizes fighting for opportunities, honoring his great-great-grandmother born into slavery.

In contrast, Pistochini associates the flag with current divisions and believes patriotism involves more than flag display.

“Just because you fly a flag doesn’t make you a patriot,” Pistochini insists.

Political scientist Ben Gaskins notes that older, white, conservative individuals often find the flag central to their identity. Nancy Hansen, a retired clerk, values the flag as a symbol of freedom, emphasizing the liberty to choose where to live and raise families.

Linda and Greg Cunningham, a patriotic couple from Pontiac, Michigan, decorate their home in flag colors, distancing their actions from political motives.

“It’s our freedom. I love the American flag and the concept of America,” Linda Cunningham shares.

Your views on the flag as a symbol of unity or division differ significantly. The survey found 47% see it as unifying, while 16% view it as divisive.

Allison Wiltz, author and founder of Writers and Editors of Color, describes the flag as a painful reminder of unrealized potential, especially for marginalized communities.

Paul Walthour, a retired creative director, flies the flag occasionally and feels proud to be American despite its divisive nature.

“The flag divides more than unites,” Walthour notes.

The AP-NORC poll, using NORC’s AmeriSpeak Panel with a sample error margin of ±2.6 percentage points, reveals insights into how Americans perceive the flag.