Do you think flag-burning is offensive?

[deRougemont]

Due to the recent, raging discussion here about TWC's policy regarding the use of the avatar/signature for posting what some might consider offensive images, I thought it might be interesting to see what everyone thinks by way of a poll. Please choose the answer you think most reflects your opinion on the issue of flag-burning (and this means any country's flag, not that of just the US or UK, etc.) After you have voted, please post "Voted" or feel free to make comments.

[Axe-Battler]

voted yes it is offensive.

Not that a flag means anything realistically, but to some it does represent the country...so it is obviously offensive.

And not all of us are wannabe anarachists(people that call themselves anarchists and say they are against nationalism and really have no idea what anarchy is)

God Bless America!

[mightyfenrir]

voted yes it is offensive.

Not that a flag means anything realistically, but to some it does represent the country...so it is obviously offensive.

And not all of us are wannabe anarachists(people that call themselves anarchists and say they are against nationalism and really have no idea what anarchy is)

God Bless America!

That's why I said it should be taken on a case by case basis though. It really isn't anything other than a symbol and if it does offend a majority who see it as a representation of a country or something than sure, it's offensive. If it doesn't offend a majority than it's not overtly offensive to the most number of people so fewer would be bothered by it. In all honesty, how many Americans would be offended by a burning Pakistani flag? Although that assumes they know what it is beforehand and I'm sure the majority don't... I'm also sure most Americans wouldn't be offended.

[The Walrus]

Keep in mind, this isn't solely on the American flag. This is for all flags.

Why isn't this a public vote anyway?

We should probably put this in TD or the 'pit. It would have more voices in it

[deRougemont]

Keep in mind, this isn't solely on the American flag. This is for all flags.

I edited the OP to clarify that better.

We should probably put this in TD or the 'pit. It would have more voices in it.

I might request that it be moved to the pit after activity in here begins to slow down. Then it will get the best of both worlds.

[The Walrus]

I edited the OP to clarify that better.
I might request that it be moved to the pit after activity in here begins to slow down. Then it will get the best of both worlds.

Fair enough

[Miraj]

Voted "case-by-case". If a flag reflects certain historical occurences or political ideology that many find offensive then burning that flag is a legitimate political expression. For example, burning Nazi Germany's flag I would consider as a reasonably understandable act.

Burning America's flag in response to the war on Iraq, is also understandable. I would consider the Muhammad cartoons in the same light, mocking Muhammad as a way of decrying Islamic values or history is a legitimate expression.

But where we draw the line between decrying a set of actions or ideas vs assaulting a group of people is a matter of assuming a person's intentions. Something thats quite shady I think.

[Locky]

No. It's a peice of cloth.

[Hub'ite]

No. It's a peice of cloth.

To others its more than a piece of cloth.

[RZZZA]

it depends entirely on context: what is the burning of the flag meant to represent in that particular case? People may burn flags for different reasons.

case by case

[Garbarsardar]

A general rule is inadequate here and restricts the freedom (or privilege) of expression.

I think it should be decided on a case by case basis.

BTW, the votes should be public on this one...

dR, you can ask a mod to edit that...

[deRougemont]

dR, you can ask a mod to edit that...

Done.

[MadBurgerMaker]

Out of curiosity, why should the votes be made public?

Edit: Oh yeah...sorry deRougemont...I voted. I generally find flag burning to be offensive. While people are certainly free to do this, as they should be, I believe there are better ways to exercise your First Amendment rights (something these people seem to remind us they're doing every time they burn a flag...at least in the US).

[deRougemont]

Out of curiosity, why should the votes be made public?

I don't even know what that means, but two people requested it, and I obeyed.

[MadBurgerMaker]

I don't even know what that means, but two people requested it, and I obeyed.

It means you'll be able to see who voted for what.

[happyho]

Voted 'no it is not offensive'...to me that is. Had the poll been written differently I might have voted differently. As it is I really don't have a problem with someone burning a flag if it's for political protest. My opinion changes if it's simply done to insult others beliefs, but so long as AP or anyone that burns a flag, has a burning flag as sig or avatar does so for political protests then I have no problem with it.

@dR
MBM is right, what were you thinking man? Wonder Woman???

Xena FTW!

[The Walrus]

Thats how polls like these seem to be *whistles*

[deRougemont]

Thats how polls like these seem to be *whistles*

Umm... I don't get it. Anyway, unfortunately Pub says that is one option which admins cannot change once the OP is made. If someone will tell me what it is, I will use it next time. I had no idea and thus ignored it.

It means you'll be able to see who voted for what.

How exactly does it show who voted for what - I've never seen a public poll evidently?

[MadBurgerMaker]

How exactly does it show who voted for what - I've never seen a public poll evidently?

You'll notice (after the mod changes it...well...and if you haven't voted yet, IIRC) that it'll say "Be advised this is a public poll..blahblahblah," and you'll be able to click on the number of votes to see the list of names.

Edit: Here's one: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=107496 Heh...I just voted for Xena....and...you voted for Wonder Woman.

[Temur]

Freedom of opinion. It should be perfectly fine to do that.