Outline
Thesis: Burning the American Flag should be illegal, and Congress should pass an amendment to the Constitution making it illegal
Introduction
Arguably, flag in America plays various purposes. In fact, many people in a nation have freedom of opinion and speech, but burning the American flag is a form of disrespect to the nation. Flag is a symbol of unity; hence, burning it is a total show of disrespect to American people and the state. For many decades, America has tolerated the desecration of its flag. As a matter of fact, the burning of American flag is a questionable activity, in that why should an individual burn the American flag and all it importance. Since the end of civil war, debates have been going on concerning American flag protection and the desecration of it. Generally, burning the American Flag should be illegal, and Congress should pass an amendment to the Constitution making it illegal.
Body
Flag burning in America should be illegal and should be viewed as intolerable and deplorable. American culture is a symbol of American cultural heritage; hence, when individuals or activists burn the flag, it will be an indication of disrespect to American heritage that has been build for many decades (Welch 161). As a cultural icon, American flag deserves the high respect. United States is one of the supreme nations in the globe, whereby its flag demonstrates United States of American democracy, greatness, as well as freedom (Glassberg 7). In this case, burning of American flag should be illegal because it is an offence to democracy and freedom.
Since the year 1984, congress has attempted to protect the American flag. This took place after Johnson Gregory burned a flag. It is important to understand that there are many ways of expressing opinion rather than burning the flag. A flag is an important way in which Americans can portray itself globally. Hence, laws should be set to prevent the burning of the flag. Moreover, American flag is a portrayal of the past, having many significant attached to it (Glassberg 15).
American flag is a symbol of unity among the American people. Nevertheless, it unifies people from different backgrounds, race, and tribe. Americans own flags and display them proudly outside their offices, schools as well as homes. The American flag instills a sense of belonging among American people (Goldstein 258). People put away their difference and focus of nation building, especially in economic, social, security and psychological issues.
Conversably, American flag is embodiments of nations. The symbolism of the American flag goes beyond the physical pictorial representation, burning of the flag should be illegal since the flag symbolizes defense of America as a nation. American soldiers always believe they fight for and under the flag; hence, burning it is a show of disrespect to the fallen soldiers who died in the course of way protecting American sovereignty. The military and politicians believe that the American flag is an inspirational tool to soldiers in the battlefield (Glassberg 22).
On the other hand, burning of the flag may be a way of expressing opinions and freedom of expression. In some occasions, those who burn the American flag believe that it is an important symbol, but in order to make their voices heard they burn it. The first amendment clause on the freedom of speech does not illegalize the burning of the flag (Welch 162). Hence, burning of American flag is a construction of expression and freedom of non-verbal speech.
Conclusion
Conclusively, flag burning does not comprise legitimate critics but is a symbolic destruction. The congress should pass on amendment to the constitution in order to legalize flag burning. The flag plays tremendous roles that go beyond individual demands, and a symbol. The American flag is a symbol of history pertaining American nation and its people. Individuals should comprehend that burning of American flag is a rejection of the nation. The burning of American flag is a controversial issue but it should be illegalized.
Work cited
Glassberg, D. Public History and the Study of Memory. The Public Historian, Vol: 18 Issue 2, 7-
23, 1996
Goldstein, R. Desecrating the American Flag: Key Documents of the Controversy. New York:
Syracuse University Press, 1996
Welch, M. Flag Burning: Moral Panic and the Criminalization of Protest. New York: Springer,
2000
