The black and white American flag has become an increasingly common sight in recent years. Unlike the traditional red, white and blue flag, the black and white version has a very specific meaning and symbolism.
The black and white American flag is known as the “thin blue line” flag. It represents support for law enforcement. The thin blue line refers to how police are a thin blue line protecting society from violence and danger. The black and white colors represent the black uniform worn by officers killed in the line of duty and the mourning bands worn across police badges.
This flag has a complex history and has become politically controversial in America. Supporters see it as showing respect for those who protect our communities, while opponents consider it a symbol of racism and opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Origins of the Thin Blue Line Flag
The idea of the thin blue line dates back over 100 years to a poem published in an issue of the Detroit Police News in the 1920s. The poem referred to the police as “the thin blue line” separating order from chaos and civilization from savagery. The concept caught on as a way to describe the role of law enforcement in society.
The black and white version of the American flag seems to have first appeared around 2014. It was created by a college student named Andrew Jacob as a sign of mourning and respect for two New York Police Department officers who were ambushed and killed that year.
Jacob never intended his design to become a popular political symbol. But the flag was shared on social media and soon gained widespread popularity within the pro-police Blue Lives Matter movement. It started being flown at protests and printed on t-shirts and bumper stickers.
Meaning and Symbolism
The black and white flag is intended to show support for law enforcement in a simple symbolic way. Here is the meaning behind its colors and design:
– The black stripe above the white represents citizens.
– The black stripe below the white represents criminals.
– The white stripe in the middle represents the thin blue line of police protecting society.
– The black stripes also represent mourning bands worn when an officer is killed.
– The black can represent the dark, dangerous environment police work within.
– The black and white echoes the colors of the traditional police officer’s uniform.
By keeping all the normal colors of the American flag in black and white, the flag shows that police put their lives at risk every day in order to maintain an orderly society. The thin blue line they form helps keep the peace for everyone else.
Controversy and Criticism
While supporters of the thin blue line flag see it as a sign of solidarity, critics argue that it represents division and opposition to racial justice movements. Here are some of the controversies surrounding this flag:
– It emerged as a response to Black Lives Matter and is seen by some as dismissive of concerns over police violence against minorities.
– The symbol has been co-opted by white nationalist groups who use it alongside Confederate flags at rallies.
– Some argue the flag glorifies law enforcement in a problematic way that excuses abuses of power.
– There are concerns the warrior-style mentality of the thin blue line is incompatible with community-oriented policing.
– Some law enforcement leadership has discouraged officers from displaying the flag while on duty since it is divisive.
– The black stripes are said to represent criminals in a potentially racist way, equating criminality with skin color.
Because of these negative associations, many view the black and white flag as a racist dog whistle. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union have denounced the symbol. The National Association of Chiefs of Police has also said officers should not display it while they are on duty.
Legal Considerations
There are also some legal issues surrounding the black and white American flag. Here are two key considerations:
– The U.S. flag code prohibits altering the flag’s colors as a sign of disrespect. However, the black and white version does not violate this since it is not an actual American flag.
– In Connecticut, it is illegal to display any version of the American flag that does not match the official red, white and blue version. But this law is not enforced in other states.
So in most places, it is legal to display the thin blue line flag on private property. But some view it as contrary to the spirit of the U.S. flag code. There are also city ordinances in certain areas prohibiting flags not recognized by the federal government from being flown on public property.
Use By Police And Public Agencies
Many police officers and officials initially embraced the thin blue line flag as a sign of solidarity within the law enforcement community. However, agencies have become more cautious as the symbol has grown controversial.
Here are some examples of how police and public officials are navigating display of the black and white flag today:
– Some departments prohibit officers from flying the flag on their squad cars or wearing it on uniforms to avoid appearing biased.
– Agencies prohibit altering the official U.S. flag but allow the independent thin blue line flag.
– The Utah Department of Public Safety banned use of the flag after a complaint it was racist.
– California banned officials from displaying the flag in government facilities.
– The city fire department in Woodstock, Georgia, removed a thin blue line flag after public criticism.
– The San Francisco police chief criticized the flag but said she cannot legally ban individual officers from using it.
– Some cities like Somerville, Massachusetts have called the flag racist and discriminatory and banned municipal use.
So while many police officers still see the flag as a symbol of solidarity, there are growing restrictions on its public display by government agencies and personnel.
Alternate Versions
As the simple black and white version has become more controversial, some supporters have created adapted designs:
– A black and white flag with a single red line in the center representing blood shed by officers.
– A black, white and blue line flag retaining the normal red and blue colors of the American flag.
– A flag with a blue and black line and no white to avoid racial connotations.
– A black and white flag with a green line as a connection to military veterans (green from army uniforms).
However, these updated versions are often still seen in the same light by critics. All the thin line flags retain the same connotations and origins.
Conclusion
The black and white American flag with a blue line emerged recently as a symbol of solidarity and remembrance within the law enforcement community. But the flag has also grown controversial due to connections with opposition to racial justice movements and its aggressive, warrior-style messaging.
While supporters see the thin blue line flag as honoring police sacrifice, critics view it as divisive, racist and incompatible with efforts to reform policing. This has led to increasing restrictions by government agencies on its public use. The flag continues to have an important meaning for officers, but also represents deeper issues around race, violence and the role of police in America.
| Year | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 1920s | The term “thin blue line” is coined in a poem about police. |
| 2014 | The black and white version flag is created after cop killings. |
| Mid 2010s | Flag gains popularity in Blue Lives Matter movement. |
| 2020 | Public agencies start banning public display of the flag. |
