The following images symbolize a dilemma we all face when one group of people uses the call of patriotism as a
threat against those who express dissent. I am speaking of the “You’re either with us or you're against us” ideology.
For instance, those who speak out against war risk being accused of not supporting troops. Broadly unpopular policies
pursued in the name of patriotism, both historic and recent, corrupt and degrade the image of what our flag symbolizes,
not only at home but abroad. The attitude of “My country, right or wrong” places a threatening barrier
between many groups of Americans who may otherwise share
common goals and aspirations for their country.
Since it is the most common symbol of patriotism, I used the flag and placed it in different visual contexts to
express how patriotism, when used as a threat, can corrupt the symbol of our flag, and could come to
represent something entirely different than what it should. Using 4 X. 5 Polaroid materials, I drew upon themes
of possession, confinement, separation, danger and intimidation to highlight this concept. In developing
these themes I consciously tried to avoid “shock value” in my images. It was not my intent to offend,
but to tread a balance of making images that would evoke thought from all political persuasions.
