Uproar Over Two Flag Exhibits

By spreading the American flag on the floor to be walked upon, California Institute of the Arts student Adam Greene says he’s “standing up for free speech” (“Uproar ‘Round the Flag,” Metro, March 7).

So, what’s your message, Mr. Greene? Don’t you like the design? Do you find this country so repugnant that it deserves to have its national symbol trampled? Just what is it you’re saying?

Well, most people agree that it’s a pretty nice looking flag. And Greene is still here, so he couldn’t find it all that unliveable. No, my hunch is that he likes to thumb his nose at authority. He probably sees it as a very brave thing to do. Defying Uncle Sam, it has a certain David versus Goliath appeal.

We’ve seen it all before, this taking on the Establishment routine. It’s all just fun and games.

There’s no bravery involved here, because there’s no danger involved. There was a time when desecrating an American flag could be hazardous to your health, but these past couple of decades have seen so much America bashing from within and outside our borders that a few jerks walking on the flag isn’t apt to rile people to violence. We’re all just too inured to it. Or maybe we’re just more civilized today, or maybe a little of both.

Mr. Greene, I suggest that if you really want to experiment around with people’s sensitivities, you might try substituting other things for the American flag in your display; maybe another flag, a Mexican flag perhaps. How about a Star of David, or a picture of Martin Luther King Jr., or a picture of your mother.

I really don’t advocate any of the above, but I think I’ve given this desecration issue some proper perspective.

STEVEN FOSTER

Los Angeles