Quick Answer
The colors of the American flag are set by law and tradition. The red, white, and blue colors currently used on the flag are symbolic and represent different aspects of American history and values. While there have been some variations used in the past, changing the established colors of the American flag is highly controversial. Some argue that the flag’s colors should be updated to reflect changing demographics and values, while traditionalists argue that the symbolic meaning behind the colors should remain unchanged. Ultimately, any changes to the colors of the American flag would likely require acts of Congress and broad public support.
The Colors and Meaning Behind the Current American Flag
The current American flag consists of 13 alternating red and white horizontal stripes representing the original 13 colonies, with white stars on a blue field representing the 50 states and the Union. The colors of the flag carry the following symbolic meanings:
– Red – Hardiness and valor
– White – Purity and innocence
– Blue – Vigilance, perseverance, and justice
The red, white and blue colors on the American flag were chosen intentionally based on this symbolism. The Continental Congress adopted the first official American flag with these colors on June 14, 1777. While there have been 27 different versions of the flag as states have been added, the basic red, white and blue colors have remained constant.
Historical Variations in Flag Colors
While red, white and blue are the well-established norm, there have been some variations in the colors used on American flags over the years:
– Some early American flags were simply the British Union Jack in the canton with red and white stripes. The British Union Jack incorporates the red Cross of St. George over the white Cross of St. Andrew, reflecting British heritage.
– The Great Star Flag commissioned by George Washington in 1792 alternated red, white and blue stripes instead of just red and white.
– The Bennington flag used during the American Revolution had a blue field with a white 76 in the canton, with 13 alternating red and white stripes. This 76 represented the year 1776.
– The Easton flag contained 13 alternating red, white and blue stripes with a British Union Jack in the canton. This flag was used for a ceremony in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1777.
– Some 19th century American flags placed stars inside a blue circle or featured a blue stripe instead of a whole blue field.
So while red, white and blue have been used on most American flags, the exact design and shades of colors have sometimes varied. But the flag has maintained a consistent symbolic color scheme overall.
Arguments For Updating the Colors
Some people argue that the colors of the American flag should be updated to reflect our changing society. Here are some key reasons given:
– **Demographic changes** – With increasing racial and ethnic diversity in America, some argue that the colors should better represent all people and move away from symbolic links to Europe.
– **Inclusiveness** – Updating the colors could demonstrate inclusiveness of all races and backgrounds, not just white/European heritage. This could help disenfranchised groups feel more connected to the flag.
– **Separation of meanings** – The original symbolic meanings behind the colors are not widely known today. So the colors could be changed without disrupting meaning.
– **Aesthetics** – Some claim simpler or brighter color schemes might look more appealing and align better with modern design sensibilities.
– **Uniqueness** – Changing the colors would distinguish the American flag from similar looking flags like the British flag. This could help it stand out.
Arguments For Keeping the Traditional Colors
However, there are also strong arguments made for preserving the historic red, white and blue colors of Old Glory:
– **Continuity** – The flag’s colors have remained for 200+ years, representing continuity of America’s ideals and heritage. Drastic changes could disrupt that lineage.
– **Tradition** – The red, white and blue are ingrained in tradition, songs, slogans, folklore and culture. Changing would go against established norms.
– **Original meanings** – The symbolic meanings behind the colors are important foundational aspects of the country that should be maintained. The colors reflect America’s origins.
– **Non-exclusivity** – While the colors have European lineage, they can still represent all American people regardless of backgrounds who unite under the flag.
– **Controversy** – Dramatically changing such an iconic flag would be highly controversial and divisive. It risks alienating a large segment of the population.
– **Slippery slope** – Some argue that changing colors sets precedent for further changes to the flag, which could dilute its symbolic power and meaning.
Past Controversies Over Changing Flag Colors
There have been a few instances of proposed changes to the American flag’s colors sparking controversy in the past:
– In a 1989 art exhibit funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, artist Dread Scott’s installation “What is the Proper Way to Display a U.S. Flag?” placed an American flag on the ground and invited people to walk on it. The flag was black with white stars and red stripes, which the artist said symbolized black nationalist protesters asserting their rights over the flag. The exhibit caused outrage and was viewed by many as unpatriotic.
– In 2019, Nike halted plans to release a Betsy Ross flag-themed sneaker after objection from Colin Kaepernick. The Betsy Ross flag used a circle of stars instead of rows, but kept the red, white and blue colors. Kaepernick raised issue with the flag’s link to an era of slavery. While the original meanings behind the colors were already established by this time, the incident showed how even minor design changes to an iconic flag stir controversy.
– Proposed color variations by architectural designers sparked backlashes. In 2001, architectural firm Second Home proposed a rainbow flag after 9/11 to demonstrate inclusiveness. In 2010, architectural firm Thread proposed simplifying the flag colors to just red and light blue. Both proposals got little traction and fizzled out quickly.
So history shows changing such an entrenched national symbol can be extraordinarily difficult, even if limited to colors.
Challenges to Changing the Flag’s Colors
There are a number of practical challenges involved in updating the American flag’s colors:
– **Legal provisions** – The flag’s colors are codified in law in Title 4 of the U.S. Code, which would need to be changed. The complex process of passing and ratifying new legislation would be required.
– **Manufacturing tradition** – The colors are embedded in flag manufacturing tradition. New colors could add complexity and costs for flag makers. Adoption may not be universal.
– **Widespread adoption** – Persuading institutions, governments, businesses, schools and citizens across 50 states to purchase and use redesigned flags would take time, money and coordination.
– **Divisiveness** – Making such a prominent change unilaterally could further divide the public. There may need to be lengthy consultations and discussions beforehand.
– **International recognition** – Altering such an iconic flag risks confusion abroad and complications in international relations and law. Careful coordination would be needed.
– **Cultural integration** – Songs, slogans, lore, customs and habits referencing the red, white and blue would persist. Integrating new colors into the culture would take generations.
So beyond overcoming controversy, actually implementing changes to such an entrenched national symbol pose many challenges.
Conclusions
The red, white and blue colors on the American flag have been in place for nearly 250 years and are integral parts of its design and symbolism. While some arguments have been made for changing the colors, there are also compelling reasons to maintain this historical continuity. Dramatically altering such an iconic national symbol would be extraordinarily difficult and face immense challenges. Any changes proposed solely for the sake of aesthetics are unlikely to gain enough widespread, lasting support. However, if American society continues to change fundamentally over coming decades and centuries, future generations may revisit the meanings embodied by the flag and choose to make more inclusive updates. For now, the weight of law, tradition and culture continues to support maintaining the historic red, white and blue.
