American Flag Question

[Sleestack]

I need your opinion. I am painting the window of my business. The picture has a flag as part of the background. A GIANT oversized flag so you see a huge blue square with stars and just a little bit of stripes (The whole flag isnt visible). My question: This will be seen from both inside and outside so the blue square will look "backwards" from the outside. The blue is on the upper right with the stripes running to the left which is opposite of the normal. Is that disrespectful or wrong or anything?

 

[GeorgeG]

I'm going to guess that the actual display of the flag is to the outside since that is from where most people will see it. In that case, the field of stars should be seen in the upper left from the outside. I think it's more of a logistics issue than respect or disrespect, especially since your intentions are to be respectful.

 

[Sleestack]

My problem is that I already did it I stupidly didnt realize my error until it was too late. Its part of a detailed picture... and it's about 12 hours of work. I hope it isnt offensive so I can leave it rather than re-do the whole thing.

 

[Toot Sweet]

Can you post a pic so we can have a better idea of what it looks like?

 

[a1tinkfans]

I need your opinion. I am painting the window of my business. The picture has a flag as part of the background. A GIANT oversized flag so you see a huge blue square with stars and just a little bit of stripes (The whole flag isnt visible). My question: This will be seen from both inside and outside so the blue square will look "backwards" from the outside. The blue is on the upper right with the stripes running to the left which is opposite of the normal. Is that disrespectful or wrong or anything?

It should look proper on the OUTSIDE and the correct way is for the STARS to be in the UPPER left. That is how it is hung whether horizontal OR vertical, otherwise it is a sign of disrespect for our flag! Hope this helps!

 

[piglet too]

Personally, I would not find it offensive to see the flag "backwards."

ETA ~ Found this, look at #8
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

 

[a1tinkfans]

Oh Goodness, I did not realize you already did it BACKWARDS
Unfortunately, that is a no no in flag etiquette. Yeah, there IS a correct way and honestly, I would fix it....Anyone that sees it "should" know it is wrong and anyone with any kind of background in military or anything may feel slighted (especially in a business window)....there really are proper ways to handle and display flags. And you were being so kind to even display our beautiful flag!!! SO sorry this was not what you wanted to hear...(there are groups that purposely do this as a sign of disrespect, and unfortunately MORE people that just do not know or care).
Is there ANY way you can correct it??????

 

[a1tinkfans]

Personally, I would not find it offensive to see the flag "backwards."

ETA ~ Found this, look at #8
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

#8 and #14!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

In the situation you described I wouldn't take offense at all (well I wouldn't anyway), because it would be obvious that you just painted it from another perspective. If you go to the beautiful statute at the Iwo Jima memorial in DC, for example, the flag will be "backwards" from one side, a flag flying in the wind will be "backwards" from one side -- does it mean they are disrespectful? Of course not.

Anyone who is momentarily taken aback will figure it out when they come in your business.

 

[Sleestack]

I certainly do not want to offend ANYONE so I will add stripes the other way as well... so it will be more of an American design rather than an actual flag. It is already a little artsy so this will blend in well. I just wanted an actual flag as a sign of respect. I think this will be ok though. The military folks and others should still see it as a way of honoring the colors.

Thanks everyone for your help!
It's hard being a doe doe head.

 

[pumba]

I think that any flag shown is a way of showing how you feel....On a bridge that separates our two towns....there are four or so flags that are attached to trees.....on poles......the US flag is high in the air and then POW's flag is under one.....then a Marine flag is under another......cant make out the other two.....but some people say that because there is no light illuminating the flag at night time then this is wrong.....I see it as someone that wants to show that he or she or THEM love the United States and want to express themselves this way...They replaced the flag when it got torn in a storm we had earlier this year.....
SO everyone has their opinions....

 

[pixiedustaholic]

I don't understand why this would be disrespectful....what if the wind was actually blowing the flag in the opposite direction? Also, I believe I have seen a Thomas Kinkade painting where the flag was "backwards" and I wasn't offended. Leave it alone and relax.

 

[CPT Tripss]

The Flag Code (http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm) paragraph 8states, in part. I think it answers OP's question.

"The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown."



I also find this part interesting . . . drives me nuts to see a foreign player on a US team wearing the patch! "No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart."

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Is it incorrect? Yes, you already knew that. Is it disrespectful? I don't think anyone would take it that way. Most people don't know proper flag etiquette and those that do will assume (correctly) that you made a silly mistake and your heart was in the right place.

 

[GeorgeG]

Another exception to the rule is when the military wears a flag patch on their right shoulder. They allow the field of stars in the upper right, the theory being that the flag would be that way as the advance forward and the proper way (field of stars in upper left) suggests retreat. I don't think that's a huge issue. You've already expressed your respectful intentions. That works for me.

 

[JR6ooo4]

When I see one backwards it makes me think the artist did not know the proper direction of display. Which in turn would make me think less of the artist's abilities or artistic knowledge.

It would also make me feel a little bit the same way towards a business displaying it that way.

but not so much offended.

You could put a sign that says something to the affect of "if you see the flag wrong, you are standing in the wrong spot. Come inside!"

Mikeeee